What if homes could be printed instead of built?

In this episode, I sit down with Nan Lin, founder of 4DIFY and Kaizen Capital, who built California’s first fully permitted 3D-printed housing community.

We get into how he went from mortgage lending to real estate investing, and how that journey led him to launching a company that’s changing how we think about construction. Nan shares how they got local approvals, solved major problems in housing, and built something no one thought was possible.

If you're into real estate, construction innovation, or just love bold ideas—this one’s a must-listen.

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We talk about:
-How 3D printing could solve labor shortages and reduce build costs
-What it took to get city and county approval for something no one’s seen before
-Raising capital from people who believed in the vision
-The mindset it takes to bet big on innovation

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🎯 Follow Nan Lin
Instagram: @nanunlimited
4DIFY Website: https://www.4dify.com

🚀 Connect with Lorenzo Mercado
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado_
Website: https://www.mercasaventures.com

🎙️Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lo-down/id1764777761
🎙️Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YjwXXjvFT3mqve6uMF983?si=d2501028127246f3
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lorenzo.Mercado

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Timestamps:
00:19 – Introduction to Nan Lin and Fortify
01:49 – The Genesis of Fortify: From Idea to Reality
07:54 – The 3D Printing Process: Building the Future of Homes
13:40 – Navigating Permits and City Approvals
19:08 – Financial Insights: Costs and Profitability
25:00 – Raising Capital: Strategies and Advice
26:56 – Expanding Horizons: Multifamily and ADUs
28:37 – Collaborative Design Challenges in Construction
31:23 – Future Vision: Scaling Fortify's Operations
32:34 – Investment and Operational Challenges in 3D Printing
33:43 – Nan Lin's Journey into Real Estate
39:15 – Lessons from Early Real Estate Investments
49:53 – Founding Kaizen Capital: A Collective Investment Approach
52:12 – Building a Team: Hiring for Success
54:06 – Mindset and Philosophy for Continuous Improvement

In this deeply personal soLo episode, I share the raw, unfiltered story behind one of the best decisions I’ve ever made: quitting alcohol and all other drugs — and how that choice transformed every area of my life.

From blacking out in Vegas to losing myself to weekend benders, drinking was more than just a habit… it was my identity. But two years ago, everything changed.

In this episode, I dive into:
• When and why I started drinking
• The night that finally broke me
• The social pressure and FOMO of sobriety
• How I handled cravings and temptation
• The myths people believe about sober life
• And how going alcohol-free helped me become a better husband, entrepreneur, and human being

Whether you’re sober curious, struggling with balance, or just love a story of personal growth — this one’s for you.

🔗 If you’ve ever questioned your relationship with alcohol, I hope this episode brings clarity, encouragement, and hope.

Please give a 5 STAR REVIEW on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and SHARE this episode.

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🚀 Connect with Lorenzo Mercado
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado_
Website: https://www.mercasaventures.com

🎙️Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lo-down/id1764777761
🎙️Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YjwXXjvFT3mqve6uMF983?si=d2501028127246f3
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lorenzo.Mercado

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💬 Like this episode?
Share it with a friend who needs to hear it!

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Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Sobriety Journey

01:02
The Struggles with Alcohol

03:52
Life Before Sobriety

06:42
The Challenges of Going Sober

09:37
Transformations After Sobriety

12:20
Myths About Sobriety

13:08
Encouragement for Those Considering Sobriety

In episode 30 of The Lo-Down, Lorenzo Mercado sits down with Nick Rossi — a former chief engineer on tugboats, turned real estate investor and construction business owner — to unpack how he leveraged grit, mentorship, and a 3.5% FHA loan to break into multifamily real estate and scale a construction company.

Nick shares practical advice on managing contractors, buying or building businesses, and using hands-on experience to fuel growth. If you're in real estate, construction, or just looking to transition into entrepreneurship, this is your episode.

We cover:

• Nick’s journey from tugboats in Alaska to real estate investing
• How he used an FHA loan to kickstart his first multifamily deal
• Managing contractors the right way: scope, systems, and communication
• Lessons from building a scalable painting and construction business
• The pros and cons of acquiring a business vs. starting from scratch
• Why education, networking, and time management are game changers
• The transition into short-term rentals and the future of hospitality

Please give a 5 STAR REVIEW on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and SHARE this episode.

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👥 Connect with Nick Rossi:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nlrossi

🚀 Connect with Lorenzo Mercado
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado_
Website: https://www.mercasaventures.com

🎙️Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lo-down/id1764777761
🎙️Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YjwXXjvFT3mqve6uMF983?si=d2501028127246f3
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lorenzo.Mercado

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💬 Like this episode?
Share it with a friend who needs to hear it!

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Chapters
01:14 – From Tugboats to Real Estate: A Unique Journey
05:18 – Transitioning to Real Estate: Finding a Mentor
12:00 – Building a Construction Business: Lessons Learned
17:54 – Managing Contractors: Communication is Key
23:53 – Navigating Business Growth: Learning from Mistakes
28:56 – Buying vs. Starting a Business: Insights on Acquisition
31:00 – Navigating Non-Compete Clauses
31:30 – The Journey of the First Multifamily Deal
33:21 – Lessons Learned in Real Estate
34:41 – Financial Insights from the First Deal
36:50 – Advice for First-Time Investors
38:06 – Permitting and Construction Challenges
40:58 – Transitioning to Short-Term Rentals
42:28 – Exploring Hospitality Opportunities
45:52 – Hotel Acquisition Strategies
50:02 – Advice for Aspiring Hotel Owners
52:36 – Time Management for Multiple Ventures