In this episode, we dive into an uncommon but powerful financing strategy that could change how boutique hospitality projects get funded. Ian Joseph, founder of Branch, shares how he’s leveraging a USDA Rural Business Development loan to finance a $6M micro resort buildout in West Virginia - with just 3% down.

We break down the entire capital stack, how USDA loans work for ground-up hospitality development, and why this financing tool is often overlooked by small to mid-size investors. Ian also shares his approach to designing high-ADR resort cabins, partnering with local economies, and building a scalable brand without taking on unnecessary overhead.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why USDA Rural Business Development loans are a hidden gem for hospitality developers
• How Ian structured a potential 97% LTV loan for his $6M project
• His step-by-step process for identifying profitable “hidden gem” towns
• How to market a boutique resort before it’s even built (and pre-sell stays)
• The economics behind luxury micro resorts vs. short-term rentals
• How to scale hospitality assets while staying community-focused

Whether you’re an aspiring boutique hotel investor or looking for creative ways to finance your next project, this episode is a masterclass in using leverage the smart way.

Connect with Ian:

Email: ian@staywithbranch.com

Website: https://staywithbranch.com

Instagram: @staywithbranch

Facebook: Staywithbranch

Connect with Mike and Nate:

Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook

Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Invest with us: Visit Malama-Capital.com for more information.