We often treat borrowing money as a math problem. We assume that if the credit score is good and the collateral is there, the loan is approved, and the risk is managed. But as Walt Postelwait explains, the spreadsheet doesn't tell the whole story. As a former commercial lender and the Co-Founder of Portfolio Watch, Walt spent years on the other side of the table. He learned that while assets get you to the table, it is "Character" that gets you the check, and more importantly, helps you survive when things go wrong.

In this episode, we move beyond the basics of debt. We discuss the critical difference between "Consumer Borrowing" and "Strategic Leverage." Walt shares the specific metrics lenders use, like the 1.25 Debt-Service Coverage Ratio, and explains why "Gateway Businesses" like laundromats are often a trap. Most importantly, Walt sha ...