At Five Star Home Loan, we specialize in helping clients finance primary residences, vacation homes, investment properties, and short-term rentals across some of the country’s most desirable lifestyle markets.

Conrad Ellestad has been in the mortgage industry since 2008 and brings real-world investing experience that goes far beyond traditional lending. Licensed in Minnesota, Florida, Texas, Wisconsin, and Hawaii, Conrad personally owns or has owned investment properties in each of these markets, giving clients practical insight from both the financing and ownership side of real estate.

Currently, Conrad has ownership interests in over 1,000 apartment, hotel, vacation rental, and investment units, with primary market focus in:

• Brainerd Lakes Area / Crosslake, MN
• Twin Cities, MN
• Naples / Fort Myers Beach, FL
• Kauai, Hawaii

This hands-on experience allows clients to work with someone who truly understands:

• Vacation and second-home financing
• Airbnb and short-term rental properties
• House hacking strategies
• Multi-unit investing
• DSCR and investment property lending
• Lakefront, oceanfront, canal-front, and lifestyle-driven real estate

Conrad also has active involvement in Airbnb ownership and property management, particularly in vacation-focused markets including the Brainerd Lakes / Crosslake area, Naples, Fort Myers Beach, and Kauai, helping clients better understand both financing and operational considerations when purchasing investment properties.

Supporting the team is Melissa Harvey, Conrad’s Loan Partner and Assistant of over 10 years. Together, they pride themselves on fast communication, reliable follow-through, and creating a smooth lending experience for both clients and real estate partners. Responsiveness and accessibility remain a core part of the business.

Outside of work, Conrad is married with three kids and a Boston Terrier. He has a passion for waterfront living and enjoys time on the lake, oceanfront, canal-front, and coastal destinations whenever possible.

Whether purchasing a first home, second home, vacation rental, or long-term investment property, the goal at Five Star Home Loan is simple:
Help clients maximize opportunity through smart financing and real-world experience.