A rich man doesn't get rich by risking their own money. They risk the money of their investors

Seeking investment is a sensible way to raise money and be more accountable IMO. And if investors are ready, why would anyone risk their own money? It's plain business sense.

> he doesn’t have 6B in the pocket to finance it on his own?

This isn’t how you gain allies.

He has to hold as many shares of Tesla right now to make sure he can ram through the compensation package.

I don't think you know how this works. The rich don't risk with their own money, only the money from others.

Even if they do, it is much less of their wealth on the line managed by others to grow it.

The ones doing it on their own, are probably doing it privately. One of the reasons for us government asking to know, so atleast they are not kept in the dark.

why do wealthy people get mortgages to buy their homes when they can just pay full cash?

Asset rich doesn't imply cash rich.

This is the real answer. The other commenters just don't understand how money and wealth works. Net worth doesnt mean liquid money in the bank ready to withdraw. He would have to sell his own assets which would have an impact on their value the quicker he yolo'ed those sales.

Why risk your own money, when you can risk the money of others, and reap the rewards?