Welcome to The Paper Trail, where we follow the journey—my journey—through the world of mortgage note investing. I'm Chris Seveney, and after years of buying, managing, and selling notes with 7e Investments, I'm here to share the real stories behind the deals—what went right, what went wrong, and what I wish I knew earlier. From non-performing loans to seller financing to private lending, this show is about more than strategies—it’s about learning to follow the paper trail and doing the due ...
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E322 | Michael Fordham on Why Integrity Beats Flash in Private Lending - PTNC Know Your Speakers Series
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32:30In this episode of Paper Trail, part of our Know Your Speaker series, Chris Seveney sits down with Michael Fordham—founder and president of Silverstream Funding and former Wall Street attorney turned boutique private lender. Michael shares his journey from managing billion-dollar bond deals at JP Morgan to gut-renovating a Harlem brownstone and lau…
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E321 | DSCR Lending in 2025 What Note Investors Should Know About the Private Lending Surge
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23:24They’re diving deep into the world of DSCR lending on this episode of the Paper Trail podcast, unpacking the latest trends that are shaping the private lending game. DSCR loans, which are like the cool cousin of traditional loans, let investors qualify based on rental income instead of personal income—talk about a game-changer! With an eye on the A…
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E320 | What Bank Balance Sheets Tell Us About the Future of Note Investing
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18:42Today’s chatter on the Paper Trail podcast is all about the latest Quarter 12025 Bank Call Report data and what it’s spilling about the mortgage note scene. They dive into why banks are feeling a bit skittish about the economy, hinting that lending is slowing down and defaults are creeping up like a surprise guest at a party! It turns out, over 70%…
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E319 | Rising Underwater Mortgages: A Wake-Up Call for Note Investors in 2025
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18:06Seriously underwater mortgages are rising, and that’s the big takeaway from this episode of the Paper Trail podcast! The crew dives into the fresh data from Adam's Q1 2025 Home Equity report, revealing that now 4% of U.S. mortgages are in deep water, meaning folks owe way more than their homes are worth. They chat about how this trend could lead to…
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E318 | Then vs. Now: What’s Changed in Note Investing—and Smart Ways to Start Today
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19:10Chris dives into the nitty-gritty of how note investing has transformed over the last decade, highlighting that while the landscape has shifted from a treasure trove of low-balance, distressed loans to a more competitive and cash-heavy game, the opportunities are still very much alive. He breaks down the five foundational steps for newbies looking …
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E317 | Luxury, Lies & Livestock: How We Turned a $1M Non-Performer into a Record-Breaking Win
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22:52Get ready for a wild ride with the Papertrail podcast, where they spill the tea on the crazy world of mortgage note investing! This episode kicks off with a jaw-dropping story about a Las Vegas asset that was more than just a bad loan—it involved a borrower behind bars, chickens running amok in the house, and one of their biggest turnarounds ever! …
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E316 | Deals You Don’t Close: Why Walking Away Is a Power Move in Real Estate
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18:28Today’s chat dives into the wild world of real estate deals, particularly the ones you dodge like a dodgeball champ! The main takeaway? Sometimes, the best deal is the one you don’t touch with a ten-foot pole. Our host spills the tea on a promising construction loan that turned out to be a total mess – think lawsuit drama that’d make a soap opera b…
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E315 | What’s the Right Capital Raise Structure for Your Investment?
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23:06Today’s chat on the Papertrail podcast dives into the nitty-gritty of capital raising strategies, helping listeners figure out which method is the best fit for their unique deals. They kick things off with a rundown of the four main options: Regulation D506B, D506C, Regulation A+, and Regulation CF, breaking them down like a pro chef slices veggies…
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E314 | What Stock Market Volatility Means for Note Investors
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23:08Today’s chat spills the beans on the wild world of mortgage note investing and why it’s a game-changer, especially with the stock market’s rollercoaster vibes. He digs into the nitty-gritty of how investing in mortgage notes lets you act like the bank, collecting those sweet monthly payments without the hassle of dealing with tenants or leaky roofs…
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E313 | Behind DME: Nathan Turner’s Journey from Investor to Industry Connector
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31:52Nathan Turner of Earnest Investing spills the beans on how note investing isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s all about those real connections! They dive into Nathan’s winding road into the note world, where he went from being a struggling landlord to a note investor who’s shaking hands and making deals. This chat highlights the importance of i…
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E312 | What Investors Want To Know: 5 Key Questions Answered
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18:08Chris Sevney dives into the nitty-gritty of real estate investing with a lively Q&A session that’s bursting with insights! He tackles the importance of forced-placed insurance like it’s the hot topic of the day—because let’s face it, no one wants to get burned (pun intended) when their property goes up in flames! From answering questions about non-…
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E311 | A Day In The Life Of An Entrepreneur: The Highs, Lows, And Realities
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18:07E311 | A Day In The Life Of An Entrepreneur: The Highs, Lows, And Realities The central theme of this podcast episode is the multifaceted and challenging nature of an entrepreneur's daily life. I delve into the realities faced by business owners, elucidating that the journey is far from facile, contrary to the glamorous portrayals often depicted in…
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E310 | Due Diligence In Notes And Passive Investing: Protecting Your Investments
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21:19Protecting your investments requires thorough due diligence, especially in the world of notes and passive investing. In this episode, Chris Seveney talks about the critical due diligence requirements that investors need to understand. He explores the essential steps involved in evaluating potential investments, minimizing risk, and maximizing retur…
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The State Of Private Lending: Trends And Insights For 2025
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20:33Stay informed about the evolving landscape of private lending. In this episode, we delve into the state of private lending, drawing insights from the American Association of Private Lenders. We explore the growing market for bridge loans, DSCR loans, and other short-term business purpose loans, including residential transition loans and ground-up c…
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Cash-Poor, Equity-Rich: Unlocking Opportunities In The 2025 Real Estate Market
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19:27Get ahead of the curve with insights into the 2025 real estate market. In this episode, Chris Seveney dives into key trends shaping the investment landscape. First, we explore the phenomenon of cash-poor, equity-rich property owners and the opportunities this presents for investors. Next, we analyze the continued rise in defaults across asset class…
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Unlocking The Power Of Mortgage Note Investing: Our New Profit Sharing Offering
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18:40Real estate investing doesn’t have to mean dealing with tenants, maintenance, or property headaches. Mortgage note investing offers a way to generate passive income while being backed by real estate—without the typical risks of property management. In this episode, Chris Seveney shares insights into how mortgage notes work, why banks sell loans at …
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Note Investing For Passive Income: A Smarter Way To Build Wealth
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24:57In real estate investing, being the lender can be just as profitable as owning property—without the headaches of maintenance and tenants. Chris Seveney breaks down the essentials of note investing, a strategy that offers passive income and flexibility in today’s high-interest market. He explains how mortgage notes work, why investors are shifting t…
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5 Key Insights You Need To Know About Note Investing
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20:22Real estate investing goes way beyond buying properties. You could always generate passive income through note investing. In this episode, Chris Seveney breaks down how exactly note investing works, the difference between performing and non-performing notes, and why it is a more affordable and hands-off way to grow your wealth. He shares valuable i…
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Your Guide To Becoming A Passive Note Investor
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18:28Have you finally decided to become a successful passive note investor? Join Chris Seveney as he breaks down the essentials of passive investing and how you can begin with it right away. Learn how to educate yourself, define your investment goals, conduct thorough due diligence, mitigate risks, and monitor your performance. Chris covers everything f…
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Mortgage Note Investing: Unlocking Passive Income Opportunities
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20:27Mortgage note investing is often an overlooked gem in the world of passive income. Host Chris Seveney dives into this unique investment strategy, breaking down why it stands out in 2025’s high-interest-rate environment. Discover how mortgage notes offer consistent cash flow, reduced volatility, and entry-level affordability compared to traditional …
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Real Estate Investing Myths: Debunking 5 Common Misconceptions About Passive Income
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19:24Passive real estate investing can be a powerful way to build wealth, but myths and misinformation often cloud the path to success. Host Chris Seveney dives into the most common real estate investing myths, breaking them down with practical insights and personal stories. Whether it’s about the effort required, the risks involved, or the misconceptio…
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5 Passive Investing Opportunities To Maximize Returns In 2025
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17:57Passive investing offers a world of opportunities, but how exactly should you approach it in 2025? Host Chris Seveney dives into key real estate strategies, from multifamily housing to mortgage notes, breaking down the risks and rewards of each asset class. Whether you are eyeing long-term investments or considering short-term rentals with quick tu…
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Mastering Real Estate Investing: Key Lessons From Matt Fore
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54:03Real estate is a complex world where trends shift quickly, and smart strategies make all the difference. Chris Seveney connects with Matt Fore to discuss how debt financing, rental growth, and market fluctuations shape opportunities for investors. They dive into the challenges of today’s real estate market, including rising interest rates, supply-d…
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Real Estate Investing Strategies For 2025 With Peter Neill
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34:03Peter Neill, co-founder of GSP REI, shares valuable insights and perspectives on navigating the real estate market using a highly strategic, logical, technical approach. He joins Chris Seveney to discuss the tried-and-tested BRRRR strategy, the importance of understanding the local markets you are doing business in, and why affordable housing prese…
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Welcoming 2025: Our Economic And Real Estate Predictions For The New Year!
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21:03Chris Seveney shares his bold 2025 predictions, diving deep into the forces shaping the economic landscape. Get ready for a no-holds-barred analysis of interest rates, home prices, and potential market crashes. Discover the hidden risks in real estate, the looming threat of loan defaults, and where savvy investors should be placing their bets (and …
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Mortgage Notes Year In Review - 2024 Year-End Review (Part 2)
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18:13Chris Seveney continues his 2024 year-in-review discussion as he dives even deeper into the world of mortgage note investing. Tune in as our host presents strategies you can employ to navigate the challenging real estate market, achieve significant growth, and maintain a strong portfolio of performing and non-performing mortgage notes. Chris explor…
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Was My 2024 Crystal Ball Correct? - 2024 Year-End Review (Part 1)
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21:49Buckle up for a candid review of the 2024 market! Chris Seveney takes a critical look back at his own forecasts, dissecting what he got right and where his crystal ball might have been a bit cloudy. From real estate trends and interest rate predictions to the wild world of seller financing, he doesn't shy away from analyzing the accuracy of his cal…
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Passive Vs. Active Approaches In Mortgage Note Investing
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20:11Many people with full-time jobs turn to mortgage note investing since it is a passive form of investment. But how passive is it really? Chris Seveney answers this question by sharing valuable advice on managing this profitable venture. Tune in as he talks about time commitment, operational oversight, and the potential returns of each approach. Disc…
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Note Investing Success: How To Balance Real Estate With Full-Time Work
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19:41Note investing can be a powerful tool for building wealth. But can you reap the most rewards if you are busy with a full-time job? Chris Seveney is here to share practical and actionable tips on pulling this off. He talks about the right approach to time management, how to properly leverage technology to your advantage, and why you should build a b…
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Real Estate Success Secrets With Brian Burke
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34:20Chris Seveney sits down with Brian Burke, seasoned real estate investor and author of "The Hands-Off Investor," who shares his most valuable strategies on achieving real estate success. He discusses how to properly navigate the complexities of today’s market and avoid potential red flags all around you. Brian talks about the crucial role of due dil…
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Financial Freedom Through Passive Income With Chris Miles
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43:25Building and securing passive income is one of the best ways to achieve financial freedom. Chris Seveney explores how you can do this yourself with cash flow expert and anti-financial advisor Chris Miles. He shares valuable insights about the state of the market right now and what it takes to build lasting wealth through passive income. Discover th…
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Mortgage note investing can diversify your investment portfolio, offering a unique blend of risk and reward. Explore the truth behind mortgage note investing with Chris Seveney as he debunks the top 10 myths that often mislead new investors. Chris addresses common misconceptions, such as the belief that investing in mortgage notes is overly risky o…
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Tired of losing money on mortgage note investments? Join Chris Seveney as he reveals the top 10 mistakes investors often make and how to avoid them. From the importance of due diligence to understanding foreclosure laws and the hidden costs of non-performing notes, Chris provides actionable insights to help you navigate this complex market. Discove…
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Chris Seveney discusses how he navigates the world of non-performing notes and everything that goes on in the life of a note investor. He breaks down the three key components of asset management and how you can deal with each one the right way.By Chris Seveney
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Top 5 Pitfalls To Avoid In Private Lending
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18:21In this episode, Chris Seveney dives into the critical topic of lien position in private lending. With many investors turning to passive income through private lending, understanding lien position is essential to protecting your investment and avoiding costly mistakes. Christopher discusses the top five key factors to consider, including borrower e…
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FILLTTHY Mistakes: Top 5 Pitfalls To Avoid When Investing In A Fund Or Syndication
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26:40When investing in syndication, funds, or general investing, it's crucial to avoid common pitfalls. Tune in to this episode as Chris Seveney lists down the common mistakes that can trip up even savvy investors. Proper due diligence is key, so he guides you through understanding expected returns, risks, liquidity, and the importance of research. He a…
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Learn How To Invest With A Self-Directed IRA With Ramez Fakhoury
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52:26Lauren Wells teams up with Ramez Fakhoury of the IRA Club to explore the benefits of self-directed IRAs and how they can help you take control of your retirement investments. Learn about diversifying beyond traditional stocks and bonds, and discover how you can make smarter investment choices with your retirement savings. Whether you're new to self…
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Building Long-Term Wealth Through Real Estate With Jonathan Greene
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34:35Chris Seveney explores the concept of long-term real estate investing with Jonathan Greene. They challenge popular notions of quick financial freedom through real estate and discuss the importance of patience and strategic thinking in building wealth. Chris and Jonathan, both experienced investors, share insights on the value of W-2 jobs, the pitfa…
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Financial Freedom Through Real Estate Investing With Dustin Heiner
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28:56In this episode, Chris Seveney sits down with real estate investor Dustin Heiner to dive into Passive Income Strategies that can help you break free from the traditional 9-to-5 grind. Discover how Dustin transitioned from a stable government job to a life of financial independence through real estate investing. This episode is packed with actionabl…
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Case Studies And Sponsor Vetting: What You Should Know
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16:51Note investing isn’t always straightforward. Chris Seveney shares real-world case studies to illuminate the challenges investors face. Chris shares detailed scenarios, including strategies for dealing with uncooperative borrowers, assessing the true value of properties, and making informed decisions at foreclosure auctions. He also discusses the im…
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Unlocking Financial Freedom: Passive Income Strategies With Russ Morgan
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31:11Unlock the secrets to financial freedom in this episode as Chris Seveney delves into passive income strategies with Russ Morgan from Wealth Without Wall Street. Discover the secrets to achieving financial freedom as Russ shares insights on enhancing savings, increasing cash flow, and creating passive income streams outside the traditional Wall Stre…
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Dealing With Difficult Borrowers: Shining Light Into The Dark Side Of Note Investing With Chris Seveney
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18:53Today, Chris Seveney of 7e Investments delves into the dark side of note investing, which investors encounter that is often overlooked. He navigates toward foreclosure, bankruptcy, and legal proceedings with difficult borrowers. He also reveals that some borrowers employ strategic tactics to prolong the foreclosure. Chris emphasizes the protracted …
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Real Estate Investing Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
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19:56In this episode of the Creating Wealth Simplified podcast, host Chris Seveney delves into the current state of real estate investing. He offers candid insights on communication issues in multifamily deals, presents a controversial take on accredited investor definitions, and shares a cautionary tale about the critical importance of due diligence. C…
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7e Investments Quarter 2 Update: Analyzing Market Dynamics And Investment Strategies
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20:18Unlock the secrets of a $13 trillion industry in this must-listen episode! In this quarterly update, Chris Seveney takes a deep dive into the dynamic world of mortgage note investing. Discover the vast opportunities within the mortgage industry, with a special focus on non-performing loans. Chris shares insights on 7e Investments' portfolio strateg…
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The New York Fed Report Analysis: Is The Housing Market Headed For A Downturn?
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16:45Are you worried about a potential housing market crash? In this episode of the Creating Wealth Simplified podcast, Chris Seveney dives into a recent New York Fed Report to uncover what the data tells us. He explains why credit card debt is on the rise, even though overall delinquency rates are low, and what it means for the housing market in the fu…
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The Great Strategy Debate: Note Investing Vs. Land Investing
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17:13Get ready for a thrilling financial face-off! In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the contrasting worlds of note investing and land investing. Known for his love of debate, Chris Seveney navigates through the intricate pros and cons of each investment strategy, sparking lively discussions and insightful analyses. Discover why mortgage no…
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The DON’Ts Of Seller Financing With Chris Seveney
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17:01There has been a huge influx for the love of seller financing recently. Despite having its strong points, Chris Seveney has several reasons to believe it is awful. In this solo episode, he goes on to bash its negative aspects and why it increases risks instead of opportunities when mishandled.By Chris Seveney
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Active Investing Vs. Passive Investing: Understanding The Pros And Cons
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17:42Tired of the toil and trouble of active real estate investing? But are you also wary of the lack of control in passive options? This episode is your one-stop shop for the debate! Chris Seveney breaks down the pros and cons of both approaches, helping you decide whether you crave the lazy river of passive investing or the white-water rapids of activ…
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Case Studies: Working With Borrowers In A Changing Note Investment Market
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18:10Stuck in analysis paralysis with real estate investing? Thinking about buying notes but overwhelmed by the changing market? Today's episode is your wake-up call. Chris Seveney dives into two real-life case studies that show how to navigate the new landscape of note investing. Discover how to be flexible, find win-win solutions with borrowers, and m…
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The Top 5 Myths Of Note-Investing Debunked
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20:39Have you ever considered investing in real estate notes but are worried it’s too risky, expensive, or complicated? In this episode, Chris Seveney tackles five common note-investing myths and reveals the reality. Learn about the risks and rewards, discover affordable entry points, understand the importance of due diligence, and gain a realistic pers…
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