Note Investing is exciting and has the potential for great returns, but there are a few things you should do to lay the foundation before getting started. Let’s cover the basics so that you can be well on your way toward a successful note investing journey. Then check out our Note Investing 101 articles and the free webinar.
Education
Whenever I introduce note investing to someone, they always ask “how to I get started?” My response is to get educated. I don’t say this because I want them to take the Pier Harbor training course (shameless plug), but because it’s the best course of action. You can take any training you would like and learn from any person, just be sure you are educated and understand what you are doing.
When I started in real estate, I took courses on wholesaling and watched webinars on how to buy fix and flips. I did self-education and I was able to successfully do those things. When I found out about note investing I tried the same approach and through that approach I realized I could get into a lot of trouble unless I had formal training on how to note invest. So I paid $5,000 for a mentor and learned. It was money well spent.
Don’t think that just because you have been in real estate for years that you will understand this type of investing. There are too many individuals trying to get into this business without learning the terminology or how the business works. I’ve worked with commercial brokers and real estate investors who have decades of experience, but when they got into note investing, they understood there was still a learning curve.
Set up an LLC or Corp
You must operate as a business. Note investing is a B2B (bank to bank) business. You do not want to own other people’s mortgages in your name, plus you want to protect yourself, your family and your assets. Be sure to open an LLC or a Corp. Consult with a business lawyer who can help you.
Get a business address and phone number
When you’re starting a new business, it’s important to have a professional address and phone number to use on your website and business cards. You can get a business address and phone number from companies like Regus, Opus, or UPS, which offer virtual office space and mail forwarding services. But, be mindful, some places (such as your state agency where you file your articles of incorporation for a business) don’t accept UPS or PO boxes.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money on these. iPostal1 and AnytimeMailbox.com are good resources for virtual addresses that are local to you and you can stop in and pick up your mail or have them mail it to you. If you search for an address where there is co-working or co-op space, these addresses aren’t flagged like the UPS store or PO Box.
There are plenty of phone apps that you can use as a second line and make it your business line. Linkedphone or GoDaddy Smartline are two of them.
Money
This is a cash business and does not operate like buying a property. You cannot put offers in everywhere and when the offer is accepted you tell the buyer you are waiting for the bank to clear a loan. It doesn’t work that way and you will lose credibility in this business. Only bid on deals you are ready and have the cash to fund because you will be blacklisted if you constantly back out on deals. . If you are going to buy, you need to pay in cash.
Branding yourself as a note investor for credibility
When you’re starting out in the world of note investing, it’s important to establish yourself as a credible and trustworthy source of information. One way to do this is by branding yourself as a note investor. This can be done in a few ways:
- Create a website and let people know what you do.
- Participate in online forums and discussions about note investing
- Join and participate in real estate investment clubs
- Create a presence on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter)
- Network with other note investors at events and conferences
By branding yourself as a note investor, not only will you build up your credibility. You’ll also be able to network with more people in the industry.
Conclusion
Be sure to lay the foundation first and then jump into the game. Keep these points in mind and you’ll be well on your way toward success!
