top of page

Note Investing: Be the Bank, Not the Landlord

Hananda Whittingham

Updated: Feb 11




Have you ever wished you could enjoy the benefits of real estate investing without the headaches of property management? Enter note investing. This lesser-known AND highly effective approach to building wealth allows you to step into the shoes of the bank. If you’ve been curious about creating cash flow with less hassle, keep reading! Discover what note investing is and why it might just be the perfect fit for you.


Note Investing: Be the Bank, not the Landlord


What Is Note Investing?


Note investing involves purchasing debt secured by real estate. Instead of owning the property itself, you're essentially buying the right to collect payments from a borrower who has taken out a loan against the property. Think of it as stepping into the shoes of the bank.

There are different types of notes:


  • Performing Notes: These are loans where the borrower is making payments on time, providing you with a reliable income stream.

  • Non-Performing Notes: These are loans where payments aren't coming in as expected, or not coming in at all. While they may seem riskier, they may also be acquired at a bigger discount, offering potential for more substantial returns.

  • Re-Performing Notes: These are once non-performing loans that have been restructured and payments have resumed, and the borrowers are back on track.


Note investing positions you to “be the bank” and enjoy consistent cash flow without the hassles of being a landlord.


Why It Matters:


  1. Passive Income with Minimal Effort: Unlike traditional property ownership, note investing significantly reduces the burden of day-to-day management. No more tenant screenings, property repairs, or late-night emergency calls. You're managing the loan, but you're not responsible for the property itself – that's the borrower's responsibility.

  2. Lower Entry Costs: Compared to purchasing and managing a property outright, note investing often requires less initial capital, making it more accessible to a wider range of investors.

  3. Flexibility and Customization: Note investments can be tailored to your specific financial goals and risk tolerance. Whether you're seeking short-term gains or long-term stability, there are notes to suit your needs.


Common Misconceptions:


  • "Am I buying bad debt?" Not necessarily. Many notes available to beginner investors are performing notes, offering a steady stream of income.

  • "Is this a loan to a new, untested borrower?" No. You're typically acquiring an existing loan, stepping into the shoes of the original lender.


Conclusion


Note investing bridges the gap between the active management of traditional real estate and the passive income potential of other investment strategies. It's a unique opportunity to diversify your portfolio, build wealth, and enjoy the benefits of real estate without the typical burdens of property ownership.

Note investing involves risks (like any investment). It's crucial to conduct thorough due diligence and understand the nuances of each investment before making any decisions.


Ready to Learn More?


Let's discuss your investment goals and explore if note investing is the right fit for you.


 
 
 

Comments


bottom of page