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Real estate investors already have one of the hardest note-investing skills: understanding the collateral.
In this episode, TJ Osterman and Rick Allen break down why the jump from real estate investing into mortgage notes can be a natural next step for wholesalers, flippers, landlords, and investors looking for another tool in the toolbox. They cover how real estate experience helps with valuing properties, reading neighborhoods, planning exits, and underwriting the downside if a note goes non-performing.
They also dig into what real estate investors still need to learn: borrower stories, payment history, note terminology, servicers, attorneys, boots-on-the-ground teams, and how performing and non-performing notes behave differently.
TJ and Rick also share stories from their own transition into notes, including early low-balance non-performing deals, missed opportunities, seller-financed exits, land notes, and why owner financing can create new options for investors who already know how to source real estate deals.
If you are a real estate investor wondering whether mortgage notes belong in your strategy, this episode gives you a practical starting point.
Topics include:
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How is artificial intelligence changing mortgage note investing and real estate?
In this episode of the Paperstac Podcast, Rick Allen and TJ Osterman break down practical ways note investors can use AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini to save time, improve decision-making, and operate more efficiently.
They explore how AI can help investors:
• Research unfamiliar topics and understand complex note terminology
• Write clearer emails and stronger mortgage note listings
• Analyze loan documents, payment histories, servicing notes, and collateral files
• Review assignments, title documents, and potential gaps in the chain of title
• Evaluate nonperforming mortgage notes and possible loan outcomes
• Automate everyday tasks using email, Slack, Asana, Google Drive, and other business tools
• Build an AI assistant that functions like a digital chief of staff
Rick and TJ also share how Paperstac is incorporating AI-powered document organization, data extraction, and loan-file analysis into its mortgage note trading platform.
Whether you’re an experienced note investor or just learning how to buy and sell mortgage notes, this conversation offers practical ways to begin using AI without becoming overwhelmed.
The key takeaway: start small, ask questions, and always verify the results.
Learn more about buying and selling mortgage notes at https://paperstac.com.
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Pricing a mortgage note is not just about picking the highest number. It comes down to seller motivation, market timing, buyer demand, asset quality, and how quickly you need to move.
In this episode of the Paperstac Podcast, TJ and Rick Allen break down how sellers should think about pricing expectations when listing notes, why some assets move quickly while others sit, and how the trade-off between speed and price can shape the entire transaction.
They also discuss Paperstac’s Trade Desk, the Paperstac Price Predictor, year-end motivation, decision-maker delays, buyer offer strategy, and why realistic pricing can help sellers avoid missed opportunities.
Topics covered:
If you have a note, portfolio, or unique debt-related opportunity you want to discuss, reach out to the Paperstac team.
Learn more: https://paperstac.com
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Rick Allen and TJ Osterman are back on the Paper Stack Podcast to talk about balancing yield and risk in note investing.
In this episode, they dig into why chasing an 18% target yield can sound attractive, but often comes with added risk, more defaults, thinner equity, smaller-balance assets, or heavier servicing and workout demands. They also explain why experienced investors may prefer steady “base hit” performing notes in the 8-10% range when the borrower profile, equity position, collateral file, and exit options are strong.
Rick and TJ cover loan-to-value, borrower credit, down payments, collateral review, performing versus non-performing loans, portfolio balance, and why liquidity matters when you may need to retrade a note later.
The takeaway: don’t step over a solid deal just because it does not hit a flashy target yield. A balanced portfolio can create steadier cash flow, reduce stress, and still leave room for higher-yield opportunities.
This episode is for educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or investment advice.
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How much does your listing description really matter when you're selling a mortgage note?
In this episode, Brett Burky and TJ break down one of the most overlooked opportunities for note sellers: creating listing descriptions that actually capture buyer attention. They discuss why generic, one-line descriptions leave money on the table and how today's AI tools can help sellers build compelling, informative listings in just minutes.
A well-written listing isn't just about sounding professional—it's about answering the questions buyers are already asking, highlighting the strengths of the asset, and increasing engagement before the first conversation ever happens.
Whether you're listing your first note or your hundredth, you'll learn practical ways to use AI to create descriptions that save time, improve consistency, and help your assets stand out in a crowded marketplace.
In this episode:
If you're selling mortgage notes, land notes, or other private debt investments, this episode will help you present your assets more effectively and attract more qualified buyers.
Subscribe for more episodes covering mortgage note investing, note trading, private lending, seller best practices, and technology that helps investors make smarter decisions.
Learn more about Paperstac: https://paperstac.com
#MortgageNotes #NoteInvesting #Paperstac #PrivateLending #MortgageNoteInvesting #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #RealEstateInvesting #SellerTips #LoanTrading #DebtTrading #FinTech #PropTech #LandNotes #PrivateNotes
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Thinking about buying a mortgage note? Before you make an offer, there are a handful of questions that can save you thousands of dollars—or help you uncover a great investment.
In this episode of the Paperstac Podcast, Brett Burky and TJ Osterman walk through the exact due diligence questions they ask before purchasing a mortgage note. Whether you're a first-time investor or an experienced note buyer, this episode provides a practical framework you can use to evaluate deals with confidence.
Topics covered include:
If you've ever wondered how professional investors quickly evaluate mortgage notes, this episode breaks down the process into simple, actionable steps you can apply to your next investment.
Whether you're buying performing notes, building passive income, or looking to expand your real estate investing knowledge, this conversation will help you become a more informed note investor.
Subscribe for weekly episodes covering mortgage note investing, seller financing, private lending, due diligence, portfolio management, and real-world investing strategies.
Learn more about buying and selling mortgage notes:
https://paperstac.com
#MortgageNotes #NoteInvesting #RealEstateInvesting #PassiveIncome #SellerFinancing #MortgageNote #Paperstac #PrivateLending #DueDiligence #CashFlow #RealEstateInvestor #PerformingNotes #MortgageInvesting #FinancialFreedom #NoteBuyer
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Why do borrowers stop making their mortgage payments? Is it simply because they don't want to pay—or is there much more to the story?
In this episode of the Paperstac Podcast, Brett Burky and Rick Allen break down the real reasons borrowers default on their mortgage loans and what every note investor should understand before buying performing or non-performing notes.
Drawing from years of experience reviewing thousands of mortgage loans, they discuss the life events that most often lead to delinquency, how investors can recognize early warning signs, and why understanding borrower behavior can dramatically improve investment decisions.
During this episode you'll learn:
Whether you're new to mortgage note investing or actively building a portfolio, this discussion provides valuable insight into the human side of note investing and why every loan is much more than just numbers on a spreadsheet.
Hosted by Brett Burky and Rick Allen
Visit Paperstac.com to browse mortgage notes for sale, connect with buyers and sellers, and access educational resources to help you become a better note investor.
#MortgageNotes #NoteInvesting #NonPerformingNotes #PerformingNotes #RealEstateInvesting #DistressedDebt #PassiveIncome #CashFlowInvesting #MortgageInvesting #PaperstacPodcast #Paperstac
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Thinking about investing in a mortgage note fund but not sure where to start?
In this episode of the Paperstac Podcast, Brett Burky sits down with TJ Osterman to break down the most important factors investors should consider when evaluating a mortgage note fund. Whether you're a seasoned investor looking to diversify your portfolio or someone searching for passive income opportunities outside of traditional stocks and bonds, this episode will help you understand what separates a quality fund from one you should avoid.
Mortgage note funds have become increasingly popular among investors seeking passive cash flow, real estate-backed investments, portfolio diversification, and exposure to alternative assets. But how do you know which fund is right for you? What questions should you ask? What red flags should you watch for? And how can you evaluate a fund manager before wiring your hard-earned capital?
TJ Osterman and Brett Burky walk through the key components of fund evaluation, including:
✅ What is a mortgage note fund?
✅ How mortgage note funds generate returns
✅ What makes a great fund operator
✅ How to evaluate a fund manager's track record
✅ The importance of transparency and reporting
✅ Risk management strategies used by successful funds
✅ Questions every passive investor should ask
✅ Common mistakes investors make when selecting a fund
✅ Red flags that may indicate potential problems
✅ How to align your investment goals with the right fund structure
In addition to the discussion with TJ, this episode features interviews and insights from several respected mortgage note fund operators, including:
• Earnest Fund
• 7e Fund
• Integrity Fund
These fund managers share their perspectives on investing, portfolio management, risk mitigation, investor communication, and what they believe sets successful mortgage note funds apart from the competition.
If you've ever wondered:
This episode was created to help answer those questions and provide practical guidance from experienced operators actively managing investor capital.
Topics Covered:
Whether you're looking to invest through a Self-Directed IRA, diversify your investment portfolio, create passive income, or learn more about mortgage note investing, this episode provides valuable insights from experienced fund managers and industry professionals.
📚 Learn more about mortgage note investing:
https://pstac.co/intro-to-note-investing
🏠 Browse mortgage notes for sale:
https://paperstac.com
🎙 Listen to the Paperstac Podcast:
https://pstac.co/podcast
Subscribe for more content covering:
#MortgageNoteFund #NoteInvesting #PassiveIncome #MortgageNotes #AlternativeInvestments #RealEstateInvesting #DistressedDebt #SellerFinancing #FundManagement #Paperstac #PrivateLending #CashFlowInvesting #SelfDirectedIRA #PassiveInvesting #WealthBuilding
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Should you invest in a mortgage note fund or build your own portfolio of mortgage notes?
In this episode of the Paperstac Podcast, Brett Burky and Rick Allen break down one of the most common questions in the note investing industry: Is it better to invest passively through a mortgage note fund or actively purchase mortgage notes yourself?
Both strategies can generate attractive returns, passive income, and portfolio diversification, but they come with very different levels of risk, control, liquidity, and time commitment.
In this episode, you'll learn:
✅ What a mortgage note fund is
✅ How mortgage note funds generate returns
✅ The benefits of passive investing
✅ The advantages of owning mortgage notes directly
✅ Risk factors investors should consider
✅ How much control you have in each strategy
✅ Expected returns and investment structures
✅ Which strategy may be best for beginners
✅ How experienced investors use both approaches
Whether you're looking for passive income, alternative investments, retirement portfolio diversification, or ways to build long-term wealth, understanding the differences between mortgage note funds and direct note investing is critical before deploying capital.
Topics Covered:
* Mortgage Note Funds
* Note Investing
* Mortgage Notes
* Passive Income
* Alternative Investments
* Real Estate Investing
* Seller Financing
* Distressed Debt
* Private Lending
* Investment Funds
* Cash Flow Investing
* Retirement Investing
* Self-Directed IRAs
* Wealth Building Strategies
* Real Estate Notes
By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear understanding of the pros and cons of each approach and be better equipped to decide whether passive investing through a fund or actively buying mortgage notes aligns with your investment goals.
📚 Learn more about mortgage note investing:
https://pstac.co/intro-to-note-investing
🏠 Browse mortgage notes for sale:
https://paperstac.com
🎙 Listen to the Paperstac Podcast:
https://pstac.co/podcast
Subscribe for weekly content covering:
* Mortgage Note Investing
* Passive Income Strategies
* Real Estate Investing
* Seller Financing
* Distressed Debt Investing
* Alternative Investments
* Wealth Building
* Industry News and Trends
#MortgageNoteFund #NoteInvesting #MortgageNotes #PassiveIncome #AlternativeInvestments #RealEstateInvesting #SellerFinancing #DistressedDebt #Paperstac #InvestmentFund #CashFlowInvesting #SelfDirectedIRA #WealthBuilding #PrivateLending #FinancialFreedom
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What is Cash for Keys, and why do experienced mortgage note investors and real estate investors use it to save time, money, and stress?
In this episode of the Paperstac Podcast, Brett Burky and Rick Allen break down the real-world strategy behind Cash for Keys agreements and how they are used in mortgage note investing, foreclosure situations, and distressed real estate deals.
Many new investors assume foreclosure is the only option when a borrower stops paying. The reality is that smart investors often use Cash for Keys to regain possession faster, reduce legal costs, avoid property damage, and move properties back into productive use more quickly.
In this episode, we discuss:
Whether you invest in:
…this episode will help you understand one of the most important workout strategies in the note investing business.
Cash for Keys can often save investors thousands of dollars in legal fees, holding costs, property damage, and months of delays. Knowing when and how to use it properly can completely change the outcome of a deal.
Learn more about mortgage note investing:
https://pstac.co/intro-to-note-investing
Browse mortgage notes for sale:
https://paperstac.com
Listen to the Paperstac Podcast:
https://pstac.co/podcast
Subscribe for more content on:
#CashForKeys #NoteInvesting #MortgageNotes #RealEstateInvesting #Foreclosure #PassiveIncome #SellerFinancing #DistressedDebt #Paperstac #MortgageNoteInvesting
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