Kaaren Hall is the founder and CEO of uDirect IRA Services, LLC, a leading provider of self-directed IRA accounts since 2009. With over 20 years of experience in real estate, mortgage lending, and self-directed retirement accounts, she has helped thousands take control of their retirement funds by investing in alternative assets like real estate, private lending, and precious metals. A sought-after speaker, Kaaren has shared her expertise at top industry conferences, including BiggerPockets’ BPCON22, 23 & 24.

In addition to leading uDirect IRA Services, Kaaren founded the Orange County Real Estate Investors Association (OCREIA) in 2012, fostering education and networking among investors. She is also the author of Self-Directed IRA Investing: A BiggerPockets Guide, a comprehensive resource for investors looking to build wealth through self-directed IRAs. Passionate about financial education and advocacy, she serves on the boards of The Council on Aging Southern California and the Retirement Industry Trust Association (RITA), promoting transparency in the retirement industry.

Take control of your future and discover a powerful retirement secret for real estate investors: Self- directed IRAs
Self-Directed IRA Investing: A BiggerPockets Guide with Kaaren Hall. Get it HERE

In this episode:

• How Self-Directed IRAs empower investors beyond traditional retirement accounts.
• Self-Directed IRAs vs. 401(k): Key Differences – What sets them apart and which is best for your financial goals.
• Managing Real Estate in a Self-Directed IRA – Strategies, tax advantages, and potential pitfalls.
• The Legal Framework for Self-Directed IRAs – What assets qualify and how to stay compliant.
• Mistakes Investors Make with Self-Directed IRAs.
• How the SECURE Act 1.0 & 2.0 Affects Retirement Accounts.

The Norris Group originates and services loans in California and Florida under California DRE License 01219911, Florida Mortgage Lender License 1577, and NMLS License 1623669.  For more information on hard money lending, go www.thenorrisgroup.com and click the Hard Money tab.


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Kaaren Hall is the founder and CEO of uDirect IRA Services, LLC, a leading provider of self-directed IRA accounts since 2009. With over 20 years of experience in real estate, mortgage lending, and self-directed retirement accounts, she has helped thousands take control of their retirement funds by investing in alternative assets like real estate, private lending, and precious metals. A sought-after speaker, Kaaren has shared her expertise at top industry conferences, including BiggerPockets’ BPCON22, 23 & 24.

In addition to leading uDirect IRA Services, Kaaren founded the Orange County Real Estate Investors Association (OCREIA) in 2012, fostering education and networking among investors. She is also the author of Self-Directed IRA Investing: A BiggerPockets Guide, a comprehensive resource for investors looking to build wealth through self-directed IRAs. Passionate about financial education and advocacy, she serves on the boards of The Council on Aging Southern California and the Retirement Industry Trust Association (RITA), promoting transparency in the retirement industry.

Take control of your future and discover a powerful retirement secret for real estate investors: Self- directed IRAs
Self-Directed IRA Investing: A BiggerPockets Guide with Kaaren Hall. Get it HERE

In this episode:

• Craig welcomes Kaaren Hall, CEO of uDirect IRA Services LLC
•  From radio to real estate, how managing an apartment building led to a thriving career.
• Launching uDirect IRA Services – Kaaren’s path to founding a leading self-directed IRA company.
• Partnering with The Norris Group – Her long-standing collaboration with Bruce and Aaron Norris and their shared impact.
• Aaron Norris’ Influence – how Aaron played a key role in uDirect IRA Services’ success.
• How OCEREIA supports the local community.
• Self-Directed IRAs Explained – Key benefits and how they empower investors.
• Understanding regulations for smarter investing.
• How self-directed IRAs shape long-term wealth strategies.

The Norris Group originates and services loans in California and Florida under California DRE License 01219911, Florida Mortgage Lender License 1577, and NMLS License 1623669.  For more information on hard money lending, go www.thenorrisgroup.com and click the Hard Money tab.


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Born and raised in Lakewood, California, Craig Hill attended Lakewood High, Long Beach City College, and received his Bachelor of Science degree from California State University, Long Beach. While attending CSULB, he followed his love of baseball by making his profession buying and selling baseball cards.

In 1984, Craig took his first job in the lending industry working for Vanguard Mortgage as a loan officer and loan manager. While employed there, he met and began funding REO purchases with Bruce Norris. When Bruce officially started The Norris Group in 1994, Craig came aboard as both loan officer and investment manager and never looked back. Since that time, they have arranged hundreds of millions worth of investor loans. 

Recently Craig served several years as vice chairman for Exbound, a nonprofit organization designed to help developmentally disabled adults increase their social interaction. Craig enjoys sports and spending time with his wife Laura and daughter Caitlin.

 

In this episode:

• Craig Hill shares key guidelines for evaluating trust deed investments.
• Why multiple sources are crucial for accurate property value assessment
• Understanding the Trust Deed Process
• Essential criteria for trust deed investments in California.
• A look at the company’s history and its approach to changing market conditions.
• Balancing Fair Rates – The importance of offering competitive terms for both borrowers and investors.
• How to apply and get started with trust deed investing.

The Norris Group originates and services loans in California and Florida under California DRE License 01219911, Florida Mortgage Lender License 1577, and NMLS License 1623669.  For more information on hard money lending, go www.thenorrisgroup.com and click the Hard Money tab.


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Radio Show

Born and raised in Lakewood, California, Craig Hill attended Lakewood High, Long Beach City College, and received his Bachelor of Science degree from California State University, Long Beach. While attending CSULB, he followed his love of baseball by making his profession buying and selling baseball cards.

In 1984, Craig took his first job in the lending industry working for Vanguard Mortgage as a loan officer and loan manager. While employed there, he met and began funding REO purchases with Bruce Norris. When Bruce officially started The Norris Group in 1994, Craig came aboard as both loan officer and investment manager and never looked back. Since that time, they have arranged hundreds of millions worth of investor loans. 

Recently Craig served several years as vice chairman for Exbound, a nonprofit organization designed to help developmentally disabled adults increase their social interaction. Craig enjoys sports and spending time with his wife Laura and daughter Caitlin.

 

In this episode:

• Craig Evans introduces Craig Hill, his background, and early career in lending.
• Joining The Norris Group : Why Craig Hill left Vanguard Mortgage to partner with Bruce Norris.
• The Changing Landscape of Hard Money Lending: How investor-focused lending has evolved over the years.
• The Norris Group’s Underwriting Process.
• Property Evaluation Strategies: Key factors in assessing profitable investment opportunities.
• Protecting Investors & Ensuring Quality: How The Norris Group prioritizes investor security and deal integrity.
• Craig Hill’s insights on securing funding and making smart investment decisions.
• The importance of underwriting in building trust and long-term success in real estate investing.

The Norris Group originates and services loans in California and Florida under California DRE License 01219911, Florida Mortgage Lender License 1577, and NMLS License 1623669.  For more information on hard money lending, go www.thenorrisgroup.com and click the Hard Money tab.


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William “Bill” L. Exeter is a highly respected expert in the financial services industry with over 40 years of experience, specializing in real estate tax strategies, including 1031 Exchanges, Self-Directed IRAs, and Title Holding Trusts. As the CEO, Chief Trust Officer, CFO, and Treasurer of The Exeter Group of Companies, Bill oversees operations for Exeter 1031 Exchange Services, LLC, Exeter Trust Company, and Exeter Asset Services Corporation.

A pioneer in the 1031 Exchange industry, Bill has administered over 125,000 transactions and is a founding member of the Federation of Exchange Accommodators. He is a sought-after speaker, educator, and expert witness, sharing his knowledge on investment strategies and alternative assets through seminars, podcasts, and media appearances.

Bill holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from California State University, Los Angeles, and the Certified Securities Operations Professional (CSOP) designation from the Cannon Financial Institute. He is based in San Diego, California.



In this episode:

• Key differences between Reverse Exchange vs. Forward Exchange
• Improvement (Build) Exchange Explained: Deadlines, complexities, and planning essentials.
• The role of Exchange LLCs and fund control in 1031 exchanges.
• Self-Directed IRAs and 1031 Exchanges
• Step-Up in Cost Basis: How it works and its impact on 1031 exchanges.
• Common Mistakes in 1031 Exchanges: Top pitfalls to avoid for successful transactions.

The Norris Group originates and services loans in California and Florida under California DRE License 01219911, Florida Mortgage Lender License 1577, and NMLS License 1623669.  For more information on hard money lending, go www.thenorrisgroup.com and click the Hard Money tab.


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Radio Show

William “Bill” L. Exeter is a highly respected expert in the financial services industry with over 40 years of experience, specializing in real estate tax strategies, including 1031 Exchanges, Self-Directed IRAs, and Title Holding Trusts. As the CEO, Chief Trust Officer, CFO, and Treasurer of The Exeter Group of Companies, Bill oversees operations for Exeter 1031 Exchange Services, LLC, Exeter Trust Company, and Exeter Asset Services Corporation.

A pioneer in the 1031 Exchange industry, Bill has administered over 125,000 transactions and is a founding member of the Federation of Exchange Accommodators. He is a sought-after speaker, educator, and expert witness, sharing his knowledge on investment strategies and alternative assets through seminars, podcasts, and media appearances.

Bill holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from California State University, Los Angeles, and the Certified Securities Operations Professional (CSOP) designation from the Cannon Financial Institute. He is based in San Diego, California.



In this episode:

• Meet Bill Exeter: CEO of Exeter 1031 Exchange Services and industry expert.
• 1031 Exchanges Explained: Their history, purpose, and tax-deferral benefits for real estate investors.
• Why choosing a regulated expert is critical.
• Qualified use, intent to hold, and compliance essentials.
•  Importance of consultation and strategic preparation.
• Eligible Property Types: What qualifies for a like-kind exchange, including DSTs.
• Reinvestment Requirements: Meeting deadlines, partial exchanges, and avoiding pitfalls.
•  Steps for identifying replacement properties.

The Norris Group originates and services loans in California and Florida under California DRE License 01219911, Florida Mortgage Lender License 1577, and NMLS License 1623669.  For more information on hard money lending, go www.thenorrisgroup.com and click the Hard Money tab.


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Bob Lachance is the founder and CEO of REVA Global, the leading virtual assistant staffing company for real estate professionals. A former professional hockey player, Bob spent eight years on the ice, dividing his time between teams in the United States and Europe.

After retiring from hockey, he has been an active business owner and real estate investor since 2004. He is an entrepreneur by nature and currently owns, operates, and manages many different businesses around the world.

Over the course of his career, Bob has successfully closed over 2,000 transactions including over 240 deals in 2022 and over 180 in 2023, 2024 we did 207 transactions. He is also the co-founder of PurchRock, a real estate investment firm in Connecticut.


In this episode:

• Joey welcomes Bob Lachance, Founder and CEO of REVA Global.
• From Hockey to Real Estate: Bob’s transition from professional hockey to becoming a real estate investor.
• Insights from Bob’s first successful real estate deal.
• Importance of joining local real estate associations for growth and opportunities.
• Overcoming Challenges: How Bob navigated the 2008 market crash and emerged stronger.
• Exploring AI’s potential to transform industries, including real estate.
• Empowering Real Estate Professionals:  How REVA Global’s virtual assistants save time and help businesses scale. 
• The Value of Delegation: Why delegating tasks to virtual assistants is essential for productivity and growth.

The Norris Group originates and services loans in California and Florida under California DRE License 01219911, Florida Mortgage Lender License 1577, and NMLS License 1623669.  For more information on hard money lending, go www.thenorrisgroup.com and click the Hard Money tab.


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Jason Medley is the Founder and CEO of The Collective Genius which is a real estate mastermind group that brings together 200 of the nation’s top real estate investors on a quarterly basis to brainstorm about housing market changes and to share their most intimate secrets, strategies, resources and systems. He has over 21 years’ experience in real estate where he has partnered in over 2600 multifamily doors and funded more than 1500 loans.

Through this sharing, the members of the "The Collective Genius” thrive regardless of housing market changes or economic fluctuations and live life freely on their own terms, by their own rules.

In this episode:

• Founding The Collective Genius: How Jason Medley launched a premier real estate mastermind community.
• Becoming the "Chief Connector" in fostering collaboration and building meaningful connections.
• Vision for the Future: Jason’s plans for the growth and impact of The Collective Genius.
• Joining The Collective Genius: Opportunities and benefits of becoming part of this thriving community.

The Norris Group originates and services loans in California and Florida under California DRE License 01219911, Florida Mortgage Lender License 1577, and NMLS License 1623669.  For more information on hard money lending, go www.thenorrisgroup.com and click the Hard Money tab.


Video Link

Radio Show

Jason Medley is the Founder and CEO of The Collective Genius which is a real estate mastermind group that brings together 200 of the nation’s top real estate investors on a quarterly basis to brainstorm about housing market changes and to share their most intimate secrets, strategies, resources and systems. He has over 21 years’ experience in real estate where he has partnered in over 2600 multifamily doors and funded more than 1500 loans.

Through this sharing, the members of the "The Collective Genius” thrive regardless of housing market changes or economic fluctuations and live life freely on their own terms, by their own rules. 

In this episode:

• Craig welcomes Jason Medley, Founder and CEO of The Collective Genius.
•  Exploring his entrepreneurial roots and formative experiences.
• Jason’s transition into the corporate world and key milestones in his early career.
• 2008 Financial Crisis: The challenges Jason faced and the lessons learned during this pivotal moment.
• Founding The Collective Genius: How Jason built a premier real estate mastermind community.
•  Insights and strategies from Jason’s journey to success in real estate.
  
  

The Norris Group originates and services loans in California and Florida under California DRE License 01219911, Florida Mortgage Lender License 1577, and NMLS License 1623669.  For more information on hard money lending, go www.thenorrisgroup.com and click the Hard Money tab.


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This episode brings you an inside look as Craig Evans and host Joey Romero take you behind the scenes of the I Survived Real Estate 2024 event. Craig opens up about the decision to continue this impactful tradition, sharing its significance for the community, the Norris Group, and his family.

Together, they dive into this year’s updates, including the exciting addition of interactive Q&A sessions, and revisit memorable moments like Bill’s candid reflections on balancing business and family life. Key discussions explore understanding sub-markets, pivoting with purpose, and leading with clarity over emotion.

Craig also shares his optimistic outlook for real estate in 2025, highlighting the potential impact of interest rates, inventory shifts, and immigration reforms.

This episode isn’t just a recap—it’s a heartfelt reflection on legacy, leadership, and what’s next for the real estate world.


In this episode:

• Joey Romero welcomes Craig Evans, CEO of The Norris Group
• Continuing a Legacy: Craig reflects on the significance of preserving The Norris Group's legacy and its impact.
• Leadership Insights: 
  • Bill’s vulnerable moment during the investor panel and its powerful message.
  • The role of transparency and vulnerability in leadership and business success.
  • The importance of efficiency and adaptability in navigating challenges.
  • Staying objective as a leader and avoiding emotional decision-making.
• Looking Ahead: Key economic drivers shaping real estate in 2025.

The Norris Group originates and services loans in California and Florida under California DRE License 01219911, Florida Mortgage Lender License 1577, and NMLS License 1623669.  For more information on hard money lending, go www.thenorrisgroup.com and click the Hard Money tab.


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