The Paper Trail

In this Know Your Speakers episode, Chris talks with Melissa Palmer—former federal agent turned due diligence expert and founder of Capital Verified. Melissa shares how a personal experience with investment fraud pushed her to create a service helping private lenders and note investors avoid the same fate.

Melissa discusses how she repurposed her background in criminal investigations to vet borrowers and deals, what most people miss when reviewing investment documents, and why it’s not just about spotting red flags—but understanding the yellow ones too. She opens up about lessons learned from owning rentals, getting scammed, and building a business that helps protect other investors from similar pitfalls.

Melissa will be taking the stage at the 2025 Paper Trail Note Conference to go deeper on risk, verification, and the overlooked areas of due diligence that matter most—especially as more investors shift into private lending.

🎟️ Join us live in Chandler, AZ, September 18–20. Reserve your seat at papertrailconference.com

In this Know Your Speakers episode, Chris Seveney sits down with DJ Olojo—note investor, podcast host, and founder of the Foreclosure Fix. DJ shares how he went from buying rentals in Atlanta after the 2008 crash to building a scalable portfolio focused on second position mortgage notes. He opens up about why he targets a 20% return, how he invests alongside his wife despite having different risk tolerances, and what it really takes to move from education to action. DJ breaks down the mindset, relationships, and creative deal structures that have helped him grow his business—starting with notes as small as $1,000.

DJ is one of the featured speakers at the 2025 Paper Trail Note Conference, where he’ll go even deeper on how to turn $100K into $1M with seconds—sharing real numbers, real deals, and lessons learned along the way.

Join us live in Chandler, AZ, September 18–20. Register now at https://papertrailconference.com/registration/

In this episode, Chris sits down with Marco Bario — former film and TV executive turned seller finance expert and founder of Porch Swing Funding. Marco shares his journey from the chaos of Hollywood production sets to the structure and strategy of note investing. They discuss the importance of patience, transparency, and relationship-building in deal-making, as well as why staying in your lane can be the most powerful growth move.

Marco also previews his upcoming session at the Paper Trail Conference, where he’ll walk through how to build trust with individual sellers and navigate one-on-one conversations — a crucial but often overlooked skill in this business.

🎟 Ready to learn from voices like Marco's? Join us at Paper Trail, Sept 18–20 in Chandler, AZ: https://papertrailconference.com/registration/

In this episode of the Paper Trail Podcast, Chris Seveney sits down with Jay Redding, co-founder of Cassidy Investment Group and a seasoned real estate investor with over two decades of experience. Known for his collaborative investing approach with his son-in-law, Jay has focused heavily on seller-financed notes and brings a deep, practical perspective on building long-term wealth through relationships, due diligence, and conservative deal structuring.

Chris and Jay dive into how their philosophies align around integrity, risk management, and adapting with market cycles. Jay also shares stories from his early investing days, how his farm upbringing shaped his mindset, and what he hopes attendees will take away from his session at the Paper Trail Conference.

If you're curious about seller financing, real-world investing strategies, and how seasoned pros think about legacy and returns, this episode is a must-listen. Catch Jay live at the Paper Trail Conference, September 18–20 in Chandler, AZ.

Register at papertrailconference.com to join us.

In this episode of the Paper Trail Podcast, Chris is joined by Fred and Tracy Rui of NoteInvestor.com, two of the most respected voices in the seller finance world. Together, they share how they accidentally found their way into the note business over 30 years ago—and how seller financing has proven to be one of the most durable wealth-building strategies across every economic cycle.

Fred and Tracy dive into how seller financing works, how investors can buy or create notes, and the right way to structure deals to avoid costly mistakes. They also discuss why due diligence, proper documentation, and having a clear checklist are non-negotiable for long-term success.

As key leaders of the Seller Finance track at the Paper Trail Conference (September 18–20 in Chandler, Arizona), they explain what attendees can expect: actionable strategies, real-world checklists, and hands-on education designed to help anyone from beginner to seasoned investor thrive in the note space.

Join us at papertrailconference.com to learn directly from Fred, Tracy, and other industry leaders. This is the only conference that covers the full note investing landscape—from performing and non-performing notes to seller financing, sub-to deals, and private lending.

In this episode of the Paper Trail Podcast, Chris sits down with Beth Johnson, co-founder of Flynn Family Lending and author of Lend to Live, to dive deep into what it really takes to build a sustainable, ethical private lending business.

Beth shares her accidental journey from being a real estate side hustler to running a boutique lending firm alongside her husband. She talks candidly about the challenges of managing investor capital, the importance of due diligence, and why private lending is as much about relationships and risk management as it is about returns.

From how to vet borrowers and avoid common lending pitfalls, to navigating the emotional side of working with other people’s money, Beth’s perspective offers both practical advice and a reality check for new and experienced lenders alike.

Beth will be a featured speaker and panel moderator at the upcoming Paper Trail Conference (September 18–20 in Chandler, Arizona), where she’ll cover risk management, structuring deals, and why private lending isn’t a get-rich-quick business.

To meet Beth in person and gain the tools to lend smarter and safer, grab your tickets at papertrailconference.com.

In this episode, we sit down with seasoned real estate investor Kevin Bupp, host of two top-rated podcasts and founder of Sunrise Capital Investors, to explore how “boring” assets like mobile home parks and parking garages can deliver outsized, long-term returns.

With over $250 million in real estate transactions under his belt, Kevin shares the fundamentals behind his investment thesis, how he vets assets in today’s tighter market, and why staying focused on simple, cash-flowing niches is key to building durable wealth.

Whether you're a high earner looking to diversify or a passive investor seeking dependable yield, this episode offers a rare look into recession-resilient real estate strategies that actually work.

Connect with Kevin Bupp:

🔗 Website: kevinbupp.com

📍 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kevinbupp

📸 Instagram: @buppkevin

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/RealKevinBupp

💻 Sunrise Capital Investors: https://sunrisecapitalinvestors.com/about/

In 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 launching his own lending firm. They talk about the real risk (and reward) in private lending, why humility is the secret ingredient most investors miss, and how his legal background shapes his disciplined, hands-on approach.

This conversation is packed with takeaways on due diligence, lending philosophy, and how to build lasting relationships in the note space. Michael will also be taking the stage this fall at the Paper Trail Note Conference, and gives a preview of what he hopes attendees walk away with.

🎟 Join us September 18–20 in Chandler, AZ. Register now at papertrailconference.com

They’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 April 2025 DSCR lending trends report from Lightning Docs, they break down how these loans are making up a hefty chunk of originations and what that means for investors. They also dish out the 411 on why understanding these numbers is crucial for note investors, especially as more of these loans hit the secondary market. So, if you’re ready to roll with the big dogs in mortgage note investing, grab a comfy seat and get ready for some insights that could level up your investment game!

Links referenced in this episode:

• 7einvestmentlending.com
• 7einvestments.com
• papertrailconference.com

Today’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% of bank asset growth is from trading assets, not loans, which is like throwing a pizza party but only serving salad—everyone's gonna be disappointed! The crew breaks it down for investors, explaining how these shifts could mean more opportunities for note buyers as defaults rise and inventory comes into play. So, grab your headphones and let’s explore how to navigate these choppy waters without getting shipwrecked!

Get ready to dive into the wild world of mortgage note investing with the latest episode of the Paper Trail podcast! The host kicks things off with a bang, breaking down the Quarter 12025 Bank Call Report data that’s hotter than a summer sidewalk. He spills the beans on how banks are tightening their lending practices – and trust me, this is no small potatoes. With banks loading up on trading assets instead of actually lending, the episode paints a picture of an industry on the brink of change. It’s not all doom and gloom, but there’s definitely a shift happening, and savvy investors need to be paying attention.

As the host digs deeper, he highlights some key takeaways that’ll make any note investor perk up their ears. Slower lending typically means a higher risk of defaults, and with banks pulling back, there’s a chance we might see more distressed loans popping up. This could mean opportunities for those ready to pounce. The host doesn’t just throw out numbers; he weaves a narrative about cash-poor homeowners who, despite having equity, are struggling to keep their heads above water. This could lead to a wave of discounted sales that would impact property values across the board – so it’s crucial for investors to stay sharp!

To wrap things up, the podcast offers up some solid advice for navigating the choppy waters of the mortgage note market. The host emphasizes the importance of building a reliable team and staying flexible in investment strategies. With the signs of distress emerging, it’s all hands on deck for investors to prepare for what’s next. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with valuable insights served with a side of humor, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to stay ahead in the mortgage game. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to ride the waves of opportunity!