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Retirement, IRAs, and lending, in plain English.
Short articles for people who want their money working behind real estate.
Newest article · Lending basics
What happens when a borrower stops paying on a mortgage note?
A missed payment doesn’t mean foreclosure. What really happens, step by step, and what it means for a lender.
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Lending basics
What is a collateral assignment of mortgage? A lender’s guide
The protection that ties your loan to a specific note. How it works, what it covers, what it doesn't, and what to ask for.
Lending basics
Judicial vs. non-judicial foreclosure: why it matters to a lender
Some states make a lender go to court to foreclose. Others don't. How that changes the timeline, the cost, and how I price every deal.
IRA investing
How to lend on real estate from your IRA, step by step
Your IRA can be the lender on a loan backed by real estate. The 7 steps, and the rules that keep your IRA safe.
Lending basics 8
See all 8 articlesLending basics
Performing vs. non-performing mortgage notes: what’s the difference?
One pays on time, one doesn’t. How each is priced, where the risk is, and why payment history matters.
Lending basics
What happens to a private loan if the lender passes away?
The loan doesn’t go away. Where it goes depends on how you hold it. How to make it easy on your family.
Lending basics
First lien vs. second lien mortgage notes: what’s the difference?
A first lien gets paid first. A second waits its turn and can get wiped out. Why I only buy firsts.
Due diligence 3
See all 3 articlesDue diligence
The biggest risks in note investing, and how to manage them
Notes are backed by real estate, but they’re not risk-free. The 8 biggest risks and how to manage each one.
Due diligence
What is ITV, and why I stay under 65%?
How to figure investment-to-value, why the gap protects lenders, and why I keep deals at 65% or less.
Due diligence
How to spot a fake mortgage note deal (and check out anyone you lend to)
A fake deal I caught with one phone call, and the checks to run on anyone you lend to.
IRA investing 10
See all 10 articlesIRA investing
Solo 401(k) vs. self-directed IRA for real estate lending
Self-employed with no employees? How a solo 401(k) compares to a self-directed IRA for lending.
IRA investing
Required minimum distributions when your IRA is lending
Your traditional IRA has to pay out every year once you hit RMD age, even if the money is lent out. How to plan.
IRA investing
IRA prohibited transactions: the mistakes that can blow up your IRA
Who counts as a disqualified person, the most common mistakes, and what happens if you break the rules.