The Tale of Two Tapes:  How We Found Them & Broke Them Down

The Tale of Two Tapes: How We Found Them & Broke Them Down

Author: Scott Carson February 11, 2026 Duration: 42:17

The Tale of Two Tapes: Unlocking Profits in the Note Investing Market

In the world of real estate, there are those who chase physical property, and then there are the "gentle note investors" who look for the hidden gold within the paper. Channeling a bit of Charles Dickens—and perhaps a touch of Bridgerton—Scott Carson recently took to the airwaves for "Note Night in America" to break down two distinct, high-potential investment opportunities. Whether you are looking for the steady rhythm of performing land contracts or the complex, high-reward puzzle of early buyouts (EBOs), the current market is ripe for those ready to take action. Let's dive into the "Tale of Two Tapes" and see where the smart money is moving as we head into the new season.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:


  • Exploring the Power of Performing Contracts for Deed: A featured tape included 60 performing contracts for deed (land contracts) primarily centered in Wichita, Kansas. These assets offer a mixture of "rough" properties that were fixed up and owner-financed, as well as new construction homes. These notes boast attractive interest rates between 6.5% and 9.5%, often yielding double-digit returns (10-20%) when purchased at a discount.


  • The Strategic Advantage of EBOs (Early Buyouts): The second tape consisted of 50 nonperforming FHA and VA loans, known in the industry as Early Buyouts. These assets often feature trial payment plans or active foreclosure actions. Investors can find opportunities here by either finishing the foreclosure to gain the property or benefiting from the modified payment plans once the borrower gets back on track.


  • Navigating Tax Implications and Loan Modifications: Buying a note during a trial payment plan requires careful tax planning. If a loan modifies permanently, the IRS may attempt to tax you based on the full loan amount; however, investors can mitigate this by submitting third-party valuation forms to establish a more accurate cost basis based on the purchase price.


  • The "Conversion" Strategy for Higher Yields: For land contracts, there is a unique opportunity to convert them into traditional 30-year mortgages. By working with a Registered Mortgage Loan Originator (RMLO), investors can formalize the paperwork, potentially increasing the asset's long-term value and stability while keeping the existing borrower in place.


  • Hyper-Local Focus vs. National Spread: The tapes showed two different geographical strategies: the 60 land contracts were centrally located in the Wichita market, allowing for easier local oversight. In contrast, the 50 EBOs were scattered across the country, including New York, Texas, Florida, and California, requiring a broader understanding of state-specific foreclosure timelines and bankruptcy laws.

Whether you're falling in love with the cash flow of Kansas or navigating the legal intricacies of nonperforming loans, the message is clear: the most successful investors are the ones who stay "in the game" and keep making offers. Note investing isn't just about the numbers on a spreadsheet; it’s about finding the opportunity within the problem. As the baseball season kicks off and the market heats up, now is the time to sharpen your due diligence and build your portfolio.


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Scott Carson brings his deep experience as a seasoned investor directly to you in The Note Closers Show-The #1 Podcast for Note Investing. This isn't about general real estate chatter; it's a focused dive into the specific, often overlooked niche of note investing. Each episode is built on the practical premise of acquiring control of real estate assets at significant discounts, not through traditional property management, but by understanding and investing in the debt behind them. You'll hear Scott break down complex strategies into actionable steps, sharing the nuances of evaluating, purchasing, and profiting from mortgage notes. The discussions are geared toward investors and entrepreneurs who are serious about expanding their portfolio options beyond conventional methods. Tune in for candid conversations about market trends, due diligence, risk assessment, and the real-world stories of deals that worked and those that didn't. This podcast serves as a direct line to advanced tactics and foundational knowledge, all aimed at building your confidence in this unique segment of the investment world. If you're looking to move past theory and into the practical mechanics of building wealth through notes, Scott Carson provides the roadmap in every episode.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

The Note Closers Show - The #1 Podcast for Note Investing
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