The Paper Trail

In this episode of the Paper Trail Podcast, Chris Seveney breaks down the most common misconceptions surrounding DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans. Whether you’re a first-time real estate investor or looking to scale your portfolio, this no-fluff episode is packed with insights that could save you time, money, and frustration.00:00 Introduction and Overview01:04 Understanding DSCR Loans01:55 Myth 1: Credit Score Doesn't Matter04:13 Myth 2: 100% Financing05:56 Myth 3: Only for Commercial Properties07:55 Myth 4: No Documentation Required10:06 Myth 5: Funding Rehabs or Fix and Flips11:59 Myth 6: Quick Closures13:31 Myth 7: Prepayment Penalties18:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Paper Trail Podcast, host Chris shares insightful stories from his years of experience in note investing. He reflects on his journey since rebranding from the Good Deeds Note Investing Podcast and delves into two detailed case studies involving complex loan situations. Chris discusses the importance of patience, direct involvement, and the value of understanding both consumer and investor laws. He also emphasizes the necessity of proactive management and communication with borrowers to protect investment interests. As always, listeners are encouraged to interact and learn more about investment opportunities with 7E Investments.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Rebranding00:29 Early Podcast Days and Lessons Learned01:51 The Slow Pace of Note Investing02:21 Case Study 1: Investor Loans and Extensions09:24 Case Study 2: Builder Loans and Foreclosure12:39 Dealing with Difficult Borrowers18:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Paper Trail Podcast, Chris breaks down one of the most overlooked mistakes in pricing non-performing loans—underestimating the risk of reinstatement on low-interest loans. He shares how even experienced investors can misprice assets by focusing too heavily on foreclosure-based models without considering what happens if a borrower resumes payments.Chris also offers a real-world update from 7e Investments’ record-breaking third quarter, previews upcoming educational seminars, and introduces 7e’s new private lending program offering DSCR and fix-and-flip loans. Whether you’re a seasoned note buyer or new to the space, this episode offers practical, experience-based lessons to refine how you analyze loan tapes and avoid common valuation errors.

In this episode of The Paper Trail Podcast, Chris recaps the recent Paper Trail Conference and the intentional decision to keep sessions unrecorded for candid discussions. He then dives into the latest foreclosure and REO data from ATTOM and USFN, comparing national trends with the 7e Investments portfolio. Foreclosure activity is climbing, REOs are surging, and certain markets like Florida, Nevada, and South Carolina are experiencing significant distress. Chris explains how these trends affect investors, why understanding local markets matters, and how note buyers should factor price declines and holding costs into bids. He also previews an upcoming 10-part series on bidding strategies for non-performing loans, highlighting the need to look beyond calculators and consider external factors. The episode closes with thoughts on rising non-performing loans in commercial and multifamily sectors and what these shifts mean for upcoming opportunities in distressed debt.

n this episode of the Paper Trail Podcast, we speak with Chalea Grant of Mountain West Ranches, a family-owned land investment and note company on the West Coast, and a sponsor of the Paper Trail Note Conference. Chalea shares how his family has been building trust with investors since 1990, using seller financing and a fully in-house process to ensure quality, transparency, and strong returns.From navigating investor concerns and scams to providing recourse guarantees on land notes, Chalea reveals what makes Mountain West Ranches a standout in the land investment space. Investors will learn why having everything in-house, maintaining detailed documentation, and prioritizing long-term relationships leads to a reliable, stress-free investment experience.Resources & Contact:Website: mwranches.com/land-noteEmail: chale@mwranches.comJoin Chalea and other industry leaders at the Paper Trail Note Conference, September 18–20, in Chandler, AZ. Register Here

This episode of the Paper Trail is a treasure trove for anyone looking to navigate the wild world of private lending and mortgage notes. He kicks things off with a bang, sharing his own journey as a CEO of a mortgage note fund, and trust me, it's packed with all the juicy details about what went right, what went sideways, and the lessons learned along the way. Chris dives into the nitty-gritty of the industry, from non-performing loans to seller financing, stressing the importance of having a solid exit strategy—because, let’s be real, nobody wants to be stuck in a deal that’s gone south! He also chats with David Cook from Contessa Capital, who brings his 30 years of experience to the table, sprinkling in some sage advice about being a savvy investor and the pitfalls to avoid. So, whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, this episode is brimming with insights and laughs that'll keep you entertained and informed.Join Chris and his buddy David as they dive deep into the wild world of mortgage notes, lending, and all things finance! Chris kicks things off with a friendly intro, setting the stage for some serious talk about the journey of a CEO running a mortgage note fund. David, who’s been in the game for over 30 years, spills the beans on how he got into investing and the rollercoaster ride that followed. From the challenges of navigating through market shifts to the ins and outs of private lending, they keep it real and relatable. David shares some juicy tales about what went right—and what went hilariously wrong—offering listeners a front-row seat to the drama and excitement of investing. Throughout their chat, they touch on the importance of having a solid exit strategy before diving into any deal. You know, like that one time David learned the hard way that having a plan is crucial—especially when things get bumpy. He stresses that anyone looking to invest needs to keep their eyes peeled for potential pitfalls and be ready to pivot when the market throws a curveball. Plus, they share advice on starting small, like a side hustle, before taking the plunge full-time. With a sprinkle of humor and a whole lot of wisdom, this episode is a treasure trove for aspiring investors. Chris and David drop knowledge bombs about the key principles of successful investing and how to be a good partner without being a pushover. They wrap up with a friendly nudge to follow the paper trail and trust the process—because in this game, patience is a virtue!Links referenced in this episode:papertrailconference.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Contessa Capital

In this episode of the Paper Trail Podcast, part of our Know Your Speaker Series leading up to the Paper Trail Note Conference (PTNC), Chris sits down with Kris Fleming — business strategist, financial expert, real estate investor, and founder of The Genius Network.Kris shares her incredible journey from growing up in poverty to becoming a successful entrepreneur, investor, and coach for women building scalable businesses. With deep experience in banking, commercial and private lending, and real estate, Kris brings a unique blend of empathy, strategy, and financial intelligence to every deal.They discuss creative financing, how to assess borrowers beyond the numbers, and why personal responsibility and kindness are core to her investing approach. Kris also offers a preview of her upcoming talk at The Paper Trail Note Conference, happening September 18–20 in Chandler, Arizona, an event focused on real-world expertise, actionable learning, and community connection.🎟️ Register for the Paper Trail Note Conference: https://papertrailconference.com/registration/