All Forum Posts by: Joe S.

I respect everyone’s opinion, but again, I’m confident in my ability to discern what aligns with my purpose. Let’s keep the focus on building and elevating, not assumptions.

Thank you 

I'm a CPA, serving real estate investors.

This time of year, clients who are on extension will request proof that they are on extension for their mortgage broker.  Because I live in the 21st century, I EFile the extension for my clients and my software receives a confirmation back from the IRS and/or state that there is now a valid extension on file.  The proof exists in bits and bytes in my software, but my software can generate a letter that looks like this:

All of the smart people I know would look at that and say "Yep, that's proof of an extension being filed all right.  Even gives me the confirmation number.  Cool!"  HOWEVER, the bright folks in the lending industry say "No - I want the form!".  I do get it.  Back in the dawn of time, about 15 years ago before EFiling was so prevalent, it used to be that you'd print out a form 4868 and mail it to the IRS to request your extension.  The IRS would stamp it as "approved" and mail it back to you and that was your proof that you had a valid extension.

Somehow... SOMEHOW... in this day and age, this is what you guys still want???  Why??  I mean, my software can still generate that form and print it out.  But if I do so, it doesn't mean that it was sent to the IRS and it certainly doesn't mean that it was accepted/acknowledged.  The IRS no longer stamps the paper copy and sends it back.

In fact, the client could just go online and complete the form using Adobe and give it to you and it would be proof of exactly nothing.

So tell me..  Please, because I'm dying to know.  Why are you like this?

Hello Everyone, I'm seeking a servicing company that can assist for a seller finance deal in Maryland. We'd like to have the borrower the ability to pay back the loan faster than 30 years if they choose, so delivering straight to the bank account may not be ideal.

Also, anyone who has completed one of these transactions, could we connect? I'd love to see a previous term sheet, something that highlights the repercussions of the borrower defaulting on payments will allow the seller to resume ownership of the property. I want to make sure they're covered. :)

Lately, I’ve been reading A Changed Mind, and it hit me: most investors don’t need a new strategy—they need a new mindset.

This book dives deep into how mental shifts lead to tangible results. I started applying some of these principles to my real estate game, and deals really started looking a whole lot different.

So here’s my question to fellow investors:

What’s one belief about real estate you’ve had to completely unlearn to level up?

Drop it in the comments—I’m curious to hear how your mindset has evolved.

I had a coffee meeting today with a well-respected figure in real estate that turned into something far beyond what I expected. This wasn't just networking - it was a shift. He told me he sees something in me. He said he'll personally mentor me to help perfect my pitch and business plan - and he wasn't playing. He gave me real homework assignments, and we'll be meeting again to make sure I can articulate the vision, not just dream it. And the most life-changing part?

He said I don't need to worry about funding - he and his team will provide that once the vision is solid and well-crafted, he insisted that money isn't an issue. He is helping me make sure that my vision is solid. But he says he sees my potential or else he would have not taken time out of his very busy schedule to meet with me. He says I am on his radar.

He also told me something that stuck: move intentionally - and be willing to cut ties quickly with anyone who doesn't align with the mission. This journey isn't about pleasing everyone. It's about precision, purpose, and positioning. I'm still taking it all in, but I wanted to share this as a reminder: the right people will meet you where you are - if you're willing to show up prepared, focused, and open.

I own the property currently and would like to realize 100% of my equity.

@Joe S. to piggy-back on what @Nathan Gesner said; 

Military tenants and military life is not a singular thing, there is active duty, active reserve, lot's of variety in MOS and duty station, on and on. 

I suggest just having a conversation with them as to there MOS, what this Duty Station is for them. Often times one has a pretty good idea if there most likely to be there longer or if chances of transfer is high or low any time soon. 

Aside from that, I'd say generally military tenants are arguably about as good as they come. 

Unless there an 11B or 12B I generally have little fear of a surprise transfer/deployment in coming months. 

Hi Joe,

Great question, and you’re absolutely right to think through the pros and cons before committing to a 24-month lease.

In Texas (and nationwide), military families do have protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), which allows them to legally break a lease if they receive new orders or are deployed. That’s why I typically recommend offering 12-month leases for military tenants. It gives them flexibility and protects you from being locked into a long-term lease that may end early anyway.

Twelve-month terms also give you a more frequent opportunity to adjust rent, assess the property’s condition, and respond to any changes in the market.

That said, military tenants are often very responsible and great tenants, just something to keep in mind as you make your decision.

Best of luck,