The Canadian Note Guy: Nathan Turner's Journey to Real Estate Wealth

Welcome to an in-depth exploration of Nathan Turner's fascinating journey from fix-and-flip real estate ventures to becoming a prominent figure in the U.S. mortgage note industry. In this blog post, we'll delve into his early entrepreneurial experiences, the turning point when he discovered the potential of mortgage notes, his rise to leadership, and his contributions to educating and connecting investors through the Diversified Mortgage Expo. Consider this a companion piece to our podcast episode, Nathan Turner- Building wealth with real estate, where you can hear directly from Nathan himself about his experiences and insights. This episode offers a first-hand account of Nathan's expertise in building wealth through real estate. Let's unpack the story of "The Canadian Note Guy" and his remarkable impact on the world of real estate and mortgage note investing.

Introduction: Who is The Canadian Note Guy?

Nathan Turner, affectionately known as "The Canadian Note Guy" in the United States, is a multifaceted entrepreneur and a driving force in the private investment sector of the mortgage note industry. His journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, strategic thinking, and a keen eye for identifying lucrative opportunities. While his current focus lies in managing assets and educating investors within the mortgage note space, his entrepreneurial roots run deep, starting with various ventures that honed his business acumen and ultimately led him to the path of mortgage note investing. Nathan's story is more than just a financial success story; it's an inspiring narrative of how a Canadian entrepreneur navigated the U.S. real estate landscape to build a thriving business and a lasting legacy.

Nathan Turner's Early Business Ventures

Nathan's entrepreneurial spirit ignited long before he became a recognized name in the mortgage note industry. He wasn't someone who simply stumbled upon success; he actively sought it out through a diverse range of business ventures. While specifics might vary across different sources, the common thread is that Nathan's early career was marked by a willingness to take risks, learn from experiences, and constantly seek new avenues for growth. He was involved in a few different business ventures, like restaurants and other service-based business, before taking on real estate. These experiences, while seemingly disparate, provided him with invaluable lessons in business management, customer service, and financial planning. It was this foundation that would prove crucial when he later transitioned into the more specialized field of real estate and, ultimately, mortgage notes.

The Pivotal Moment: Discovering Mortgage Notes

The year 2009 marked a turning point in Nathan Turner's career. While involved in fix-and-flip real estate, he encountered the world of mortgage notes. This discovery was not merely a shift in investment strategy; it was a fundamental change in his understanding of the real estate market and the opportunities it presented. Instead of directly buying, renovating, and selling properties, Nathan recognized the potential of acquiring debt secured by real estate. Mortgage notes, representing loans secured by properties, offered a different avenue for generating income and building wealth. This realization opened up a new realm of possibilities, allowing him to leverage his existing real estate knowledge while diversifying his investment portfolio. The potential for consistent cash flow, coupled with the security of real estate collateral, proved to be an irresistible combination. It was this pivotal moment that set Nathan on the path to becoming "The Canadian Note Guy" and a leader in the U.S. mortgage note industry.

Becoming a Leader in the U.S. Mortgage Note Industry

Transitioning from a novice to a leader in any industry requires dedication, expertise, and a clear vision. For Nathan Turner, this transformation was fueled by his unwavering commitment to learning, networking, and building a strong reputation within the mortgage note space. He immersed himself in the intricacies of the industry, studying the nuances of performing and non-performing notes, understanding the legal and regulatory frameworks, and developing a keen understanding of risk management. This dedication allowed him to quickly gain expertise and insight in the market. He also focused on building relationships with key players in the industry, attending conferences, and actively participating in industry forums. By establishing himself as a knowledgeable and trustworthy professional, he earned the respect of his peers and clients alike. His success wasn't solely based on his ability to identify profitable investment opportunities; it was also rooted in his commitment to ethical practices, transparent communication, and building long-term relationships with his investors and partners. This combination of expertise, integrity, and relationship-building skills propelled him to the forefront of the U.S. mortgage note industry.

Earnest Inc. and Earnest Investing LP Note Fund

As Nathan Turner's reputation grew, so did his ambition to create a more structured and impactful investment platform. This led to the founding of Earnest Inc. and the establishment of the Earnest Investing LP note fund. Earnest Inc. serves as the management company, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the fund and ensuring that it aligns with Nathan's investment philosophy and risk management strategies. The Earnest Investing LP note fund provides a vehicle for accredited passive investors to participate in the mortgage note market. By pooling capital and leveraging Nathan's expertise, investors can gain access to opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible to individual investors. The fund's structure allows for diversification across a portfolio of mortgage notes, mitigating risk and maximizing potential returns. This venture represents a significant step in Nathan's journey, transforming him from an individual investor to a fund manager responsible for stewarding the capital of others. It is a testament to his leadership and a reflection of the trust he has earned within the investment community.

Focus on Performing and Non-Performing First-Lien Mortgages

The Earnest Investing LP note fund focuses on acquiring both performing and non-performing first-lien mortgages throughout the United States. Understanding the distinction between these two types of notes is crucial for comprehending Nathan Turner's investment strategy. Performing mortgages are loans where the borrower is current on their payments, providing a steady stream of income for the investor. These notes offer a relatively low-risk investment opportunity, with consistent cash flow being the primary objective. Non-performing mortgages, on the other hand, are loans where the borrower has fallen behind on their payments or has defaulted altogether. These notes present a higher risk but also the potential for higher returns. By acquiring non-performing notes, Nathan and his team can work with borrowers to find solutions that allow them to stay in their homes, restructure the loan, or, in some cases, foreclose on the property. The key is to carefully assess each note, understand the underlying circumstances, and develop a strategy that maximizes the potential for both financial returns and positive social impact. This dual approach, combining both performing and non-performing notes, allows the fund to balance risk and reward while contributing to the stabilization of communities.

The Diversified Mortgage Expo: An Education-First Conference

Beyond managing investments and generating returns, Nathan Turner is deeply passionate about education and fostering a collaborative environment within the mortgage note industry. This commitment led him to create the Diversified Mortgage Expo, an annual conference that has quickly become a leading event in the note investing world. What sets the Diversified Mortgage Expo apart from other industry conferences is its "education-first, no-pitch" environment. Rather than focusing on sales presentations and promotional pitches, the conference prioritizes providing attendees with valuable insights, practical knowledge, and opportunities to network with experienced professionals. Attendees can learn from leading experts on a wide range of topics, including note origination, due diligence, legal compliance, and exit strategies. The conference attracts a diverse audience, from seasoned investors to newcomers eager to learn the ropes. By creating a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration, Nathan Turner is not only helping to educate the next generation of note investors but also contributing to the overall growth and integrity of the industry. It's a testament to his commitment to giving back and fostering a community of informed and ethical investors.

Nathan Turner's Media Presence

In addition to his work with Earnest Inc. and the Diversified Mortgage Expo, Nathan Turner actively maintains a significant media presence. Recognizing the power of content marketing and thought leadership, he has appeared on numerous podcasts, webinars, and industry publications, sharing his insights and experiences with a wider audience. Through these platforms, he discusses a range of topics related to business, franchising, real estate, and, of course, mortgage note investing. His media appearances serve multiple purposes: they help to raise awareness of his brand and expertise, attract new investors to his fund, and educate the public about the opportunities and risks associated with mortgage note investing. By consistently providing valuable content and engaging with his audience, Nathan has established himself as a trusted voice in the industry. His willingness to share his knowledge and experiences has not only benefited countless investors but has also contributed to the overall growth and legitimacy of the mortgage note market.

Conclusion: Nathan Turner's Impact on Real Estate and Mortgage Note Investing

Nathan Turner's journey from fix-and-flip real estate to becoming a leading figure in the U.S. mortgage note industry is a remarkable story of adaptability, strategic thinking, and a commitment to education and ethical practices. His early business ventures provided him with a solid foundation in entrepreneurship, while his discovery of mortgage notes opened up a new world of investment opportunities. Through Earnest Inc. and the Earnest Investing LP note fund, he has created a platform for accredited investors to participate in the mortgage note market, focusing on both performing and non-performing first-lien mortgages. His creation of the Diversified Mortgage Expo has fostered a collaborative environment for knowledge sharing and networking within the industry. And his active media presence has helped to educate the public about the opportunities and risks associated with mortgage note investing. Nathan Turner's impact extends far beyond his own financial success. He has helped to shape the mortgage note industry, promote ethical investment practices, and empower individuals to build wealth through real estate. Be sure to check out the related episode on the TRON Podcast: Nathan Turner- Building wealth with real estate to hear his story in his own words.