When Brian and Cindy Lagree decided to take early retirement from their successful corporate careers, they knew they wanted more than just a typical retirement. They sought a lifestyle that would allow them to pursue their passions, give back to their community, and maintain financial stability without the constraints of a traditional job. Their journey led them to NoteSchool, where they discovered the power of note investing – a strategy that has transformed their retirement into a fulfilling and prosperous new chapter of their lives.

Corporate Success to Early Retirement

Before venturing into the world of note investing, Brian and Cindy had built impressive careers in the corporate world. Cindy spent 34 years working for a mutual fund investment company on the institutional side, while Brian pursued a career in law, specializing in real estate finance and business transactions. Their extensive experience in traditional investing and finance provided them with a solid foundation for their next venture.

The Turning Point: Discovering NoteSchool

In 2015, an advertisement for a two-day NoteSchool class caught Brian’s attention. Intrigued by the concept of note investing, he convinced Cindy to attend with him – though she initially went to ensure Brian didn’t commit to anything they weren’t ready for. Little did they know that this class would be the catalyst for a major life change.

“I remember so well, we were at lunch together the very first day of that two-day class, and I looked across the table at Cindy and said, ‘We can do this,'” Brian recalls. “And we did. We’ve not really looked back.”

Embracing the Note Investing Strategy

After attending the NoteSchool class, Brian and Cindy quickly recognized the potential of note investing as a way to generate passive income and build wealth without the hassles of traditional real estate investing. They appreciated the hands-off nature of owning performing notes compared to managing rental properties.

The Lagrees focused primarily on acquiring performing notes, which offer a steady stream of income with minimal day-to-day management. They typically maintain a portfolio of 20 to 35 notes, carefully selecting each investment based on key metrics such as investment-to-value ratio and loan-to-value ratio.

“We look at the investment to value as a way of measuring our downside risk,” Brian explains. “I like to make sure that everybody has skin in the game, and one way to do that from a metric standpoint is to look at loan-to-value to make sure that the borrower feels and knows that they have something to lose.”

Building a Successful Note Portfolio

Over the past nine years, Brian and Cindy have honed their note investing skills through continuous learning and participation in NoteSchool programs. They’ve attended nine Note Expos, immersing themselves in the latest industry trends and networking with fellow investors.

Their disciplined approach to investing, combined with the knowledge gained from NoteSchool, has allowed them to build a robust and profitable note portfolio. Cindy, leveraging her accounting background, manages the bookkeeping and financial tracking using QuickBooks, dedicating about eight hours per month to overseeing their performing note portfolio.

The Impact on Their Lifestyle

The passive income generated from their note investments has given Brian and Cindy the freedom to pursue their passions and make a difference in their community. They now have the flexibility to volunteer, support charitable causes, and spend quality time with friends and family without the constraints of a traditional work schedule.

“Our why is doing meaningful things,” Brian shares. “We both are active in some charity things, we volunteer quite a bit. We want to always have margin in our life to be able to do that, and our investments are helping to supply income to support some of those efforts.”

Cindy adds, “We are far more flexible with our timing so that we can meet with friends, do things, help out family members that need something. We’re not confined to being able to say, ‘Well, we could help you, but it has to be a Saturday morning.’ Now it can be a Wednesday afternoon, and nobody’s going to ask anything.”

Advice for Aspiring Note Investors

Reflecting on their journey, Brian and Cindy emphasize the importance of taking action and getting started sooner rather than later. They encourage newcomers to the note investing world to dive in and learn by doing, rather than getting stuck in analysis paralysis.

“I’ve told friends that I wish I would have been doing this 20 years ago,” Brian admits. “I just enjoy it, and I like the people that I run into through note investing.”

The Lagrees also stress the value of continuous learning and networking within the note investing community. They credit NoteSchool’s programs, especially the annual Note Expo, as invaluable resources for staying informed and connected in the industry.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Brian and Cindy look to the future, they’re excited about the possibilities that note investing continues to offer. They’ve successfully sculpted a life that aligns with their values, allowing them to enjoy financial freedom while making a positive impact on the world around them.

Their story serves as an inspiration to those seeking an alternative path to financial independence and a fulfilling retirement. Through note investing and the guidance of NoteSchool, Brian and Cindy Lagree have truly achieved wealth without walls – both literally and figuratively.

Ready to achieve success in note investing? The best time to start is now! Take advantage of the resources below to learn from industry experts, connect with a thriving community, and unlock your full potential in creative real estate financing.

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