When Larry and Marishka Pilch first encountered Eddie Speed at a local real estate investor meeting in Western Washington back in 2009, they were typical real estate investors with just a couple of rental properties. Little did they know that this meeting would lead them to build a thriving note business that would eventually give them the freedom to live and work from anywhere in the country.

Before we fully dive into their story lets hear about their one issue with the Note Industry… you might find it unique and actually a blessing😉

Early Beginnings and the Path to Notes

“We were newer investors with only a rental property or two when we met Eddie at one of the local REIAs,” Marishka recalls. At the time, she was working in corporate America, while Larry ran his own business. Both were feeling the constraints of traditional work schedules and client demands.

The couple was immediately intrigued by the note business’s potential. They joined NoteSchool and began their journey into the world of note investing, which would eventually transform their approach to real estate investing and their lifestyle.

Building a Streamlined Note Business

Today, the Pilches have developed a sophisticated yet surprisingly simple approach to their note business. They focus on both buying performing notes and creating their own through seller financing and lease options. Their success stems from several key strategies:

1. Clear Division of Responsibilities

Larry and Marishka have established distinct roles within their business. “We each have our own tasks,” Larry explains. “I do certain things that she doesn’t want to do, and vice versa.” This division of labor helps them operate efficiently and play to their individual strengths.

2. Simplified Systems

While many investors get caught up in complex systems, the Pilches have found that simpler is often better. They use:

• Basic spreadsheets for tracking and analysis
• A simple CRM system
• Professional loan servicers for payment management
• Strategic vendor partnerships for various services

3. Remote Business Model

Operating from their beautiful home in Hayden, Idaho, the Pilches have mastered the art of remote note investing. They’ve proven that you don’t need to be in major markets to succeed in the note business. “As long as you’ve got a phone and a laptop, you can do business,” Marishka emphasizes.

Innovation in Marketing

One of the couple’s most successful strategies has been their mastery of Facebook Marketplace for property marketing. They consistently sell properties with seller financing in various states within 30 days when priced correctly. This approach has allowed them to:

• Market properties effectively without geographic limitations
• Test pricing strategies without the stigma of “days on market”
• Connect directly with potential buyers
• Create new note opportunities through seller financing

The Power of Community and Continuous Learning

The Pilches credit much of their success to their involvement in the NoteSchool community. “Get involved,” Larry advises new note investors. “Make sure you’re getting on the Deal Labs. There’s a minimum of three calls every single week that you can get on.”

They emphasize the importance of:

• Active participation in training sessions
• Bringing deals to Deal Labs for analysis
• Learning from other investors’ experiences
• Building relationships within the note community

Lifestyle By Design

Perhaps most impressively, Larry and Marishka have achieved what many investors dream of – a truly lifestyle-focused business. They regularly travel to Hawaii and other countries while their note business continues to operate smoothly. As Marishka puts it, “If everything’s going well, we don’t even really have to know what’s happening with every single note every single month.”

Keys to Their Success

The Pilches attribute their success to several fundamental principles:

• Focus on helping deserving buyers achieve homeownership
• Maintaining strong relationships with servicers and vendors
• Staying current with market conditions
• Embracing technology for remote business operations
• Continuous learning and adaptation

Looking to the Future

Today, Larry and Marishka continue to expand their note business while enjoying the freedom it provides. They actively buy and create notes across multiple states, always looking for new opportunities to help deserving buyers while building their portfolio.

Their story demonstrates that with the right education, systems, and mindset, it’s possible to build a successful note business that supports your ideal lifestyle rather than consuming it.

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.

Your journey toward financial freedom begins today—don’t wait to take the next step!

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