When Nathan Turner took his first NoteSchool class in 2009, he couldn’t have imagined that he’d become one of North America’s leading note investors, managing a successful note fund and organizing major industry events. Based just outside Calgary, Alberta, Turner has proven that with the right education and mindset, you can build a thriving note business from anywhere.

Breaking Into the American Market

“Eddie Speed’s class was my first real introduction to notes,” Turner recalls. “I’ve been doing it full-time ever since.” What makes Turner’s success particularly remarkable is that he chose to focus exclusively on the U.S. market, despite being based in Canada.

“I’ve only been presented with two or three notes in Canada over the last 15 years, and honestly, they just don’t make sense,” Turner explains. “You go where the business is, you go where the money is.” This strategic decision to focus on the larger, more dynamic U.S. market has paid off handsomely.

Building Success Through Education and Relationships

Turner credits his initial NoteSchool training with giving him the foundation he needed to succeed in the note business. “This is not real estate – it’s a different game,” he emphasizes. “The assets we’re buying are backed by real estate, but you have to know the rules, you have to know how the game is played.” Hear it from Nathan himself in this quick video:

His success in the industry stems from understanding a crucial principle that NoteSchool teaches: relationships are paramount. “It’s a pretty small group. We’re not regular real estate investors where there’s hundreds of thousands of them out there. We’re note investors, so it’s so important to get in there and get to know each other.”

Evolution into Fund Management

As Turner’s expertise grew, he evolved his business model. While he started with non-performing notes, successfully turning around troubled assets and helping homeowners get back on track, he has since expanded into fund management. “The concentration now for me has shifted a little bit where I’m buying more performing notes into my fund,” he explains.

This evolution showcases the versatility of the note business and the various paths to success that NoteSchool’s education can unlock. Turner’s fund now attracts investors who are looking for alternatives to traditional real estate investments, particularly those seeking refuge from challenges in other sectors like multifamily and storage.

Giving Back to the Industry

Today, Turner is not just a successful note investor but also a respected industry leader. Together with his wife, he runs the Diversified Mortgage Expo, a major industry event that brings together note professionals from across North America. “The whole goal for me is to have people come together so that you can get deals done,” he says. “I want there to be business happening, not just coming and ‘rah rah’ everybody goes home and forgets about it.”

Keys to Success in the Note Business

Turner shares several insights that have contributed to his success:

1. Get proper training – Understanding the fundamental differences between traditional real estate and note investing is crucial
2. Build relationships – The note business is relationship-driven and requires strong networking
3. Stay adaptable – Markets change, and successful note investors must adapt their strategies
4. Think beyond borders – Don’t limit yourself to your local market
5. Focus on execution – Success comes from implementing what you learn, not just learning

Looking Forward

After 15 years in the business, Turner remains as enthusiastic as ever about the opportunities in note investing. “You can do it from a distance. You don’t have to invest in your backyard,” he says. “Everything can be done with a computer and a phone.” Click below to hear directly from Nathan:

His success story exemplifies what’s possible with the right education, mindset, and determination. From his first NoteSchool class to becoming a fund manager and industry leader, Turner’s journey shows that the note business is accessible to anyone willing to learn and take action.

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