After 43 years in the cockpit, American Airlines Captain Tom Force was ready for retirement. But he wasn’t looking for the typical golden years – he wanted something different. His goal? Replace his pilot’s income with passive note investments before hanging up his wings. Thanks to NoteSchool’s guidance, he achieved that, building his “Check-a-Day Club” through performing note investments.
From Flips to Financial Freedom
Like many real estate investors, Tom’s journey began with traditional investing. By 2021, he and his wife had just completed their final house flip during the challenging COVID period. While profitable, the experience crystallized something important: they wanted true passive income for retirement, not another job.
“I want to hang out with the grandkids and play golf and travel and do all that kind of stuff, not be flipping homes,” Tom recalls. “The scenery was changing, and NoteSchool came along just at the right time. I wanted cash flow but not the headaches.” Hear from Tom himself in this quick video:
Finding His Flight Path with NoteSchool
When Tom discovered NoteSchool about two and a half years ago, he didn’t just dip his toes in – he dove right in. Drawing on his decades of experience as an airline captain, he immediately recognized the parallels between safe flying and smart note investing.
“I set a goal and actually took about two years to reach it,” Tom shares. “I’m actually working with Martha now to get a few more notes. I think that’ll top out at about 30 – I call that the Check-a-Day Club.”
The Pilot’s Approach to Note Investment
Tom’s success stems from applying the same rigorous risk management principles he used in aviation to his note investments. He developed a comprehensive due diligence checklist that mirrors his pre-flight procedures:
- Check the Logbook: Just as he reviews an aircraft’s maintenance history, Tom meticulously studies the servicer notes and payment history of potential note investments.
- Evaluate the Asset: Similar to his aircraft exterior inspections, Tom carefully assesses properties through available photos, Google Street View, and other resources to gauge pride of ownership.
- Risk Assessment: Drawing on his pilot’s instinct for safety, Tom weighs the “redeeming versus un-redeeming factors” of each investment, ensuring the positive factors substantially outweigh any concerns.
Building a Passive Portfolio
Today, Tom has assembled a portfolio of performing notes that delivers consistent monthly income with minimal hands-on management. “For the vast majority of my notes, they pay on time, the check or ACH goes into my account, and I just go about my business,” he explains. “It’s a one-time transaction that I just keep an eye on, just like sitting in the cockpit watching the instruments.”
When challenges do arise, Tom relies on the same methodical approach he used in aviation: “We’ve prepared for this. Since we bought the property at a discount and properly planned, we’re still in a strong position – just like considering an emergency landing, we have procedures in place for a safe outcome.”
The NoteSchool Difference
Tom credits NoteSchool’s comprehensive training and ongoing support for his successful transition from pilot to note investor. “The training we get through webinars where Eddie brings real-life situations – I consider that a simulator where I can say, ‘What would I have done in that situation?'” he explains. “I feel a lot more comfortable knowing I have a plan if something happens.”
Eddie Speed, NoteSchool’s founder, points out that Tom’s story exemplifies what makes note investing so powerful: “We’re not smarter than you – we’re just more seasoned on this subject. What we’re giving our NoteSchool members is a compression of time.”
Ready for Takeoff?
In just five weeks, Tom will retire from American Airlines, having successfully built the passive income stream he envisioned. His story demonstrates how NoteSchool’s proven systems and support can help investors achieve their financial goals, whether they’re pilots, professionals, or retirees seeking passive income.
Your Journey to Real Estate Success Starts Here
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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