When Jean and Vince Patrell joined NoteSchool in March 2023, they were complete newcomers to the note investing industry. Just over a year later, they’ve built a thriving note business, established valuable connections across the country, and are even helping guide other investors through complex deals. Their transformation showcases the power of education combined with a supportive community.

Finding Their Path in Note Investing

The Patrells’ journey began when they decided to explore alternative real estate investment strategies. Like many investors, they recognized the changing market conditions would require new approaches to create sustainable success.

“When we first started, we didn’t know pretty much anybody,” recalls Vince. “We were completely new to the note business and weren’t sure exactly where to begin.”

The NoteSchool Difference

Their introduction to NoteSchool’s ecosystem came through attending the Summer Summit in 2023, just two months after joining. The experience proved transformative.

“The first thing we noticed was the incredible breadth of experience in the room,” Jean explains. “There were brand new people like us, along with others who had been successfully investing in notes for 20, 30 years. That mix of experience levels made us feel both inspired and supported.”

Building Connections That Matter

One of the most striking aspects of their NoteSchool experience has been the organic way relationships develop. During their first Summer Summit, a chance interaction over a shared power strip led to meeting Ann Morton, a fellow note investor from their hometown of Greenville, South Carolina. That simple connection has evolved into a valuable ongoing collaboration, with regular meetings to discuss their respective portfolios and strategies.

“When you talk about community, it’s not just in the sessions,” Vince emphasizes. “It extends well beyond that. We now have a network of trusted colleagues we can call on for advice, local market insights, or collaboration opportunities across the country.”

Leveraging Educational Resources

The Patrells have taken full advantage of NoteSchool’s comprehensive educational offerings, particularly the thrice-weekly Deal Labs. These virtual sessions provide real-time analysis of active deals and have proven invaluable in their development as note investors.

Jean shares a pivotal early experience: “Just a couple months into our journey, we encountered a note with reverse amortization. We weren’t sure about it, so we brought it to Deal Lab. Eddie and the community confirmed it wasn’t a good fit for us. That single piece of advice potentially saved us from a significant mistake.“

Growth Through Immersion

Their commitment to learning has included participation in multiple NoteSchool events:

• Summer Summit
• Titanium Mastermind sessions
• Note Expo
• Office visits with Eddie Speed
• Regular Deal Lab attendance

The office visit experience proved particularly valuable, offering an over-the-shoulder look at how Eddie and his team evaluate deals and assess risk. “It helped us understand not just the mechanics of due diligence, but how to think about risk assessment and decision-making in a practical way,” notes Vince.

Measurable Progress

The Patrells’ growth is evident in how they now interact with the NoteSchool community. “At this year’s Summer Summit, just one year after starting, we found ourselves explaining complex concepts to people who had been in NoteSchool longer than us,” Jean shares proudly. “The compression of time through focused learning and community support has been remarkable.”

The Power of Ecosystem Support

Beyond the formal education, the Patrells have found immense value in NoteSchool’s broader ecosystem, including:

• Access to vetted vendors and service providers
• Private Facebook group for quick problem-solving
• Regular market updates and trend analysis
• Networking opportunities with experienced investors
• Collaborative deal opportunities

“Eddie and the NoteSchool team are always ahead of market trends,” Vince notes. “Often, we’ll hear something in our sessions that doesn’t show up in broader real estate circles for months. That kind of market intelligence is invaluable.”

Looking Forward

Today, Jean and Vince approach note investing with confidence and clarity. They’ve built a sustainable business model backed by deep knowledge and a robust support network. Their success demonstrates how NoteSchool’s combination of education, community, and practical application can accelerate an investor’s journey from novice to knowledgeable professional.

“The community aspect of NoteSchool isn’t just about networking,” Jean concludes. “It’s about having a safety net of experienced professionals who can help you avoid pitfalls and maximize opportunities. That’s something you simply can’t put a price on.”

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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