Mobile Mailbox Money: Cracking the Code of Note Investing with Scott Carson

This article summarizes a Mobile Mailbox Money podcast episode featuring Scott Carson, note investing extraordinaire. Carson shares his journey, insights, and advice on profiting in the note space.

Scott Carson's Journey: Carson started in mortgages in 2001, learning owner financing and note investing. Post-2008, he focused on buying distressed debt from banks. Now, he's a leading expert with a top note investing podcast and YouTube channel.

Key Insights:

• What is Note Investing?: Buying debt (mortgages) at a discount makes you the lender, secured by real estate.
• Finding Deals: Contact banks' special asset/secondary marketing departments.
• Due Diligence: Thoroughly vet deals, focusing on insurance, liens, and professional guidance. Avoid properties you don't want to own.
• Raising Capital: Target self-directed IRA investors. Highlight passive income potential.
• The Niche: Buy notes cheaper than most REO purchases.

Top 5 Due Diligence Items for Performing Notes:

1. Never buy a note on something you don't want to end up owning.
2. Make sure you're in a secure position by buying a first lien.
3. Always make sure there is insurance on the property.
4. Always check the collateral file.
5. Retain professionals who have experience in the space.

Carson's Advice:

• Get educated and seek counsel from experienced note investors.
• Attend conferences like FinCon and local real estate club meetings.
• Don't seek opinions!

Conclusion: Note investing offers unique opportunities, especially in today's market. Learn the basics, take action, and connect with experts like Scott Carson.

Alden Guajardo is a seasoned real estate investor, fund manager, and entrepreneur with a deep specialization in affordable housing and manufactured home finance. As Vice President of Win Mobile Homes, one of Arizona’s leading licensed mobile home dealerships, Alden has facilitated hundreds of successful transactions using innovative seller-financed structures. His expertise in structuring performing notes has helped create affordable pathways to homeownership for families who don’t qualify for traditional real estate financing—often turning $5,000 down payments into life-changing housing solutions.

In addition to leading Win Mobile Homes, Alden is the President of Silvercrest Opportunity Fund, a 506(c) accredited investor fund that offers double-digit returns through secured investments in first-lien performing notes backed by manufactured housing. He is also the founder of Mobile Mailbox Money, a media and education platform that demystifies note investing and alternative asset strategies for both new and seasoned investors. His fund and note strategies are modeled after institutional-level principles, creating stable, inflation-hedged passive income opportunities in a market with rising demand and limited supply.

A frequent speaker at national investor conferences like the Diversified Mortgage Expo, AZREIA, and the Southern Charm Real Estate Conference, Alden is known for his boots-on-the-ground insights, high-yield investment strategies, and commitment to financial education. Through his podcast, live events, and digital content, he empowers investors to tap into overlooked markets with institutional discipline—proving that manufactured housing isn’t just affordable, it’s bank-quality.

Connect with him at Mobilemailboxm