MAREI Newsletter - March 2025 : simplebooklet.com

03 MAR: Online Event: Buying with No Cash or Credit05 MAR: Johnson County Landlords: Leaving a Legacy08 MAR: Master Class - Find, Hire & Manage Contractors08 MAR: Northland Real Estate Investors10 MAR: REI Blackbook - Automation Q & A11 MAR: MAREI Meeting: Getting Turn-Over Right with Andrew Syrios12 MAR: Crossroads: Flipping Houses13 MAR: 3 Day Business Builder Bootcamp in Kansas City, Free for Members if MAREI18 MAR: Express Success - Seller Financing18 MAR: Cass County Landlords Meet20 MAR: Bear BNB 2nd Annual REI KC Meetup20 MAR: John Burley 4 Day Bootcamp in Phoenix Starts22 MAR: Master Class - Investing in Notes 24 MAR: MOVHA 2 Day Advocacy in Jeff City25 MAR: Connected Investor - Find More Off Market Deals26 MAR: Summit Investors FREE Virtual Help Night28 MAR: REI Blackbook 3 Day Bootcamp Starts08 APR: MAREI Meeting - Ask the Experts Night12 APR: Master Class: Short Sales Weekly Member Hosted EventsTUE: Home Resource NetworkWED: WinVestors WeeklyGet more details and register for all of these events atMAREI.org/Full-Calendar/or call / text (913) 815-0111MAR / APR 2025MAREI memberIS DIGITALA digital version of MAREI member isavailable online where you will find thatthe links are clickable in the onlineversion and you can download andprint only the pages you want.MAREI.org/Newsletter/Kim TuckerCo-Founder of MAREIW elcome to Mid-America Association of RealEstate Investors (MAREI). Since2004, we have been serving the realestate investment community acrossthe Kansas City Metro Area.Made up of real estate investors,rental property owners, creativebuyers, note buyers, wholesalers,apartment owners, syndicators,private lenders, and people whoprovide products and services tothese members.MAREI has provided some of themost comprehensive educationalevents and networking opportunitiesfor our members and guests,providing them with the resourcesthey need to invest in themselves.Whether you are new to investing orwant to grow your business to thenext level, the community here atMAREI is ready to help you.2 MAREI member

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City CouncilLEGISLATIVELY SPEAKING FinCen: The CTA has been suspended by the Secretary of theTreasury as it relates to all domestic (American) Companies. Thiswas the latest as of March 3rd, 2025.Criminals Are a Protected Class in Kansas City Missouri - Ordinance241074 was adopted January 16th, 2025, and amends the City Codeto include persons with criminal histories as a protected class as itrelates to discrimination in employment, housing, and other areas.www.MAREI.org/AdvocacyAre You Up To Date on the Latest MAREI.org 3This means that, in housing matters, a person cannot be treated differently—or be deniedhousing—solely because of their criminal record. Any housing decision must consider allavailable information rather than using a criminal record as a blanket disqualifier.Missouri HB 343, HB 595, & SB 507: Bars Cities from creating laws that prohibit landlords fromrefusing to rent based on the person’s source of income. Or prohibits landlords from usingincome-qualifying methods when determining whether to rent or lease to a prospective tenant. Or that prohibits landlords from requesting tenant criminal records. Or that limits the amount ofthe security deposit. Or requires tenants to automatically receive the first right of refusal. Ifpassed it would invalidate the Kansas City Missouri Source of Income Law from 2024. These billshave several champions, one of which is the KC Regional Housing Alliance. HB 343 was combinedwith HB 595 and passed. SB 507 is in committee and should go to vote March 10.Kansas HB 2378: This is a proposed measure designed to streamline the process for removingunauthorized occupants, or squatters, from residential properties. Dubbed the “Removal ofSquatters Act”, this bill aims to empower property owners while addressing longstandingconcerns over a lengthy and cumbersome eviction process.Housing Vouchers: Despite what Mayor Lucas is telling the media, the actual number of peoplewaiting to receive a housing voucher is probably much higher than 17,000, but there are onlyactually 290 with vouchers seeking housing as of November 2024

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to discuss renewal terms and gauge tenant interest in staying. Offer renewal incentives. Consider asmall token of appreciation, such as agift card to a tenant’s favoriterestaurant, to encourage renewals.Longer tenancies mean lower vacancyrates. For example, Andrew shared“Let’s say your average vacancy is twomonths between tenants (turnover andtime to lease). If you have a move-outevery year, that would amount to avacancy percentage of 14.3%; twodivided by 14 (12 months tenancy, plusthe two vacant months). Right off thebat, you increase your income by over7% and reduce expenses to boot. “Getting a Head Start on TurnoverEven when tenants do move out, there the key points.Reducing the Need for TurnoverOne of the biggest myths in propertymanagement is that tenant renewals areentirely out of your control. While somemoves—such as job relocations—areinevitable, many tenants leave due toissues that can be addressed, likeunresolved maintenance concerns orpoor communication.A few simple changes can significantlyimprove lease renewal rates:Prioritize maintenance andresponsiveness. Tenants are far morelikely to stay if maintenance requestsare handled quickly and efficiently.Communicate proactively. Reach outtwo months before lease expiration Tenant turnover is one of the biggestoperational expenses for buy-and-hold realestate investors—often second only toproperty taxes. Unlike taxes, however,turnover is something you can influencesignificantly. When done right, it can helpyou increase rental income and lowercosts, improving your overall cash flow andinvestment performance.As we have Andrew Syrios coming in Marchto share on this topic, we have beenreading up on the subject on his article onBiggerPockets about mastering tenantturnover (read it here). And as he ismanaging 500+ units, we’re pretty sure heknows what he’s talking about. Hisstrategies align with what we’ve found tobe the most effective ways to manageturnover, reduce vacancies, and optimizerental income. We wanted to share a few of GETTING TENANT TURNOVER RIGHT: MAXIMIZEINCOME AND MINIMIZE COSTSVACANT PROPERTYCOST YOU MONEY4 MAREI member Learn More at the MeetingTuesday March 11th

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downtime:Use high-quality photos (ideally takenwith a professional camera or by a prophotographer) to attract tenants.List properties immediately—don’t waitfor turnover to finish before startingmarketing.Use a comparative market analysis to setthe right rental rate for quick leasing.Join us at the March 11th MAREI Meetingto learn MoreEffective tenant turnover management isabout balancing speed, cost, and quality. Byrefining each stage of the process—fromlease renewal strategies to efficientturnovers—investors can significantly reducevacancy rates and boost rental income.Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs)such as average turnover time, contractorefficiency, and tenant retention rates helpsidentify areas for improvement and keepsyour operation running smoothly.For more insights on optimizing tenantturnover, be sure to check out Andrew Syrios’original article on BiggerPockets.are ways to reduce downtime. One strategyAndrew & his team have implementedsuccessfully is offering tenants a monetaryincentive to vacate early. For example:They offer $10–$20 per day for tenantsto move out ahead of their lease enddate, depending on the property type.While this may seem like an added cost,it allows us to begin turnover worksooner and get the unit re-rented faster,which ultimately offsets the expense.Another essential strategy is cash-for-keysagreements in eviction situations. Thisapproach avoids the costs and delays offormal eviction proceedings if the tenantneeds to go, keeps the property in bettercondition, and minimizes vacancy time.Other time-saving measures include:Ensuring utilities transfer back to thelandlord’s name immediately to avoidshut-offs.Staggering lease end dates so you don’thave multiple turnovers occurring at thesame time.Keeping a strong relationship withcontractors (or an in-house team) tospeed up turnover work.Contractors vs. EmployeesFor smaller portfolios, hiring contractors istypically the best option. However, largerlandlords—especially those with apartmentcomplexes—may benefit from an in-houseturnover crew.Each approach has its pros and cons:Contractors provide a fixed bid for eachproject, so you won’t have to worryabout labor inefficiencies, but they maynot always be available when needed.Employees offer consistency and controlover quality, but labor costs can beunpredictable if not properly managed.If using contractors, it’s critical to scheduleturnover work in advance to minimizedelays. Tools like Monday.com or MAREI.org 5Smartsheet can help streamline schedulingand project tracking.Streamlining the Turnover ProcessA clear Scope of Work (SOW) helps ensureturnovers are completed quickly andcorrectly. While some landlords rely onsimple checklists, we’ve found that adetailed scope of work is more effective inkeeping projects on track.A good turnover scope includes:Prework tasks, such as pest control andtrash removal.Room-by-room repairs and updates.Specialized vendor work, like HVACservicing or flooring installation.Final punch-list items, including deepcleaning and appliance installation.Using project management software to storescope templates and attach picturesensures clear expectations for contractorsand prevents unnecessary delays.Turnover speed is important, but qualitymatters just as much. Some best practicesto follow:Set clear timelines for workers andenforce deadlines.Monitor contractor performance bytracking completion rates and qualityscores.Standardize materials (paint, flooring,appliances, etc.) to streamline futuremaintenance and repairs. It’s mucheasier to get paint right or light fixturesright when they are the same in EVERYunit.Procure materials in bulk to take advantageof supplier discounts, such as Home Depot’sPreferred Pricing program or THE MAREI20% off on paint and 2% rebate.Marketing the Property to MinimizeVacancyOnce turnover is complete, quick andeffective marketing ensures minimal MAREI Members, share this guestpass with friends, they can show it atthe door to attend as your guest. Youearn $15 in MAREI bucks for theirvisit and another $15 when they join.

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Where Do I Find a ( ) … Insert Coach,Mentor, Guide, Someone to AnswerQuestions?This is a question I get several times a year.Just this weekend:”I’m eager to jump in and avoid falling intoanalysis paralysis, which has been a hurdle forme in the past. My goal is to rehab my firsthouse before summer, but I still feel unsureabout where to start. When I look at potentialproperties, I’m not entirely confident in what Ishould be assessing or focusing on.That’s why I believe having a mentor would beincredibly helpful. Shadowing someone withexperience and gaining hands-on knowledgewould make all the difference. Can yourecommend someone within the MAREInetwork who might be willing to guide me?”Do You Need a Mentor or SomethingElse? MAREI.org 7As a new real estate investor, one willgenerally follow this path:Consume a lot of free onlineinformation and get super interestedin the idea of real estate.1.Find some community where you canstart learning about all the ways toinvest in real estate (like MAREI).2.Attend a training class on “The One”—the niche that seems to check all yourboxes—and take a lot of notes.3.Then go out there and do it … except …how do you do it?4.Then you go to the next training classand it seems to be “The One” and youget really confused.5.Now you need someone to help you alongthe way. Most think, “I need a mentor” orperhaps “I need a coach!”But do you really?If you read the article Do You Really Need aMentor by Vena Jones-Cox (one of mymentors, by the way), you’ll see that mentors are not people who teach you howto do real estate or answer your questions.Rather, they are super experienced in whatyou want to do, and they help you figurethings out on a more big-picture scale. Andthat can get pricey. You Might Need a CoachOn the other hand, you might need a coach.If you’re looking for someone to bounceideas off of, ask questions, run numbers, ordo a bit of hand-holding, you might need acoach instead. If the following describesyou, then consider MAREI’s Express SuccessCoaching Program:You get the basic idea of what youwant to do, but there are gaps in yourknowledge.You’re pretty sure real estate is yourthing and that you’ve found the rightniche, but you haven’t done a deal—orhaven’t done many.You’re just learning and don’t want tosit down and talk about the wholepicture of you, just the specific thingyou want to learn.Get Mentored at the MAREI MeetingTuesday April 8

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You don’t have the money …mentoring starts expensive and goesup from there—think four or fivezeros.Do You Need a Training Course Instead?If we go back to the traditional path andlook at the “Attend Training Class” step:What did you do at that training class?Take a lot of notes?Did you buy the training course?Did you open it and work your waythrough it?If you didn’t buy the course, I recommendgoing back to wherever that class was andfinding out if there’s a way to purchase it.Often, that awesome package deal youdidn’t think you wanted to spend moneyon ends up being the best investment. Acourse takes you from A to Z on the stepsto get your first investment in that nichedone. Would you rather spend $1,000 on acourse to find out short sales aren’t foryou, or $50,000 on a mentoring programto figure that out?Case in point: I bought a course on noteinvesting. It was very interesting and camewith a 3-day boot camp, which I attended.All in, it cost around $1,000. The traineroffered a mentoring program for $24,000.We bought it and dug in but found thatwhile it was a great way to make money inreal estate, what we were doing beforewas faster and easier.We did a few note deals and more thanpaid for that mentoring. We even haveseveral cash-flowing notes in our portfolio.But to say we do notes … we don’t.Further, if you bought the course, and justwent through it but didn’t take action, whynot? Go dig it out and start over. Of if youjust didn’t like it, was it the niche itself, orperhaps the course, maybe there is abetter course option out there.8 MAREI member What You Really Need is a CommunityIf you’ve been doing this for a while or haveclarity about what you want to do and needexpensive help doing it, consider a mentor.But if you’re new to real estate, Irecommend:Join a Community and ask questionsfrom the start.1.Start with training.2.Take action on that training3.Utilize your Community4.Then, perhaps, consider a coach.5.A community makes or breaks your realestate investing journey. These are thepeople out there in the trenches, doingwhat you do, day in and day out. They won’tteach you A to Z—that’s what trainingcourses are for—but they’ll be there for alittle nudge when needed. ASK QUESTIONS!!As a MAREI member, I’m more than willingto talk to people at meetings orcommunicate via forums to answerquestions like:What’s the general ratio lenders areusing—70% of ARV, 60%, 80%?Where do you go to buy[product/service/tool]?Can you go over these numbers withme?Make the Most of a CommunityJoin one where active real estateinvestors participate.1.Take every training that fits your niche.2.Buy a training course and learn thebasics.3.Prepare for in-person meetings withyour top questions. Arrive early fornetworking to seek answers.4.Use the Facebook group (MAREI’s has15,000 members, including top gurus,coaches, and mentors who answerquestions for free—up to a point).5.When you go to all those events, look forthe circles of people around the room. Thepeople who have the answers are all goingto have a circle of people around them.They have the answers. Look to the vendorswith tables, they know a lot and they knowall the people. Go talk to them. What everyou do, don’t go sit and wait for the meetingto happen. That first hour is your time toget a ton of free knowledge, but you have togo get it.What Do You Need?Knowledge: Consume all theinformation you can until you figureout your focus. Attend local REIAmeetings, workshops, and masterclasses. Lurk in forums.Training: Once you’ve chosen a focus,invest in a training course or two. Ifyou need suggestions, just ask.Action: Go out there and do it. You’lleither succeed or learn—but only ifyou take action.Community: Implement your trainingand ask questions in REIA forums andmeetings.Coaching: If coaching is what youneed, consider MAREI’s ExpressSuccess program.Mentoring: Once you’ve found yourfooting, then you might need amentor.We have a very special night coming up atMAREI . . its our Get Mentored Night andwe have not done this in a very long time. We are gathering our experts andspotlighting them and giving you 10minutes with each to chat, ask basicquestions, and exchange cards so you canstart building the relationships you need todo lots of deals in the years to come. Article written by MAREI Co-Founder KimTucker, who has been leading thecommunity with her husband Don since2004. One of her mentors is Vena Jones-Cox. Don and Kim buy houses, so if youhave one to sell, visitkcmoHomeBuyer.com.

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Ray doesn’t sugarcoat the truth—he’s made plenty of mistakes in thebusiness, which is exactly why he’sthe right person to help you avoidmaking them. Here are some keytakeaways from his talk on gettingrehabs done right, staying onbudget, and keeping yourcontractors accountable.The Scope of Work is TheFoundation of a Successful RehabProjectA detailed, clear scope of workensures that contractors knowexactly what needs to be done andeliminates any “I thought it would lookbetter this way” surprises. Here’s whatRay emphasizes when creating ascope of work: List Everything: Every task,material, and finish should be Learn More at the Master ClassSaturday March 8thIF YOU'VE EVER TACKLED A REHAB PROJECT, YOU KNOW THAT MANAGING CONTRACTORS CAN MAKE ORBREAK YOUR DEAL. RAY SASSER, A SEASONED REAL ESTATE INVESTOR AND CONTRACTOR, SHARED HIS DECADESOF HARD-EARNED WISDOM IN THE LATEST LONE STAR REIA PODCAST, REAL ESTATE SCOPE OF WORK (WATCH ITHERE: YOUTUBE LINK). MAREI.org 9outlined in detail. “If you don’tspecify the grout color, don’t besurprised when your contractor pickssomething crazy.” Time Estimates: Define how longeach part of the project should take.If a job should take 45 minutes, andyour contractor thinks it’s a full-dayjob, that’s a red flag. Material Costs: Have a roughestimate of what things should cost.This keeps contractors fromovercharging or underbidding andbailing out halfway through.“Every hour of planning saves five toten hours of labor and cost,” Raystresses. “Figure things out before theybecome problems.”Qualifying Your Contractor: Askthe Right QuestionsNot all contractors are created equal,and hiring the wrong one can lead tonightmare scenarios. Ray shared hisgo-to questions when vettingcontractors:How many jobs have you done?“If a guy says he’s cut down threetrees in his life, he’s not your treeguy.”How do you determine how toinstall a product? The correctanswer? “By code andmanufacturer instructions.”Do you have references? Pastwork speaks volumes. A goodcontractor should have proof ofquality projects.Are you licensed and insured? Ifthe answer is no, move on. “One badaccident can wipe you out.”

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What to Do If a Contractor WalksOffIf you’re already in this situation, youhave to be aggressive in gettingresults. Ray calls it being a “Monsterfor Outcomes” (MFO):“If you’re a little kitten in the cornermeowing, you’re going to getstomped on. You have to be a‘Monster for Outcomes’ and dowhatever it takes to get the jobdone.”Here’s what you can do: Negotiate First. Start politely—ask if they’ll come back to finish thejob. Use Leverage. If they rely onreferrals or are part of a vendornetwork, threaten to cut off futurebusiness if they don’t finish the job.Call in Licensed Subcontractors.While Texas doesn’t require generalcontractor licenses, electricians,plumbers, and HVAC techniciansmust be licensed.If their licenses are on the line,they’re more likely to finish theirpart of the job.Avoid Legal Battles UnlessNecessary. Suing a contractor in istough—many will shut down theirbusiness and reopen under a newname to avoid paying judgments.Hiring a contractor can be one ofthe biggest challenges in realestate investing. While many doexcellent work, there are plentywho overpromise andunderdeliver—and some evenwalk off jobs before they’re done.10 MAREI member Ray also advises running backgroundchecks. “IDI Core is great for this. Ifound out too late that a guy who tookmy money had been charged twicebefore for the same thing.” (IDI Corehas a discount for MAREI Membersthorugh National REIA)The Right Way to Pay ContractorsOne of the biggest mistakesinvestors make is paying contractorstoo much upfront. Ray lays out hisstrict payment process: No Big Down Payments: “Nevergive a contractor a huge downpayment. If they disappear, goodluck getting that money back.” Progress Payments Only: “I payfor work that’s been completed, notwork that’s promised.” Set a Payment Schedule: Rayonly pays on Fridays. “If they want toget paid, they turn in their invoicesby Wednesday. No exceptions.” Watch for ‘Banking on the NextJob’ Contractors: Many contractorsuse your deposit to finish their lastjob. “If they’re desperate for moneyupfront, that’s a bad sign.Knowing Your Product and ExitStrategyContractors shouldn’t dictate thefinishes or scope of your rehab. “I dothe comps. I know what my buyerswant. The contractor is there toexecute, not decide.”Ray emphasizes understanding thevalue of your property and knowingwhen to stop spending. “Sometimes,you don’t need to take it down to thestuds. Sometimes, cleaning and minorupdates bring the best ROI.”Want to Learn How to Find, Hire &Manage the Right Contractors?Whatto Do If a Contractor Walks OffContractors can make or break yourrehab projects, so learning tomanage them correctly is essential.That’s why Ray Sasser is hosting aMaster Class on Saturday, March 8th,teaching investors: How to find reliable contractors How to properly structurecontracts How to ensure jobs get completedon time and on budget Reserve your spot here: MAREIMaster Class – March 8thThis could be the difference betweengetting burned by bad contractorsand running your projects smoothlyand profitably.SAVE50% OFFMARCHMASTER CLASSESUSE CODE“NEWSLETTER”AT CHECKOUT

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Learn More at the Master ClassSaturday March, 22th MAREI.org 11by Kim TuckerIf you’ve spent any time in the realestate investing world, you’ve likelybeen told that owning rentalproperties is the best way to buildlong-term wealth. But what if therewas another way—one that offerssteady returns without theheadaches of propertymanagement, tenant issues, ormaintenance calls at midnight?Enter note investing.I just watched an eye-openingpodcast featuring Tracy Z and FredRewey, two of the most respectedexperts in the note investing space.They shared how they went fromtraditional real estate investing tobecoming “lien-lords”—a term thatperfectly describes the power ofowning real estate-backed notesinstead of managing physicalproperties. And the best part?They’re coming to MAREI on March 22nd to teach an exclusive masterclass on how to get started.What is Note Investing?Simply put, note investing is whenan investor buys a mortgage note—essentially becoming the lender.Instead of owning the property, youown the right to collect paymentsfrom the borrower. Tracy and Fredspecialize in performing seller-financed first-position notes, whichmeans they focus on loans thathomeowners are already paying on,rather than the riskier strategy ofbuying defaulted loans.While many investors chasedistressed properties or try toacquire nonperforming loans at adiscount, Tracy and Fred prefercash-flowing, performing notes.They explained how they buy thesenotes from sellers who originallyfinanced the sale of their own ikproperty and now want to cash out.By purchasing these notes at adiscount, investors can earn a strongreturn while enjoying truly passiveincome.Why Become a Lien-Lord Instead of aLandlord?Traditional rental properties comewith a long list of responsibilities—repairs, property taxes, dealing withvacancies, and handling difficulttenants. Tracy and Fred discoveredearly on that while real estateownership builds wealth, being thelender offers many of the samefinancial benefits with fewerheadaches.Here are a few key advantages ofnote investing:No tenants, toilets, or turnover:You’re not managing a property—you’re collecting payments.

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Consistent passive income: Ifstructured correctly, notesgenerate reliable monthly cashflow.Built-in security: The propertyserves as collateral, protectingyour investment.Flexibility in structuring deals:You can buy a whole note or justa portion (a partial), reducingyour capital exposure.A $27 Billion Market Hiding in PlainSightOne of the biggest surprises fromthe podcast was learning thatbetween 4% and 6% of all realestate transactions involve seller-financed notes—a market worthover $27 billion annually. Thismeans there are thousands ofproperty sellers across the countrywho finance their own sales andlater look to sell those notes toinvestors like us.But how do you find these notes?Tracy and Fred outlined severalstrategies, including:Public records searches: Sincemortgage and deed transactionsare recorded at the county level,this data is readily available.Direct mail marketing: Manynote holders are unaware theycan sell their note, making directoutreach a powerful tool.Networking with real estateprofessionals: Agents,attorneys, and title companiesoften know sellers looking tocash out of a note.Self-directed IRA events andinvestor meetups: Many privatelenders use tax-advantagedretirement accounts to invest innotes.What Does a Typical Note DealLook Like?During the podcast, Fred broke downa simple deal structure:A property sells for $120,000 witha $20,000 down payment.The seller finances the remaining$100,000 at 10% interest for 30years.The borrower makes a fixedmonthly payment of $877.57.An investor buys this note at aslight discount (say $85,000),increasing their return.The investor now owns the note,receiving the monthly paymentswhile benefiting from the security ofthe underlying real estate. If theborrower stops paying, the noteholder can foreclose and take backthe property, just like a bank would.Learn More at MAREI’s MasterClass on March 22ndLooking for an easy-to-understandexplanation of how to invest in—orflip—notes, that also comes with a$397 home study course aboutexactly how to evaluate them?Join Tracy Z and Fred Rewey onMarch 22nd from 8 AM to 2 PM (CST)on Zoom for an exclusive NoteInvesting Master Class hosted byMAREI.This deep-dive workshop will cover:The fundamentals of noteinvestingHow to find and acquireperforming seller-financed notesThe due diligence process tominimize riskCreative strategies like partialsand seller carrybacksHow to use self-directed IRAs toinvest in notes tax-freeBonus: All attendees will receive a$397 home study course thatteaches exactly how to evaluatenotes, making this an incrediblevalue for anyone serious aboutlearning the business.About Tracy Z and Fred ReweyTracy Z and Fred Rewey areseasoned note investors andeducators with over 30 years ofexperience in the industry. Theyspecialize in performing seller-financed notes, helping investorsbuild wealth through passive incomestrategies.Final ThoughtsIf you’ve ever wished for a way tobuild wealth in real estate withoutthe challenges of propertymanagement, note investing couldbe the answer. Tracy and Fred’sexpertise in this field is unmatched,and I can’t wait to learn from themfirsthand at the upcoming MAREImaster class.Seats are limited, so if you want todiscover how to make real estatework for you without the hassle,register now for the March 22ndevent at MAREI!12 MAREI member

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Learn More at the Master ClassSaturday April 12th MAREI.org 13by Kim TuckerForeclosure is a daunting reality formany homeowners, but what if theyknew there were options? In a recent episode of ForeclosureChronicles, Julia Iden, a veteran inthe mortgage and loss mitigationindustry, shared invaluable insightson how homeowners facingfinancial distress can navigate theforeclosure process, seekalternatives, and protect their futurecredit. (click here to listen)With over 30 years of experience,Julia has worked on the front linesof foreclosure prevention, serving asan auditor, negotiator, andcorporate default manager. Hermessage is clear: hardship canhappen to anyone, regardless ofincome or social standing—and toooften, homeowners simply don’tknow where to turn for help.Why So Many Homeowners Struggleto Find Foreclosure SolutionsOne of the biggest problems, Juliaexplained, is that most real estateprofessionals—agents, attorneys,and even loan officers—aren’ttrained in foreclosure prevention.Homeowners assume that theprofessionals they trust will haveanswers, but in reality, many don’tfully understand the loss mitigationprocess.As a result, struggling homeownersoften receive little to no guidanceuntil it’s too late. Some even fall intodespair, believing foreclosure isinevitable. Julia has personallywitnessed tragic cases wherehomeowners, feeling hopeless, tooktheir own lives before discoveringthe options available to them.Understanding the Role of LossMitigationulia emphasized that not alldepartments within a mortgagecompany operate with the samegoals. Most homeownersunknowingly speak to collectionsdepartments first, which are onlyfocused on recovering payments—not on helping borrowers findsolutions.She broke down how homeownerscan identify when they’re in thewrong department:Collections agents areincentivized to push borrowers topay in full or move quickly toforeclosure.Loss mitigation specialists are theones who can actually negotiatea loan modification, short sale, orother workout plans.Getting to the right person iscritical.

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How to Avoid Getting Stuck inCollectionsFor homeowners seeking help, Juliaprovided a step-by-step approach toensure they connect with lossmitigation rather than gettingtrapped in collections:Use an old mortgage statement.Mortgage companies change thecustomer service number oncean account becomes delinquent.Homeowners should use astatement from when they werestill current on their loan.Never enter a loan number intothe automated system. Thisprevents the system fromautomatically routing them tocollections.Ask for the loss mitigationdepartment directly. Beforegiving a loan number, requestthe direct phone number for lossmitigation.Speak directly to decision-makers. If denied assistance,homeowners should ask toescalate their case to someonewith the authority to overridestandard guidelines.The Importance of a HardshipLetterJulia revealed that one of the mostpowerful tools a homeowner has inforeclosure prevention is theirhardship letter. Mortgage companiesuse this document to determinewhether they will offer a loanmodification, short sale approval, oranother alternative to foreclosure.A proper hardship letter shouldinclude:What happened? The specificevent that caused financialdistress (job loss, medicalemergency, death in the family,etc.).What steps were taken to fix it?Evidence of attempts to recoverfinancially (taking on a secondjob, selling assets, withdrawingretirement funds).What is the desired outcome? Aclear statement of whether thehomeowner wants to stay in thehome or exit the property.Unlike some advice circulating in theindustry, Julia does not recommendkeeping the hardship letter short.Instead, she advises homeowners tofully detail their situation, even if ittakes several pages. Loss mitigationspecialists need to understand thefull story before making a decision.Real-Life Examples of ForeclosurePreventionThroughout the podcast, Julia sharedcompelling stories of homeowners indistress—including a family whosedaughter passed away in a tragicaccident, leaving them unable tomake mortgage payments. Byproperly documenting theirhardship, they were able to work outa solution with their lender and avoidforeclosure.Another case involved a homeownerwho had lost their job unexpectedly.At first, their mortgage servicer toldthem they had no options, andcollections calls started almostimmediately. After learning aboutloss mitigation, they submitted acomprehensive hardship letterdetailing their job loss, thetemporary work they had taken tocover expenses, and their willingnessto negotiate. Because of their persistence and the detaileddocumentation they provided, thebank ultimately granted a loanmodification that allowed them tokeep their home.One particularly eye-opening caseJulia discussed was a family with aseverely ill child. Facing mountingmedical bills, they had no way tokeep up with their mortgagepayments. The mortgage insurancecompany, recognizing the situation,stepped in to advance three months’worth of mortgage payments,preventing the family from fallinginto foreclosure. This interventionallowed them to focus on their child’sremaining time without the stress oflosing their home.In contrast, Julia described caseswhere homeowners didn’t takeaction in time. Some ignoredforeclosure notices, believing thesituation would resolve itself, only tofind themselves locked out of theirhomes when the foreclosure salewas completed. The key takeaway?Act early and work with lossmitigation—not collections—toexplore all available options.Why Real Estate ProfessionalsMust Get Educated on ForeclosureAlternativesJulia’s experience has shown thatforeclosure solutions are severelyunder-taught in the real estateindustry. Many real estate agentsand attorneys unknowingly sendclients away when a deal seemsimpossible, never realizing thatalternatives exist.For those looking to deepen theirknowledge, Julia provides training forreal estate professionals andattorneys so they can better guidehomeowners in distress.14 MAREI member

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Start Here: This folder has the info you need to know to get the most out of your MAREImembership and to give you some direction in getting started as a real estate investor.Logos: Show that you are a professional by letting the world know you are a member ofMAREI. Download our latest logos here.Laws, Rules, Regulations: The real estate investor needs to be aware of local landlordlaws and EPA rules and regulations around Lead and the Library has you covered.Forms and Documents: While not a substitute for a local attorney, we have somestarter forms, docs and contracts as well as a few resources to get more.Spreadsheets: We have a rental cash flow and a repair estimate spreadsheet to getyou started.Business Plans: We have several sample and starter business plans to help inspireyou to build your own.If you have materials you would like to share with the other members, we would love toreview them and add them to the library. And as this library is actually in dropbox, take notethat you can’t edit or manipulate in the library you do need to download the documentsindividually to your computer for your own use.Access Today at MAREI.org/LibraryGovernmentAffairsbenefitsNEW & NOTEWORTHYFacebookForumMAREI’s ForumHosted on Facebook,this is one of the fastestfree ways to get inputfrom several differentpeople across themetro. Free formembers. Go toMAREI.org/Facebookand click Join. Be sureto answer the questions.AdvocacySee the latest issue, callto action or change inrules and regulations.MAREI.org/AdvocacyThe MemberLibraryMAREI BlogGet updates onstrategies, data, currentaffairs and memberbenefits.MAREI.org/blog16 MAREI member when you need helpright now start with

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NATIONAL REIAThe one most used discountis with the Home Depot and includes a 2% rebate and 20% off paint.You may know them by Office Depot or Office Max, but combined they are ODP where we get valuable discounts on products and printing services in store and online.When it’s time to screen your renters,RentPerfect is the only privateinvestigating company owned by a lazylandlord that has built a ton of otherservices into their systemSee all Discounts at MAREI.org/National-Discounts/National REIA publishes the REJournal quarterly to keep ourmembers up to date nationally.REIA Sense keeps members updatedon what’s happening at the FederalLevel in Government.And the ROI is their annual Magazine on REIA.MAREI.org/NewsletterMAREI Is an Award Winning ChapterEarning many distinguieshedservice awards, honors of merit, andthe Award of Excellence in 2017 for our outstanding programs. DISCOUNTS PUBLICATIONS OTHER BENEFITSIn February when its super cold inKansas City, National REIA host ainvestor cruse to some place warm.In 2026 they woill be cruisingFebruary 1-8, on the CelebrityBeyond. They are still working onthe final details to share with us onthis cruise.NationalREIAcruise.comLastly National REIA works hardto keep us informed on the nationalissues that matter.NationalREIA.org18 MAREI member

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MAREI.org 19EMAIL NEWSLETTEROur weekly updates goout on Friday mornings.It includes local andnational news as itpertains to real estate,upcoming events,member properties, andadvocacy issues.Member? Do youproduce content? Tellus about it!Subscribe to our emailthat comes throughConstant Contact and ifyou already receive ouremails make sure yousubscribe to the weeklynewsletter. Otheroptions include eventupdates and advocacyissues.MAREI.org/eUpdate LATEST UPDATESON SOCIALOn our social media channelswe keep members updated onthe issues. We look at the localmetro area, Kansas andMissouri, and at the NationalNews as well. The most activeis our Facebook Page.Join us on your favorite socialmedia channelFacebook.com/MAREInetFacebook.com/groups/MAREIInstagram.com/MAREIinKCLinkedIn.com/Company/Mid-America-Association-of-Real-Estate-InvestorsTwitter.com/MAREInetYouTube.com/@MAREIKCTHE MAREIBLOG UPDATEWhen there is an important issue you need to know about or take action on, you will find it on the MAREI Blog. And note we will continue keep you updated.So be sure to book mark it.When there is a video replay of a MAREI, National REIA, or memberevent that we think you need to see it will be posted here as well.MAREI.org/Blog/JOIN THE CONVERSATIONDo you have a question you need help with? Need a referral for a contractor or other service provider?Our online community that seems torarely sleep is our Facebook Group.Take your questions to the group, share your knowledge, anddiscuss the local issues.Group is moderated to keep us on topic and remember be niceFacebook.com/groups/kcreiDID YOU KNOWThat MAREI has been servingthe Kansas City Metro realestate investment communitysince 2004. We’ve nevermissed a meeting due to snow,floods, COVID or ChiefsChampionship games!YOUTUBE CHANNELMAREI records all of ourmonthly meetings. They areshared publicly to ourYouTube Subsribers for abouta week and then they aredelisted and added to ourreplay archive atMAREIMember.com.There are three ways to getour meeting replays:be a member and log intoaccess at any time, subsribeto our YouTube Channel, orcatch the public replay whenwe send it out via email.

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AttorneyAnderson & AssociatesLandlord Tenant & Real Estate Law+Julie Anderson MOKSLaw.com(816) 931-2207See site for Free FormsAttorney Spence StoverBusiness & Real Estate LawStoverLawFirm.com(816) 778-2992Stockton & Kandt, LLCElder & Business LawCarrie Stracy & Blake Cauble-JohnsonStocktonLaw.com(913) 856-2828B uilding SupplierDeMayo EnterprisesWholesale CabinetsMark YandaDeMayoEnterprises.net(913) 980-426020 MAREI member Better Service, Inc.HVAC, Plumbing, ElectiralSean MaddenBetterServiceIncKC.com(816) 756 - 4244KC Hammer Home ImprovementJon HarrisKCHammer.net(816) 382-7266Olson Foundation RepairJohn Murphy(913) 592.3300OlsonFoundationRepair.com/RT ConstructionMatt MaconRoof4KC.com(816) 337-7037CPA - BookkeepingESSISTANT KCBookkeeping & Payroll & MoreAngie MartinEssistantKC.com (816) 287-1818Home Depot2% Rebate for Members20% off PaintHomeDeopt.comCleaning & Trash OutCleaning Maids In & OutVeronica Bolton(816) 659-2929CleaningMaidsInandOut.comContractorAll Pro AC & HeatingMike StewartAllProACandHeatingLLC.com(816) 210-0809Find the directoryonline 24-7 at MAREI.org/Business-Directory

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Insurance Capitol AgencyBrian RauberCapitolAgencyIns.com (816) 436-1016Forsythe AgencyFarmer‘s InsuranceChris ForsytheForsytheAgency.com(417)321-5079Millenial Specialty InsuranceLandlords, Builder’s Risk, MoreNREIA.ArcanaInuranceHub.com(844) 898-8110IRA Self Directed CNB CustodyJenny HeimanCNBCustody.com(800) 680-0340Mainstar TrustMainstarTrust.comJordan Scafe1-800-521-9897Lending Construction Funding SolutionsBusiness & Real Estate Loan BrokersStuart, Bryan, Cassandra or Katelen(833) 338-6346ConstructionFundingKC.comCorridor FundingHard Money, DSCRRick ChunnCorridorFunding.com(210) 909-7977Crossroads Investment LendingHard MoneyBritton AsbellKCLend.com(913) 766-2900Finish Line FundingShort Term FundingBruce BelangerFinishLineFunds.com(913) 346-8090Flat Branch Home LoansSenior Mortgage BankerBeth LangstonApplyWithBeth.com(816) 679-4000Longhorn InvestmentsHard MoneyKeith GriffinLonghornInvestments.com(816) 207-3380Merchants MortgageMushy Money, Hard, DSCRSusan AubinMerchantsMtg.com(913) 522-2650North Oak InvestmentBernie Richter(816) 249-1001 x 402NorthOakInvestment.comExchangeHeartland 1031 Solutions1031 Exchange, DSTTodd WelhoelterHeartland1031Solutions.com(816) 365-8010Insight Investment Advisers1031 Exchange, DSTJoshua Wright & Julia FritzlenInvestWithInsight.com(913) 800-0954 Joshua(816) 589-1509 JuliaFinancial PlanningUnbridled WealthJason K Powers1024Wealth.com/NREIA(720) 458-6900Fractional InvestmentGroundfloorInvest in part of a Short Term HighInterest Rate Real Estate LoanMAREI.org/GroundfloorHome BuyerHouse MaxHerb Brown(913) 999-9200HouseMax.comInspectionsKC Property ExpertsAdam Pointer(913) 709-3199KCPropertyExperts.com MAREI.org 21The Big Annual MAREI Trade ShowComing Up July 8thMAREI Business Members WillHave 1st Access & Better PricingTo Reserve a TableWatch Your Emails About Mid April

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Office SupplyODP SolutionsODPBusiness.com Log into MAREIMember.com for discount informationProperty ManagerDan Reedy Inc.Dan ReedyMOREKC.com(816) 564-5265Grit Property GroupAngie Austin GaskillKCGrit.com(816) 200-0232Mark eting - LeadsCarrotHigh converting websites MAREI.org/CarrotWebMAREI.org/CarrotMktWsConnected InvestorData, Skip Trace & ContractsMAREI.org/ConnectedInvestorDeal MachineData, Lists, Unlimited Contact InfoFree Trial + 50 Free PostcardsMAREI.org/DealMachineTrialMAREI.org/DealMachineChallengeMotivatedSellers.comJoseph Tenenbau(305) 871 9548MotivatedSellers.comPropStreamLists, Research, MailingMAREI.org/PropStreamREI BlackBookTotal Marketing PackageWebsite, CRM, Tracking, MoreMAREI.org/REIBBsee in action MAREI.org/BBdemoHome Rental ServicesPaul BrantonHome4Rent.com(913) 627-9543M & M Property ProsMichael & Michele BelmanMMPropertyPros.com(816) 490-6745PURE Property ManagementMary Beth RetkeKS.Purepm.com785-806-3305 Ext. 5613Resource KCAngie Austin Gaskill1ResourceKC.com(816) 200-0232Sterling Home RentalsLeAnn HiattSterlingHomeRentals.com*816) 768-0807Trailhead Property ManagementJenny ShipmanTrailheadPM.com(816) 791-7077(913) 406-070122 MAREI member Join the Conversationtake part in MAREI’sFacebook GroupFacebook.com/Groups/KCREIpost questions, share thoughts, get referrals.

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Title CompanyAccurate Title CompanyDave GreenAccurateTitleCo.com(913) 338-0100Overland Park & KC & Gladstone Advantage Title LLCBud Whisler(816) 279-8484AdvantageTitleLLC.comSt Joseph & Blue SpringsPrime TitleRaul Rodriguez & Kristina Belshe(913) 342-8525PrimeTitleUSA.comBilingualReal Estate ServicesExecutive Asset RealtyJim GodwinTheJimGodwinTeam.com(860) 805-9156iFinder OffersiBuyer NetworkiFinderOffers.comAnne Lakusta(214) 502-7395Realty ResourceScott TuckerRealtyResourceKC.com(913) 406-0701ScreeningRent PerfectTenant Screening PlusRentPerfect.com(877) 922-2547Log into MAREIMember.com fordiscount informationMid-America Association of real estateinvestors (MAREI) does not exist to renter anddnoes not provide legal, tax, economic orinvestment advice and dislcaims all liability forthe actions or inaction taken or not taken as aresult of communictions from or to its members,officers, directors, employees, contractors, andguests. Each individual should consult theirown professional adviro.MAREI provides general real estateeducational information to help further your fullor part time real estate career. Our goal is toeducate the investor based on informationedicted from material contributed by leaders inthe real estate investing, legal, accounting,property management, financial, legislative andother related professions.MAREI makes every effort to produce andpublish the most current and accurateinformation possible. Moreover, because of theever-changing laws relating to landlord-tenantrelationships and other aspects of real estate,specific application of any of our material to amember’s individual situation should be madeonly with the advice of local legal counsel. Nowarranties, expressed or implied, are providedfor the data we publish, its use or itsinterpretation.MAREI, its officers and the contributingmembers specifically disclaim any liability forloss or risk, personal or otherwise, which maybe incurred as a consequence, directly orindirectly, of the use or application of any of theideas, concepts, techniques, forms, documentsor contents presented or implied at meetings orother educational forums presented by thisassociation.By attending any of the activities provided bythis association, the member hereby releases,discharges and agrees to indemnify MAREI, itsrespective officers, directors, members,employees and/or contractors, past or present,from any and all liabilities associated with ourorganization.The viewpoints expressed and methodspromoted by speakers at MAREI events are notnecessarily those of the board, staff, or leadersof the association.Contact Us 105 East Street, #29125Parkville, MO 64152 (mail only)www.MAREI.orgwww.MAREIMember.cominfo@MAREI.org913-815-0111 MAREI.org 23

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There are a lot of different benefits of being a member ofMAREI. We offer three options to become a part of MAREI. There is the FREE option that gives you no benefits otherthan access to our free public social media groups, anemail subscription, and pay as you go at the meetings. Our Investor member that comes with all benefitsincluded. Our Business members that get all benefits for 2people, plus advertising opportunities. Compare below.PICK YOUR MAREI MEMBERSHIPBENEFITSAttend Monthly Meetingv i s i t w w w . M A R E I . o r g / M e m b e r s h i p t o f i n d o u t m o r ePublic Facebook / LinkedInMember Digital LibraryAdd Additional up to 2Discounts on WorkshopsJoin Express Success (fee)Lifeonaire Benefits (2 Events)Member DirectoryFREEINVESTORBUSINESSA$35 Fee$50 Each$50 EachOn Business DirectoriesHome Depot DiscountHost Vendor Table for FeeAnnual Auto Renwal PriceFREE$149 $699Monthly Option for 1 Person - $25 / MonthQuarterly Option is$249 / QuarterInvestor Website (Basic)