In this episode of Paper Trail, part of our Know Your Speaker series, Chris Seveney sits down with Michael Fordham—founder and president of Silverstream Funding and former Wall Street attorney turned boutique private lender.

Michael shares his journey from managing billion-dollar bond deals at JP Morgan to gut-renovating a Harlem brownstone and launching his own lending firm. They talk about the real risk (and reward) in private lending, why humility is the secret ingredient most investors miss, and how his legal background shapes his disciplined, hands-on approach.

This conversation is packed with takeaways on due diligence, lending philosophy, and how to build lasting relationships in the note space. Michael will also be taking the stage this fall at the Paper Trail Note Conference, and gives a preview of what he hopes attendees walk away with.

🎟 Join us September 18–20 in Chandler, AZ. Register now at papertrailconference.com

They’re diving deep into the world of DSCR lending on this episode of the Paper Trail podcast, unpacking the latest trends that are shaping the private lending game. DSCR loans, which are like the cool cousin of traditional loans, let investors qualify based on rental income instead of personal income—talk about a game-changer! With an eye on the April 2025 DSCR lending trends report from Lightning Docs, they break down how these loans are making up a hefty chunk of originations and what that means for investors. They also dish out the 411 on why understanding these numbers is crucial for note investors, especially as more of these loans hit the secondary market. So, if you’re ready to roll with the big dogs in mortgage note investing, grab a comfy seat and get ready for some insights that could level up your investment game!

Links referenced in this episode:

• 7einvestmentlending.com
• 7einvestments.com
• papertrailconference.com

Today’s chatter on the Paper Trail podcast is all about the latest Quarter 12025 Bank Call Report data and what it’s spilling about the mortgage note scene. They dive into why banks are feeling a bit skittish about the economy, hinting that lending is slowing down and defaults are creeping up like a surprise guest at a party! It turns out, over 70% of bank asset growth is from trading assets, not loans, which is like throwing a pizza party but only serving salad—everyone's gonna be disappointed! The crew breaks it down for investors, explaining how these shifts could mean more opportunities for note buyers as defaults rise and inventory comes into play. So, grab your headphones and let’s explore how to navigate these choppy waters without getting shipwrecked!

Get ready to dive into the wild world of mortgage note investing with the latest episode of the Paper Trail podcast! The host kicks things off with a bang, breaking down the Quarter 12025 Bank Call Report data that’s hotter than a summer sidewalk. He spills the beans on how banks are tightening their lending practices – and trust me, this is no small potatoes. With banks loading up on trading assets instead of actually lending, the episode paints a picture of an industry on the brink of change. It’s not all doom and gloom, but there’s definitely a shift happening, and savvy investors need to be paying attention.

As the host digs deeper, he highlights some key takeaways that’ll make any note investor perk up their ears. Slower lending typically means a higher risk of defaults, and with banks pulling back, there’s a chance we might see more distressed loans popping up. This could mean opportunities for those ready to pounce. The host doesn’t just throw out numbers; he weaves a narrative about cash-poor homeowners who, despite having equity, are struggling to keep their heads above water. This could lead to a wave of discounted sales that would impact property values across the board – so it’s crucial for investors to stay sharp!

To wrap things up, the podcast offers up some solid advice for navigating the choppy waters of the mortgage note market. The host emphasizes the importance of building a reliable team and staying flexible in investment strategies. With the signs of distress emerging, it’s all hands on deck for investors to prepare for what’s next. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with valuable insights served with a side of humor, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to stay ahead in the mortgage game. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to ride the waves of opportunity!