Land Notes as an Asset Class: Building, Valuing, and Exiting a Land Note Portfolio

In this episode, Mark Podolsky, Scott Bossman, Mike Zaino, and Jon Burnett break down why land notes can become a powerful asset class for building long-term wealth. Rather than focusing only on one-off cash flips, they explain how owner-financed land sales can create recurring monthly income, strong yields, and a growing portfolio that can eventually replace traditional income.

The team also explores what makes a good land note, how to handle defaults compassionately, why customer relationships matter, and how systems can simplify managing a large portfolio. They also discuss buying and selling existing notes, evaluating notes outside your normal market, and structuring deals with multiple exit strategies.

Tune in as the team discusses:

• How owner-financed land sales turn individual deals into recurring-income assets.
• Why yield matters more than simply creating a large note balance.
• How down payments, monthly payments, and shorter terms can improve annualized returns.
• Why recovering your original investment quickly lets you redeploy capital into additional deals.
• How a growing note portfolio can progress from paying small bills to replacing earned income.
• Why defaults can sometimes create another opportunity to resell the same property.
• How communication and flexibility can help investors work with buyers experiencing financial hardship.
• Why Mark views a land note as a relationship rather than simply a transaction.
• How repeat buyers and referral programs can generate additional land sales and notes.
• How systems, software, and delegation make managing a large note portfolio more scalable.
• What to consider when buying notes in counties or markets where you do not currently invest.
• Why buying notes at a discount can create attractive returns while providing multiple exit strategies.

TIP OF THE WEEK

Mark Podolsky: Treat every land note as a relationship. Stay in communication with your buyers, reinforce the value of their ownership, and be willing to work with good customers when circumstances change.
Scott Bossman: Build multiple exits into every note you purchase. Before buying, know whether you could resell the land, wholesale it, or otherwise recover your investment if the borrower defaults.
Mike Zaino: Use systems and the “who, not how” mindset to make your portfolio scalable. Tools like LGPass and GeekPay can help automate deal management and payment collection.
Jon Burnett: Focus on yield and capital recovery, not just the total selling price. Structure terms so you can ideally recover your acquisition capital within the first year and redeploy it into more deals.

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“Isn’t it time to create passive income so you can work where you want when you want, and with whomever you want?”

In this episode, Mark Podolsky, Scott Bossman, Mike Zaino, and Jon Burnett discuss why there’s almost no such thing as an “unsellable” parcel—only land that hasn’t been positioned or marketed correctly. The conversation is filled with real-world stories of difficult properties, including landlocked parcels, HOA issues, unbuildable lots, swamp land, and properties with challenging access, along with the creative strategies that ultimately turned them into profitable deals.

The team also shares recent business wins, lessons learned from due diligence mistakes, and why buying at the right price creates flexibility even when unexpected issues arise. The biggest takeaway is that successful land investing comes from creative problem-solving, disciplined due diligence, and understanding the highest and best use of every property.

Tune in as the team discusses:

• Why “unsellable” land is often just improperly marketed or misunderstood.
• Creative exit strategies including neighbor sales, property bundling, wholesaling, and repositioning.
• Real examples of costly due diligence mistakes that still resulted in profitable outcomes.
• How identifying a property’s highest and best use unlocks hidden value.
• Why buying at a deep discount provides room to solve unexpected challenges.
• The importance of consistent mailing and maintaining deal flow regardless of market conditions.
• Student success stories and recent land investing wins from the community.
• How inflation, real assets, and land investing may perform during uncertain economic conditions.
• Why every parcel has a buyer when marketed to the right audience.

TIP OF THE WEEK

Mark Podolsky: There’s a buyer for every property. Focus on discovering the land’s highest and best use and market it to the right audience instead of assuming it’s unsellable.
Scott Bossman: Get creative before giving up on a property. Try neighbor letters, bundle it with another parcel, or reposition your marketing to match the property’s strengths.
Mike Zaino: Buy right from the beginning. Purchasing land at a steep discount gives you the flexibility to solve problems and still create a profitable deal.
Jon Burnett: Due diligence matters, but mistakes don’t have to be deal killers. Be transparent about a property’s limitations, adjust your pricing, and market it to buyers who value its specific use.

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“Isn’t it time to create passive income so you can work where you want when you want, and with whomever you want?”

In this episode, Mark Podolsky, Scott Bossman, Mike Zaino, Jon Burnett, and guest Don Thrasher discuss Don’s journey from respiratory therapy and healthcare burnout to building a land business designed to create time, income, and freedom. Don shares how consistent training, community support, and following a proven process helped him gain traction, sell properties, and build passive income.

The conversation covers Don’s early deals, his goal of retiring within two years, lessons from losing a virtual assistant, and practical strategies for due diligence, county research, neighbor letters, and targeted marketing. His biggest takeaway: slow down, master the fundamentals, stay connected, and keep moving toward your why.

Tune in as the team discusses:

• How Don Thrasher moved from healthcare burnout toward land investing
• Why he committed to logging into the community for 300 consecutive days
• How consistency and support shorten difficult learning periods
• Why moving too quickly can create setbacks when scaling a land business
• How Don sold three neighboring New Mexico parcels in one cash transaction
• What answering a buyer inquiry from the beach taught him about time freedom
• How losing a virtual assistant forced him to rebuild and document his systems
• Why chain of title, access, zoning, and county relationships matter in due diligence
• How neighbor letters can produce faster sales from a captive audience
• Don’s plan to complete 36 deals and grow beyond $1,000 in monthly passive income

TIP OF THE WEEK

Mark Podolsky: Bet on yourself, follow the proven process, and focus on consistent execution instead of searching for shortcuts.
Scott Bossman: Build redundancy into your business. Cross-train virtual assistants and document their tasks so one departure does not stop operations.
Mike Zaino: Slow down enough to master the fundamentals. Smooth, repeatable processes ultimately help you scale faster.
Jon Burnett: Stay connected to people who understand the journey. The right community can provide clarity, accountability, and encouragement when momentum slows.
Don Thrasher: Contact neighboring property owners first when selling land. A simple neighbor letter can reach motivated buyers without a large marketing expense.

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“Isn’t it time to create passive income so you can work where you want when you want, and with whomever you want?”

In this episode, Mark Podolsky, Scott Bossman, Mike Zaino, and Jon Burnett break down the essential technology behind a more organized and scalable land investing business in 2026. They cover tools for document storage, lead generation, due diligence, deal management, marketing, payment collection, and customer follow-up.

The team also explores how AI can improve research, training, expense analysis, and daily workflows without distracting investors from the activities that actually generate revenue. The key takeaway: start with simple systems, complete deals first, and add more advanced technology only when it solves a real business problem.

Tune in as the team discusses:

• Organizing documents and property records with Google Drive
• Managing deal pipelines, workflows, mailings, and documents through LG Pass
• Pulling and preparing mailing lists with Zample
• Using county GIS systems, LandID, DataTree, and Parcel Review for due diligence
• Evaluating a property’s usability, viability, visibility, and “buy-ability”
• Tracking buyer leads with Trello or a dedicated CRM such as Follow Up Boss
• Collecting down payments and managing notes through GeekPay
• Using AI to create training manuals, analyze expenses, research markets, and improve sales calls
• Avoiding shiny-object syndrome before building consistent deal flow
• Starting with simple tools and adding automation as the business grows

TIP OF THE WEEK

Mark Podolsky: Use AI to review bank and credit card statements for duplicate subscriptions, unnecessary tools, and costly overages—but keep your technology focused on a clear business outcome.
Scott Bossman: Keep the horse in front of the cart: prioritize mailing, buying, marketing, and selling before investing time in complicated automation.
Mike Zaino: Never prepare sales documents based only on a buyer’s promise. Collect a payment first to confirm commitment.
Jon Burnett: The best CRM is the one you consistently use. Start with a notebook or Trello, then upgrade when your lead volume justifies it.

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“Isn’t it time to create passive income so you can work where you want when you want, and with whomever you want?”

In this episode, Mark Podolsky, Mike Zaino, and Jon Burnett break down why neighboring landowners are often the fastest and most motivated buyers for vacant land. Neighbors already understand the area and may want to expand their property, protect their privacy, preserve a view, or control what happens next door.

The team shares a simple neighbor-letter formula, explains why owner financing can increase the buyer pool, and demonstrates how price anchoring creates urgency without negotiating against yourself. They also discuss when to contact neighbors, why the process should be automated, and how authentic, low-pressure sales conversations build trust and close more deals.

Tune in as the team discusses:

• Why neighboring owners are natural buyers for vacant land
• How privacy, control, and property expansion motivate neighbor purchases
• A simple neighbor-letter template that encourages calls and responses
• Why neighbors may pay cash but still appreciate owner financing
• How to offer neighbors a preferred price without undervaluing the property
• Using a higher public price as an anchor before presenting a neighbor discount
• Why neighbor outreach should be an automated step in every acquisition
• How neighbor letters can uncover additional properties to purchase
• Why new investors should master sales before outsourcing the process
• How honest, low-pressure conversations create stronger buyer trust

TIP OF THE WEEK

Mark Podolsky: Anchor the property at its expected public listing price, then offer the neighbor a preferred price based on the savings from avoiding traditional marketing.
Mike Zaino: Offer owner financing even when a neighbor may have cash. Flexible terms remove barriers and can help buyers make a faster decision.
Jon Burnett: Keep your neighbor letter simple: identify the nearby parcel, explain that it is available, mention financing, and provide an easy way to respond.

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“Isn’t it time to create passive income so you can work where you want when you want, and with whomever you want?”

In this episode, Mark Podolsky, Scott Bossman, and Jon Burnett break down seven creative ways to control land deals without using much—or any—of your own money. From using other people’s money and JV partnerships to assignments, double closings, seller financing, dollar skittles, and leveraging existing inventory, the team shows how new investors can create opportunity with resourcefulness instead of big capital.

They also compare land investing to traditional real estate and other business models, emphasizing simplicity, remote operation, low overhead, and recurring cash flow through owner financing. The key takeaway: “luck” in land investing comes from showing up, learning the model, and taking consistent action.

Tune in as the team discusses:

• Seven creative ways to control land deals without using your own money
• How other people’s money, debt deals, and JV partnerships can fund acquisitions
• Why assignments and double closings let investors profit without taking long-term ownership
• How seller financing can help buyers control land before making the first payment
• The “dollar skittle” strategy for deals with back taxes
• Why wholesaling existing inventory can create capital for future deals
• How land investing compares to traditional real estate, flipping, laundromats, and other businesses
• Why owner financing creates recurring cash flow and long-term freedom
• The downside of “going vertical” by adding mobile homes or major improvements
• Real investor wins, including high-yield terms deals and fast cash flip

TIP OF THE WEEK

Mark: Keep the model simple. Buying land right and selling it on terms creates cash flow without adding the complexity, risk, and overhead of vertical improvements.
Scott: Use the “one cash flip, three terms deals” approach early on: cover your operating expenses with a quick cash or wholesale deal, then build recurring income through owner financing.
Jon: Stay lean and resourceful. With 10–15 focused hours a week, the right tools, and consistent mailing, investors can build momentum without needing a large operation.

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“Isn’t it time to create passive income so you can work where you want when you want, and with whomever you want?”

In this episode, the team break down the 2026 land marketing playbook and why land is still selling when investors use the right systems. They discuss where to list properties, how to stack marketing channels, why neighbors and buyers lists matter, and how follow-up can make or break a sale.

Tune in as the team discusses:

• Why land is still selling in 2026, but buyers expect better marketing
• Which platforms work best for inexpensive land versus higher-priced parcels
• How to use Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Landmodo, LandFlip, Land and Farm, and neighbor outreach
• Why your buyers list should be focused by region and property type
• How fast follow-up and phone conversations improve conversion rates
• Why “systems equal freedom” when scaling land sales
• How headlines, pricing, copy, photos, and storytelling can revive stale listings
• Why flaws like flood zones, slopes, or rough terrain can become part of the sales story
• How TikTok and short-form video are producing real land sales
• Why most sales still happen on terms rather than cash

TIP OF THE WEEK

Mark Podolsky: Build a true marketing system, not just a few random ads. Track where your leads come from, follow up consistently, and invest more in the platforms producing results.
Scott Bossman: Do not overlook neighbors, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or your buyers list. The cheapest lead is often already connected to the area where your parcel sits.
Mike Zaino: Price land so it feels attractive, affordable, and easy to say yes to. Scale wins when your systems help you repeat mailing, marketing, and follow-up consistently.
Jon Burnett: Use story-driven marketing and strong visuals to make each property feel compelling. Facts tell, but stories sell.

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“Isn’t it time to create passive income so you can work where you want when you want, and with whomever you want?”

In this episode, the team went rogue with a land investing potpourri episode driven by live audience questions. The team covered how to use other people’s money, why mailing remains a core business expense, how to build credibility with sellers and buyers, and what to do when inventory is piling up without sales.

The big takeaway: land investing rewards consistency, systems, and persistence. Whether you’re funding deals, mailing smarter, marketing harder, or taking a strategic timeout, the key is to keep moving forward without putting the controller down.

Tune in as the team discusses:

• Why land investing is simple, but not always easy
• How owner financing creates monthly income and long-term note portfolios
• Using other people’s money through partnerships, straight debt, and LandARP
• Why Xamplo can help with list building, but pricing should be verified with multiple data points
• How modern list tools replaced old-school county data, CD-ROMs, scrapers, and spreadsheet headaches
• The moment each host gained confidence that land investing could become a real business
• How honesty, transparency, and follow-through build credibility with buyers and sellers
• Why consistent mailing is an investment, not just a cost
• How to fine-tune mailing lists without overthinking the process
• What to do when you own inventory but haven’t made sales: wholesale, market daily, and keep showing up

TIP OF THE WEEK

Scott: Don’t stop mailing just because costs have gone up. Adjust your volume if needed, but keep deal flow moving and treat mailing like a necessary business expense.
Mike: Market your properties with relentless consistency. Like the vendor walking the parade route, keep showing up until buyers finally say yes.
Jon: Use other people’s money carefully and strategically. Partnerships can provide both funding and a second set of experienced eyes on your deals.

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“Isn’t it time to create passive income so you can work where you want when you want, and with whomever you want?”

In this Episode, Mark Podolsky, Scott Bossman, and Jon Burnett deliver a “State of the Land Union” on where the land investing market stands heading into 2026. They break down seller supply, buyer demand, margins, competition, direct mail, community, and the growing role of AI and automation in the business.

The key takeaway: land investing remains strong, inefficient, and full of opportunity. Sellers are still motivated, buyers are still buying, margins remain healthy, and new tools are making it easier than ever for entrepreneurs to build recurring income through land.

Tune in as the team discusses:

• Why the current land supply market remains strong, healthy, and inefficient
• How sellers continue responding to consistent direct mail campaigns
• Why buyer demand may fluctuate seasonally but remains solid overall
• How tax refunds can create an uptick in land sales and early payoff opportunities
• Real deal examples showing strong yields and healthy profit margins
• Why land investing is not saturated, even with more awareness online
• Why direct mail still works better than flashier acquisition strategies
• How community helps investors grow through real friends, deal friends, and shared wins
• The role AI, agents, and automation may play in acquisitions, sales, research, and operations
• Why grit, resilience, flexibility, and a strong “why” matter in building a long-term land business

TIP OF THE WEEK

Mark: Treat land investing like a fine wine business—the longer you stay in it, the better it gets. Build grit, stay flexible, and have fun while working through the hard parts.
Scott: Invest in and protect your future self. As AI changes industries, use land or another entrepreneurial path to create more security, freedom, and options.
Jon: Focus on the one next action that will move your land business forward the most, then do it. Progress comes from consistently doing the next right thing.

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“Isn’t it time to create passive income so you can work where you want when you want, and with whomever you want?”

In this Episode, Scott Bossman, Mike Zaino, and Jon Burnett broke down how much money investors really need to start flipping land in 2026. The team explained how land investing can work at multiple budget levels, from a few hundred dollars using land arbitrage to larger capital stacks that support more deals, stronger systems, and faster passive income growth.

The key takeaway: you do not need a huge down payment, tenants, rehabs, or traditional real estate headaches to get started. With the right expectations, consistent mailers, due diligence, and a measured approach, investors can build proof of concept and scale into a real land business.

Tune in as the team discusses:

• Why land investing can be less expensive and less risky than traditional real estate
• How investors can start with as little as $100–$1,000 using land arbitrage
• What land arbitrage means and how investors make the spread on monthly payments
• Why $2,000–$7,000 can support mailers, wholesale deals, and early passive income
• How a $10,000–$20,000 budget allows investors to buy multiple smaller properties instead of one big deal
• Why larger budgets should still start with a measured approach before scaling
• The importance of building proof of concept before hiring VAs or overbuilding systems
• How GeekPay, LG Pass, Google Voice, Slack, and Zamplo can help manage a land business
• Why pricing, better images, and creative marketing can help move properties in slow areas
• How lower returns like 2x or 3x can still create strong momentum for new investors

TIP OF THE WEEK

Scott: Use land arbitrage to test a county before committing serious money. One good LandArb property can help you prove demand, practice marketing, and create quick momentum.
Mike: If you have more capital, do not deploy it all at once. Pull out a small amount, get mailers going, close a few deals, and then pour fuel on the fire once the process is working.
Jon: Make your property listings pop. Better images, sharper descriptions, and creative positioning can help a slow-moving property attract more buyers.

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“Isn’t it time to create passive income so you can work where you want when you want, and with whomever you want?”