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Are You Down With TPP: Diving Into Trial Payment Plan Loans

Feb 4, 2026

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Alright, everybody! Scott Carson here, ready to dive into a unique opportunity that just landed on my desk: a new list of 50 "early buyout" notes! These aren't just any non-performing notes; they come with detailed servicing notes from the original lender outlining their attempts to get borrowers back on track, from trial payment plans to FHA loan modifications. It’s like getting a cheat sheet for understanding the borrower’s journey!

Many of you know I love first-lien non-performing notes, and this batch offers a fascinating peek into institutional lenders trying to clear their books. This isn't about guessing; it's about reading the "tea leaves" (or servicing notes!) to uncover hidden value. We’ll explore what makes these notes special, how to evaluate their potential, and why understanding these lender workouts can give you a significant edge in 2026.

Here’s your roadmap to navigating this unique batch of notes:

The "Early Buyout" Advantage: This exclusive list contains 50 institutional first-lien notes (heavy on TX, NY, VA, CA!) ranging from $50K-$489K balances. What's unique? They come with detailed lender servicing notes outlining trial payment plans and workout efforts, offering unparalleled insight into borrower behavior.
Decoding Lender Workout Notes: Learn to interpret lender comments like "FHA 40-year loan mod at 6.5% approved" or "repayment forbearance plan set zero due." These tell you the original lender’s strategy, but you need to verify if the borrower actually made the payments or if it's just a plan on paper!
Strategic Pricing for Pre-Negotiated Terms: The challenge? Some of these might be priced as reperforming if a plan is "approved," even if payments haven't started. We discuss how to calculate your desired ROI (e.g., 12-15% cash-on-cash) based on the actual anticipated P&I, ensuring the deal isn't "too skinny" once your money costs and servicing fees are factored in.
Beyond the Spreadsheet: Critical Due Diligence: The notes reveal crucial details like "subject property in need of significant repairs" or that a payment was made, resetting the foreclosure clock. We emphasize going beyond numbers to check property condition (online photos, street view) and understanding local demographics (e.g., a small town like Idalou, TX) to gauge market viability.
Making Informed Offers & Avoiding Pitfalls: With bids due soon, understanding how to make competitive offers is key. We cover calculating bid ranges based on confirmed payment status versus "approved" plans. Learn to account for actual legal balances versus stated UPB, and why making a clear, well-justified bid is always better than guessing.

This is a phenomenal opportunity to cherry-pick from a fresh list of distressed notes. Don't be fooled by "approved" plans; dig deep into the servicing notes, crunch your numbers, and ensure your desired ROI is achievable. With smart analysis, these "early buyouts" can translate into significant profits, whether through reperforming cash flow or strategic foreclosure. If you want to make an offer, do your homework, because bids are due Wednesday! Go out, take some action, and we'll see you at the top!