Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Noland.
Hi Christopher, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Washington State, and my first brush with real estate came early in life. My mother, while on Section 8, purchased a one-acre property through seller financing. She managed to subdivide the property and build her own home, which she now owns free and clear. Witnessing her success instilled in me the belief that if she could do it, anyone could.
I obtained my first real estate license in New York City, specifically in Manhattan, in 2002. Initially, I worked with a broad range of clients, but the financial crash forced a pivot. During the downturn, investors were the primary buyers, which pushed me to hone my skills in sales and creative financing.
In 2011, I took a break from real estate to volunteer in the aftermath of the earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan. My involvement there led to the creation of a charity documentary, discovered and produced by Yoko Ono, which helped raise awareness about the situation. This experience taught me the complexities behind seemingly straightforward initiatives and the importance of strategic planning.
After promoting the documentary, I returned to real estate, securing my California license and joining Rodeo Realty in Beverly Hills. I began specializing in working with investors and clients needing creative financing solutions to navigate Los Angeles’s escalating home prices.
The pandemic brought me back to Washington State briefly, where I got my license but found the market largely inactive due to restrictions. Recognizing California’s less stringent lockdown measures, I moved back and settled in Dana Point. Observing the migration trends, I identified significant investment opportunities in Florida and relocated to Sunny Beach in 2021. The market there was booming, with condominium prices jumping from $215,000 to $600,000 in under a year, and houses appreciating similarly. However, as interest rates rose, the market cooled, prompting me to explore more affordable investment options in the Midwest.
Recently, I developed a course to help people purchase homes with little to no money down or assume loans with lower interest rates. With the current market challenges, it’s essential to look beyond local opportunities and consider remote property investing. Though it requires effort, real estate remains a key path to wealth, contributing significantly to many people’s financial success.
Course link https://investwithchris.thinkific.com/courses/opm
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the biggest struggles I’ve faced along the way is the misconception that I come from a wealthy background, which couldn’t be further from the truth. When I moved to New York City in 2001, I ended up homeless. The people I moved in with hadn’t paid rent for six months, resulting in a $11,000 debt that I simply couldn’t cover. I floated from place to place until I could afford to get my real estate license.
To fund my license, I took a job at AT&T in New Jersey. Every day, I commuted by bus through the winter snow without a coat, all while sleeping on the floor of a place with no electricity. The first six months were particularly grueling; I made no money and almost quit multiple times.
I also faced betrayal from a partner who stole commissions over several years. Confronting her and demanding repayment was a significant challenge, but one I eventually overcame.
When the financial crash happened, my phone stopped ringing, and I didn’t know what to do. I pivoted to learning about short sales, pre-foreclosures, and foreclosures to generate income. I even took a part-time job at LaGuardia Airport to make ends meet.
Seeking a break from these struggles, I moved to Japan briefly, only to find myself in the midst of the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima nuclear disaster. I ended up creating a charity documentary despite having no prior experience in filmmaking. The project was stressful and chaotic, but it ultimately helped raise awareness and funds for the disaster’s victims. However, I realized that filmmaking wasn’t my path.
Returning to the U.S., I obtained my California real estate license and essentially had to start over. I was in a new market with new people and new challenges. This time, I focused on creative financing and working with investors who were less emotionally attached to properties. I also began investing myself.
The pandemic presented another significant challenge as the housing market tightened, and few people wanted to list their homes. I pivoted to working more with investors who were still active in the market. However, when interest rates rose, affordability became a major issue, prompting me to apply my knowledge of creative financing to help people buy homes despite the challenging economic climate.
Recognizing the struggles people faced, I created a course to teach others how to buy homes with little to no money down or assume loans with lower interest rates. My goal is to help individuals navigate the market and achieve homeownership, even in the face of corporations and companies buying up neighborhoods. Real estate remains a key path to wealth, and I am committed to helping others find their way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My business centers around remote property investing, a focus that aligns perfectly with my decision to travel and live in different countries. I didn’t want to be tied down to one place anymore, and this lifestyle choice has shaped my approach to real estate.
I specialize in helping people find assumable loans with lower interest rates and create financing solutions with little to no down payment. By using methods such as subject-to-financing and seller financing, I assist clients in becoming remote property investors or landlords or securing enough funds to buy their own homes through house hacking or flipping and fixing properties.
I guide my clients in identifying profitable opportunities for fixing and flipping real estate. For those interested in rentals, I offer insights into markets where rental income is still strong and cash flow remains robust. Additionally, I support clients in exploring the Airbnb market, demonstrating how they can start an Airbnb business without owning property.
My expertise and experience in traveling and living internationally allow me to provide unique perspectives on remote property investing. I empower individuals to achieve their real estate goals from anywhere in the world. Whether it’s building a portfolio of rental properties, generating income through flipping, or creating steady cash flow through short-term rentals, my mission is to make real estate investing accessible and profitable, helping people build wealth and financial security through innovative approaches to property investment.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I absolutely loved the rolling hills above the ocean in Orange County. It’s one of the most beautiful places in California, with its stunning landscapes and vibrant community. However, the price points in Orange County didn’t align well with my business model. The real estate market there is one of the most expensive in the country, making it challenging to find under-market deals that could significantly appreciate in value. Although my creative financing methods can help people buy homes in such high-cost areas, it’s still a very exclusive market with pricey properties.
This is why I decided to move to Florida briefly. Despite not particularly enjoying living in Florida, it was a strategic decision during the pandemic. Florida offered numerous opportunities to find deals for clients below market value that quickly appreciated. This period was crucial for me to learn and adapt my strategies to a rapidly changing market.
Orange County remains a place close to my heart. It’s family-oriented, very safe, and the community atmosphere is wonderful. Though my business required me to seek out more viable markets, I always find myself returning to Orange County. It’s a place that blends natural beauty with a high quality of life, and it’s somewhere I truly enjoy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://investwithchris.thinkific.com/courses/opm
- Instagram: Instagram.com/itschristopherrobert
- Youtube: YouTube.com/chrisnolandtv
