SEI Mortgage Podcast

Ryan Marks

SEI Mortgage is the podcast dedicated to helping self-employed borrowers and real estate investors get the financing they need, even when traditional banks say no. We unpack Self-Employed & Investor mortgages, practical solutions designed for people whose income or goals don’t fit into the traditional lending box. Each episode explores loan options like: Bank Statement Mortgages 1099 Income Loans Profit & Loss Programs DSCR Loans for Investors Alternative & Creative Financing Options Discover smart mortgage solutions and explore all the options available.  Visit @ https://SEIMortgage.com for all episodes, articles, tools, and additional resources. NMLS #519138

  1. 1D AGO

    EP.17 - The Mortgage Strategy Banks Don’t Talk About: How to Lower Your Payment Without Refinancing (Recast Explained)

    Did you know there’s a way to lower your mortgage payment without refinancing, without changing your interest rate, and without re-qualifying? In this episode of the SEI Mortgage Podcast, Ryan Marks breaks down one of the most overlooked mortgage strategies available today, the mortgage recast. This is the mortgage move banks rarely advertise. A mortgage recast allows you to make a lump sum principal payment and then have your lender re amortize your loan, lowering your monthly payment while keeping your original interest rate and terms intact. No new loan. No credit check. No income verification. No closing costs. We cover: • What a mortgage recast is and how it works  • How to lower your mortgage payment without refinancing  • Why this strategy is powerful in retirement  • How investors can increase rental property cash flow  • How to buy a new home non-contingent and recast later  • Minimum principal reduction requirements  • Why you don’t lose your low interest rate  • The difference between paying off early vs. recasting If you locked in a 2%, 3%, or 4% interest rate and don’t want to refinance into today’s higher rates, this strategy could be a game changer. Whether you’re W2, self-employed, retired, or a property investor, this episode explains how to restructure your payment the smart way — without giving up your current loan. For more mortgage strategies and creative lending solutions, visit:  👉 https://seimortgage.com Remember — let your income work smarter, not harder!  ⏱ Key Moments & Timestamps 0:00 – The Mortgage Strategy Banks Don’t Advertise How to lower your payment without refinancing or losing your rate. 0:40 – What Is a Mortgage Recast? The simple explanation most homeowners don’t know. 1:30 – Paying Off Early vs. Recasting (Big Difference) Why extra principal payments don’t automatically lower your payment. 2:20 – How Re-Amortization Actually Works What happens when your lender recalculates your remaining balance. 3:05 – #1 Reason to Use a Mortgage Recast (Retirement Strategy) Lowering fixed expenses when transitioning to fixed income. 4:05 – Using a Recast for Rental Property Cash Flow How investors can improve positive cash flow instantly. 4:45 – The Non-Contingent Offer Strategy Buy with minimal down, sell your home, then recast to lower payment. 5:40 – Minimum Principal Requirements (Fannie/Freddie Guidelines) Typical $10,000 minimum reduction and how to request it. 6:15 – No Requalification Required Why you keep your original mortgage terms and interest rate. 6:45 – Final Pro Tip & When to Call Your Servicer Tools and Resources Visit seimortgage.com for calculators, loan guides, and investor resources. Or calculate your property to see if it works for a DSCR loan: https://seimortgage.com/dscr-calculator/ DISCLAIMER - Ryan Marks is a Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator (NMLS #519138) operating under The Turkey Foundation, Inc. (NMLS #236669), an Equal Housing Lender. Ryan conducts mortgage origination under his DBA, The Everyday Lending Group. SEI Mortgage is an educational brand only. It is not a mortgage lender, does not issue pre-approvals or loan estimates, and does not extend credit in any form. All information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing in this episode should be interpreted as: Legal advice Financial advice Tax advice Real estate advice A commitment t

    7 min
  2. FEB 26

    EP.16 - Denied by the Bank? How a DSCR Loan Helped this Investor Win Without Tax Returns

    Let's break down a real success story where a real estate agent and investor were denied conventional financing… but still closed on their next investment property using a DSCR loan (Debt Service Coverage Ratio loan). If you’re self-employed or building a real estate portfolio, this episode is a must listen. We unpack: • Why traditional lenders deny investors with strong portfolios  • How tax write-offs can hurt your mortgage approval  • What a DSCR loan is and how it works  • How to qualify using rental income only  • Why you don’t need tax returns or personal income documentation  • How investors can buy with as little as 15–20% down  • Why being told “no” by one lender doesn’t mean the deal is dead This real-world case study shows how an investor with multiple properties, large down payment, and strong cash flow still couldn’t qualify conventionally, but secured financing in under 30 days using rental income to qualify instead of personal income. If you’re a: • Real estate investor first time or experience   • Realtor building your own portfolio  • Self-employed borrower  • Landlord with multiple financed properties  • Investor who has hit the Fannie/Freddie 7–10 property limit This episode will change how you think about investment property financing. 💡 DSCR loans don’t use tax returns.  💡 No traditional debt-to-income calculation.  💡 Qualification is based on the property’s rental income.  💡 Properties can be vested in an LLC.  💡 No limit on the number of DSCR loans with many lenders. There is almost always a solution — you just have to be working with someone who understands the full lending landscape. 🧮 Tools & Resources Explore DSCR loan tools, calculators, and investment resources:  👉 https://seimortgage.com/dscr-calculator/ Get in touch with us:   Phone: 1-800-401-1363 Let your income work smarter — not harder!  DISCLAIMER - Ryan Marks is a Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator (NMLS #519138) operating under The Turkey Foundation, Inc. (NMLS #236669), an Equal Housing Lender. Ryan conducts mortgage origination under his DBA, The Everyday Lending Group. SEI Mortgage is an educational brand only. It is not a mortgage lender, does not issue pre-approvals or loan estimates, and does not extend credit in any form. All information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing in this episode should be interpreted as: Legal advice Financial advice Tax advice Real estate advice A commitment to lend An offer, quote, or guarantee of loan terms Loan guidelines, program availability, rates, underwriting rules, and qualification methods - especially for Non-QM mortgage programs - can change at any time and may vary by lender, investor, market conditions, and state regulations. Examples given are hypothetical and may not reflect actual terms available to any borrower. Listeners should independently verify all calculations, assumptions, and program details with qualified professionals. Always consult with a licensed mortgage lender, real estate agent, CPA, financial advisor, or attorney before making decisions related to home financing, investing, or credit. This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, HUD, or any government agency. No government agency has reviewed or approved the content of this recording. The Turkey Foundation, Inc. 1805 E Garry Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705 Equal Housing Lender

    16 min
  3. FEB 19

    EP.15 - How to Protect, Grow, and Transfer Wealth the Smart Way

    In this episode of the SEI Mortgage Podcast, Ryan Marks sits down with Halsted Knutson, Private Wealth Advisor with ClearPath Wealth Management, to break down the intersection of smart lending strategies and long-term wealth planning for self-employed business owners, entrepreneurs, and real estate investors. The conversation goes far beyond “retirement.” Instead, we unpack what it really means to become financially secure — without becoming a burden on your family or risking running out of money later in life. In this episode, we discuss: • The shift from “retirement planning” to financial security planning  • Why liquidity is critical for business owners and real estate investors  • How tax strategy impacts long-term wealth accumulation  • The importance of diversifying between taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts  • Why small business owners must plan their exit strategy 5–7 years in advance  • How estate laws differ by state and why that matters  • Why building a financial team (CPA, lender, advisor, estate attorney) is essential Halsted shares real world insight into how high-income earners and entrepreneurs can protect their wealth, structure investments intelligently, and create a runway that lasts decades, even in uncertain tax environments. If you’re self-employed, scaling a business, investing in real estate, or thinking about your long-term financial future, this is a powerful episode that will help you think differently about money, security, and strategy. Connect with Halsted Knutson: 📞 - 651.200.3455 🌐 - https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/clearpath-wealth-management/financial-advice-team/halsted.knutson/ 📧 - Halsted.Knutson@ampf.com For more lending strategies built specifically for self-employed borrowers and real estate investors, visit:  👉 https://seimortgage.com Let your income work smarter, not harder.

    21 min
  4. FEB 5

    EP.13 - How to Refinance Inherited Property in a Living Trust | Buy Out Siblings with a Loan

    Inheriting real estate in California can be a blessing, or a financial puzzle. When one heir wants to keep the property and another wants to cash out, the wrong move can trigger a property tax reassessment, massive tax increases, or deal-breaking delays. In this episode of the SEI Mortgage Podcast, Ryan Marks is joined by special guest Dat Nguyen, who shares expert insight into how families can access equity from an inherited property held in a family trust, buy out one beneficiary, and still protect long-term affordability under California property tax rules. We break down how these transactions are typically structured using two separate lenders, one to facilitate the initial cash-out from the trust, and another to complete the refinance into the individual retaining ownership. This strategy is often overlooked, misunderstood, and incorrectly handled by traditional lenders. If you’re dealing with inherited property, trust-owned real estate, sibling buyouts, or California tax concerns, this episode is a must-listen. In This Episode, We Cover: How inherited properties in family trusts are handled in CaliforniaWays to buy out an heir without forcing a saleHow to access equity while minimizing tax reassessment riskWhy these deals often require two distinct loan transactionsCommon mistakes families make that cost tens of thousands long-termHow non-QM and creative financing solutions fit into trust scenarios🎧 Explore your options and run the numbers at:  👉 www.seimortgage.com 📞 1-800-401-1363 🎧 Subscribe to the SEI Mortgage Podcast for weekly episodes covering real estate investing, STR strategies, and mortgage solutions built for self-employed borrowers and investors. DISCLAIMER - Ryan Marks is a Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator (NMLS #519138) operating under The Turkey Foundation, Inc. (NMLS #236669), an Equal Housing Lender. Ryan conducts mortgage origination under his DBA, The Everyday Lending Group. SEI Mortgage is an educational brand only. It is not a mortgage lender, does not issue pre-approvals or loan estimates, and does not extend credit in any form. All information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing in this episode should be interpreted as: Legal advice, financial advice, tax advice, real estate advice, a commitment to lend, an offer, quote, or guarantee of loan terms. Loan guidelines, program availability, rates, underwriting rules, and qualification methods for Non-QM mortgage programs can change at any time and may vary by lender, investor, market conditions, and state regulations. Examples given are hypothetical and may not reflect actual terms available to any borrower. Listeners should independently verify all calculations, assumptions, and program details with qualified professionals. Always consult with a licensed mortgage lender, real estate agent, CPA, financial advisor, or attorney before making decisions related to home financing, investing, or credit. This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, HUD, or any government agency. No government agency has reviewed or approved the content of this recording. The Turkey Foundation, Inc. 1805 E Garry Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705 Equal Housing Lender

    15 min
  5. JAN 29

    EP.12 - DSCR Loans Explained for 2026

    DSCR loans continue to be one of the most powerful financing tools for real estate investors, especially as we head into 2026. If you’re building a rental portfolio, investing in long term or short term rentals, or tired of traditional lenders analyzing your personal income, this episode is for you. In this episode of the SEI Mortgage Podcast, Ryan Marks breaks down DSCR loans, also known as Debt Service Coverage Ratio loans, and explains how investors qualify based on property cash flow instead of tax returns, W-2s, or personal debt to income ratios. You’ll learn how DSCR lending is evolving for 2026, what lenders are looking for, and how smart investors are using these programs to scale faster while keeping their personal finances separate from their properties. This episode covers:  • What a DSCR loan is and how it works  • How rental income is used to qualify instead of personal income  • DSCR ratio requirements and no-ratio options  • DSCR loans for long term and short term rentals  • How to Debt Coverage even if rents don't   • Common mistakes investors make when analyzing cash flow Ryan also walks through how to use the SEI Mortgage DSCR Calculator, a free tool with no email required, so you can quickly estimate whether a property qualifies before making an offer. 👉 Use the free DSCR calculator featured in this episode here:  https://seimortgage.com/dscr-calculator/ If you’re serious about investing with smarter financing strategies, this episode will help you understand how DSCR loans can unlock more opportunities in 2026 and beyond. 🎧 For more education on DSCR loans, non QM mortgages, bank statement loans, and investor financing strategies, visit https://seimortgage.com and explore the full SEI Mortgage Podcast library.

    17 min
  6. JAN 22

    EP.11 - Closing Costs Explained : What Homebuyers Really Pay at Closing

    Closing costs confuse most buyers and cost people thousands of dollars simply because they do not understand them. In this episode of the SEI Mortgage Podcast, Ryan Marks does a live screen share and walks through a Closing Disclosure to explain exactly what closing costs are when buying a home, where the numbers come from, and which fees matter most for buyers, self employed borrowers, and real estate investors. This episode breaks down lender fees, title and escrow charges, prepaid items, taxes, insurance, and reserves so you can clearly see how your total cash to close is calculated. We also explain how closing costs differ when buying a primary home versus a rental property, and how self employed buyers using Non QM loan programs should review these figures before signing. If you are buying a home, purchasing a rental property, or simply want to understand your mortgage paperwork before closing day, this episode gives you a clear, no nonsense explanation using real numbers and a real example. In This Episode: • What closing costs are when buying a home  • How to read and understand a Closing Disclosure  • Lender fees versus third party fees  • Prepaid taxes, insurance, and escrow accounts explained  • Closing costs for self employed borrowers  • Differences between primary residence and rental property closings  • How to avoid surprises at the closing table Tools and Next Steps For tools, resources, and help reviewing your loan figures, visit www.seimortgage.com. If you are buying a home or investing in real estate and want guidance, get in touch with us to review your scenario and options.

    12 min
  7. JAN 15

    EP.10 - Fix and Flipping Real Estate Explained: Flipping Houses Without Costly Mistakes

    Fix and flipping real estate can be extremely profitable, but it can also be one of the fastest ways to lose money if you buy the wrong deal. The difference between success and failure almost always comes down to how the deal is sourced, analyzed, renovated, and financed. In this episode, Ryan Marks is joined by Brad Hansen of ENRG Realty, an experienced Los Angeles based investor and agent who specializes in sourcing, renovating, and flipping properties for strong returns. Brad shares how successful investors evaluate opportunities, spot potential issues early, and protect their margins before ever submitting an offer. Whether you are preparing for your first fix and flip or expanding an existing investment business, this episode delivers a practical, straightforward breakdown of what works, what does not, and how to avoid common pitfalls. In This Episode: • How experienced investors source fix and flip deals  • Why MLS deals can work when analyzed correctly  • What red flags to look for before making an offer  • How renovation scope and timelines impact profit  • Why buying properties in worse condition can lead to better returns  • The importance of involving a contractor early  • How to avoid overpaying and protect your margin  • Common mistakes that turn good flips into bad deals Use our free scope of work calculator to enter rehab costs, calculate your margins, and see if a property is a winner before making an offer.  https://seimortgage.com/scope-of-work-tool-calculator/ Explore additional tools and resources or get in touch with us at www.seimortgage.com to learn more about fix and flip financing, investor loan options, and Non QM programs. Get in touch with Brad Hansen to discuss fix and flip opportunities or work with an investor focused agent in the Los Angeles market, you can reach him directly at:   Email: brad@brad-hansen.com website: www.brad-hansen.com DISCLAIMER - Ryan Marks is a Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator (NMLS #519138) operating under The Turkey Foundation, Inc. (NMLS #236669), an Equal Housing Lender. Ryan conducts mortgage origination under his DBA, The Everyday Lending Group. SEI Mortgage is an educational brand only. It is not a mortgage lender, does not issue pre-approvals or loan estimates, and does not extend credit in any form. All information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing in this episode should be interpreted as: Legal advice, financial advice, tax advice, real estate advice, a commitment to lend, an offer, quote, or guarantee of loan terms. Loan guidelines, program availability, rates, underwriting rules, and qualification methods for Non-QM mortgage programs can change at any time and may vary by lender, investor, market conditions, and state regulations. Examples given are hypothetical and may not reflect actual terms available to any borrower. Listeners should independently verify all calculations, assumptions, and program details with qualified professionals. Always consult with a licensed mortgage lender, real estate agent, CPA, financial advisor, or attorney before making decisions related to home financing, investing, or credit. This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, HUD, or any government agency. No government agency has reviewed or approved the content of this recording. The Turkey Foundation, Inc. 1805 E Garry Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705 Equal Housing Lender

    42 min

About

SEI Mortgage is the podcast dedicated to helping self-employed borrowers and real estate investors get the financing they need, even when traditional banks say no. We unpack Self-Employed & Investor mortgages, practical solutions designed for people whose income or goals don’t fit into the traditional lending box. Each episode explores loan options like: Bank Statement Mortgages 1099 Income Loans Profit & Loss Programs DSCR Loans for Investors Alternative & Creative Financing Options Discover smart mortgage solutions and explore all the options available.  Visit @ https://SEIMortgage.com for all episodes, articles, tools, and additional resources. NMLS #519138