The Short Version
Eric Scharaga taught high school for 23 years before becoming a full-time note investor. Today he is a seller-financed land note buyer and private lender, with more than 750 notes purchased and over $35M financed across 36 states.
In 2020, Eric authored Lienlord, a comprehensive guide that teaches individual investors how to build passive income through mortgage note investing — using the same strategies banks have used for centuries.
How I Got Here
Eric began investing in rental properties in 2003 while still in the classroom, with the long-term goal of replacing his teaching income. After 13 years as a landlord, he discovered mortgage note investing in 2014 — a strategy that offered better returns, less hassle, and more control than traditional real estate.
Today, Eric buys seller-financed land notes and originates private loans full time, with over 750 notes purchased and more than $35M financed across 36 states. Two decades in front of a classroom shaped how he works: he would rather teach you how a deal works than talk you into one.
Eric is passionate about personal finance and enjoys introducing land investors to creative strategies for seller financing. He believes the scarcity of banks offering vacant land loans under $200,000 creates a significant and overlooked opportunity for private investors.