We believe in second chances

[David Malik]

I believe that people who, "paid their debt to society" deserve a second chance. Most if given a second chance will leave a life of crime behind them because they have learned their lesson and believe the risk of the loss of freedom is not worth the reward of the committed crime, at this point. I don't believe that the person should pay with the rest of their life for what they have done in the past. Therefore, we are working with those with criminal records who may want to get into RE investing or are already there. I am a financial intermediary that works with several different hard money lenders. Some of them won't touch it under any circumstances while others will look at it on a case by case basis. Some don't want to go on record while others are proudly singing the praises of second chances.

Yes, they still have to meet the underwriting criteria including down payment etc. Yes, we will do all we can to make sure the deal is a solid one, and yes, unfortunately, there are some lenders that once one of these deals go south will pull out. However, I know no better way of helping those who went started a career in an illegal entrepreneur endeavor to start a career in a legal one. It would keep them out of the system, they could perhaps learn a new trade and even become business owners. More importantly, my community would be safer with those doing productive work!

There are tradesmen, and women, who make more than I make with a college degree in finance. I have no issue with that as long as my plumbing, electrical, roofing, or other contracting needs are taken care of. Going forward, as always in asset based lending, it should be about the deal. While I am a second chance guy, I am not a third or forth chance one. That is for preachers and psychologist of which I am neither. 

I want to see this work and win for all and protect it by any means necessary, and legal!

[Chris Merchant]

Awesome idea.  I myself have a criminal record, and like you said in your post have learned my lesson and after spending almost 5 years surrounded by only people with criminal records now I realized that most of them are not bad people, they made a mistake and have learned from it.  Yes while recidivism rates are high I believe it is the "system" that is the cause for most of the recidivism due to the stigma put on otherwise good people, and as humans we're going to do what we need to do to survive and provide for our families and if that means never getting an opportunity solely based off the fact of a mistake that was made and the debt paid than those are the ones that resort back to crime to survive.  Just my two cents, but thank you for what you're doing for the community because that is who actually benefits it's not just the people you're opening your services to.

This is also why, I do a background check but if it comes back with a criminal history I do not just automatically deny the applicant.  It is then that I will talk to the person and go off their character before making a decision.