My Pivot from Properties to Paper: Partials and Pledges
Brenda shares her real-world perspective from both sides of the aisle: active landlord and mortgage note investor. She still owns rental properties, but is intentionally selling down her rental portfolio—not because real estate stopped working, but because today’s market conditions have changed the math. Many rentals carry equity yet fail to produce the cash flow investors need, leaving that wealth “trapped” and hard to use in day-to-day life.
Brenda will break down the current pain points of being a landlord, unpack the concept of hypothecation, and explain why borrowing against properties often fails to solve a cash-flow problem. From there, she’ll outline why she is reallocating capital into notes—an income strategy backed by real estate that can offer more predictable, passive cash flow without tenants, maintenance, or management.
EDUCATOR TURNED REAL ESTATE STRATEGIST | MORTGAGE EXPERT | NOTESCHOOL LIAISON
Brenda Price, affectionately known as “Brenda Your Lender,” is a dynamic professional whose career seamlessly bridges education, real estate investing, and mortgage expertise. For 22 years, she served as a fifth-grade teacher and mentor, inspiring young minds while earning a Bachelor’s, Master’s, Education Specialist, and Doctorate degree in Education.
In 2018, Brenda launched Smokies Square One LLC, beginning her real estate investing journey while teaching full-time and raising two children. By 2022, she transitioned fully into real estate, actively managing rental properties, renovating homes, and strategically growing her investment portfolio.
Today, as a mortgage broker with NEXA Mortgage, Brenda leverages her firsthand experience as an investor to guide clients through the lending process with clarity and confidence. She is also the co-founder of Next Level Strategies (NLS) alongside her trusted partner, Cindy Hewett, where they educate clients on creative financing strategies—particularly the use of self-directed IRAs—to build wealth and achieve financial independence.
Brenda’s expertise extends into note investing through her work with NoteSchool, where she mastered the discipline and now serves as a liaison, supporting and guiding new students through the complexities of the field.
When she’s not closing loans, managing properties, or mentoring others, Brenda enjoys building meaningful community connections and spending time with her grown children. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of education, innovation, and perseverance.