Trust Deed Investing Made Simple

The Norris Group focuses exclusively on whole notes. Select and control your investment with our transparent, step-by-step process.

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Trust Deed Investments

Trust Deed, Mortgage, and Note Investing in California and Florida

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Download our free eBook to learn the fundamentals of trust deed investing—what it is, how it works, who it’s for, and how to start earning passive, secured returns backed by real estate.

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Trust Deed Investing

We connect your capital with qualified real estate investors through thoroughly vetted, first-position loans—backed by real property and structured for strong returns with minimal effort from you.

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Have Questions?

Call us at

(951) 823-8262

Craig Hill

Learn More About Trust Deeds & Mortgages

Trust deed investing can feel overwhelming at first, which is why The Norris Group has created easy-to-understand resources that break down the basics—explaining what trust deeds are, how the process works, who’s involved, and how you can confidently get started.

The Norris Group offers high-yield, first-position trust deed investments in California and mortgage note investments in Florida, with returns starting at 6.0%. These secured, passive investments are available to:

Private individuals, corporations, pension plans, 401(k)s, IRAs, Roth IRAs, self-directed IRAs, charitable remainder trusts (CRTs), SEP accounts, endowments, and foundations.

Become the Bank. We’ll Be Your Broker.

When you invest with The Norris Group, you step into the role of the lender—the bank—and we act as your personal broker. Your capital is placed in first-position notes, secured by real estate, and lent to experienced real estate investors who:

Purchase, rehab, and flip residential properties
Buy and hold rentals
Build new construction projects

These are asset-backed, income-producing investments—ideal for those looking to diversify beyond Wall Street or even reallocate gains from cryptocurrency into something more stable.

Why The Norris Group?

Over $1 billion in loans funded
Licensed Broker – California DRE #01219911 | Florida Mortgage Lender MLD1577
Over 100 years of combined hard money lending experience
Proven track record through multiple market cycles
Trusted by investors for predictive insights, innovative lending programs, and a focus on investor safety

What Makes Our Investment Model Unique

Equity-Backed Loans We lend at 60–70% of After Repair Value (ARV) or Loan-to-Value (LTV), ensuring strong collateral.
Skin in the Game Every borrower contributes personal capital. They’re financially committed from day one.
First Position Only We only offer first lien notes—giving you maximum control and priority in the event of default.
No Fund Pooling We don’t pool investor capital. Each investor has full control of their individual investment. Occasionally, larger loans are fractionalized between qualified investors in equal shares.
Business Purpose Only We only fund loans for non-owner-occupied, 1–4 unit residential properties—strictly for business use by professional real estate investors. experience, we help you generate strong returns without the hassle, making note investing truly passive.

A Smarter, Simpler Path to Passive Income

Let The Norris Group be your gateway to safe, predictable, and high-yield real estate investments. With our professional network and decades of experience, we help you generate strong returns without the hassle, making note investing truly passive.

Video Overview

Investing Process

This is a simplified explanation of what to expect when you're looking to invest in trust deeds or private mortgages with The Norris Group.

1 Get Started With Our Notes

Review the frequently asked questions and watch our note investment video
Download our free Trust Deed Investment and Mortgage e-book. This is not only a great education tool but automatically adds you to our list to receive updates on current deals available
Call (951) 780-5856 to ask any remaining questions and to schedule an appointment to discuss how to move forward. Want to come in and meet our team?

2 A Trust Deed or Mortgage is Presented

The Norris Group sends out a list of available deals to our First Look program first and then our general list. If you find something of interest, you can email or call for more information on the specific note deal.

The Norris Group sends for your viewing:

Property appraisal
Property and some borrower information

Once you review and commit to a trust deed (CA) or mortgage (FL), we will ask how you prefer to take title to the deed of trust or mortgage (also known as vesting).

Please be aware that entities like Corporations and LLCs must be registered in the state of Florida. More information available in the Trust Deed Investment and Mortgage e-book.

The Norris Group creates loan package documents which include:

• Appraisal

• Copy of the Promissory Note and the Deed of Trust/Mortgage

• Loan Document Package(documentation does change depending on the state)

• Any other relevant documents required by the Department of Real Estate in California

or by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation as well as the Consumer Financial

Protection Bureau (NMLS)

3 Commit to a Note Investment

Documents are sent by Docusign along with wire Instructions for Funds.

4 Transaction Closes

Once we receive the recorded deed and title policy from title(deed of trust or mortgage is recorded at the appropriate County's Recorder Office), you will receive an email with copies of the following:

Copy of Signed Note

Copy of Recorded Deed of Trust

Copy of the Title Policy

Copy of the Evidence of Fire Insurance Policy

5 Payments Mailed to You

Monthly Payments
On a monthly basis, The Norris Group collects the payments from the borrower and sends the funds via ACH to you, the trust deed investor. This continues to occur until the loan is paid off.

The Norris Group also monitors property tax payments and insurance as part of servicing to ensure that the borrower is not only carrying insurance but the proper insurance policy.

In addition, annual paperwork and documentation is mailed to you for taxes at the beginning of the year.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know Before You Get Started in Trust Deed Investing

What is a trust deed/mortgage/note investor?

A “note” refers to the promissory note created in a loan secured by real estate. You act as the lender (“you’re the bank”), and your investment is secured by the borrower’s equity and skin in the game.

Investors aim for higher returns than banks and are backed by real estate assets.

How much money do I need to begin trust‑deed / mortgage investing?

Under California’s SB 978 guidelines, no single trust deed investment can exceed 10% of your net worth.

Example: If a note is $100,000, the investor should have at least $1,000,000 net worth (excluding primary residence, cars, furniture).

They apply the same rule in Florida for consistency. Investors must complete an “Investor Questionnaire” establishing suitability.

Can I use an IRA or 401(k) for trust deed/mortgage investing?

Yes—investments via IRAs, self‑directed IRAs, Roth IRAs, and certain retirement accounts are accepted.

Important: Check your specific retirement plan’s rules and fee structure before investing.

What kind of properties are financed via these loans?

Loans are for non‐owner occupied properties in CA and FL (generally single family or 1–4 unit residential). The programs vary: fix & flips, rentals, new construction. Important: Check your specific retirement plan’s rules and fee structure before investing.

What is the typical yield?

Yield depends on loan term and state: e.g., a 6% program in CA is described for a 3‑year term with 1‑year pre‐payment penalty. Shorter‐term flip/construct programs may yield more but are more variable, and idle time between transactions reduces effective annual return.

Do you pool investor funds?

No. The Norris Group does not pool funds; each investor owns their individual loan. Fractional loans are possible (for larger loans, > $200k) but still structured with equal shares among qualified investors.

Are private mortgages/trust deeds safe investments?

All investments carry risk. The Norris Group focuses on first‐position notes, full due diligence, state‐compliant legal documents, and monitors aspects like insurance/taxes. Because investors don’t deal with “the three T’s (tenants, toilets, trash)”, it may be more passive than direct real estate ownership.

What should I expect once I commit to be a private lender?

Investors will receive details and follow the investment process. Due diligence, documentation, servicing, etc.

How large are the loans you broker? What is your loan‐to‐value (LTV)/ARV?

Loan sizes vary widely: from ~$30k to over $1M. Typical fix & flip in CA/FL: $100k‑$500k. Rental programs: $50k‑$250k. They lend up to ~60‑70% of After Repair Value (ARV) or Loan to Value (LTV), depending on program.

What is servicing? Why might the advertised rate differ from my net return?

Servicing covers loan administration, borrower contact, tax/insurance monitoring, year‐end paperwork, etc. The gross rate may be slightly higher, with the servicing fee deducted to yield the net return to investor.

Why use The Norris Group rather than going direct to borrowers?

Regulation: In California, trust deed investors must work via licensed broker to comply with usury laws and other requirements.

Value‑added: The Norris Group sources, structures, services and monitors the investments—saving time, broadening access, reducing risk.

Do you require insurance on the property?

Yes. They require proper fire insurance, vacancy endorsement when applicable, coverage equal to loan or replacement guarantee, and monitoring of policy status.

Will I receive a complete profile on the property?

Yes. Before funding, an independent appraisal is done; investors receive the appraisal and property address to review.

Who can invest?

Private individuals, corporations, pension plans, 401(k)s, IRAs, Roth IRAs, self‑directed IRAs, CRTs, foundations, endowments, family trusts, etc. vIn California, 10% of net worth maximum per single trust deed. The Norris Group uses the same maximum in Florida for consistency.