When professionals in the cash flow business refer to a “note” they are not talking about love notes, music notes, or a “note to self.” In the language of the private cash flow business the word “note” is shorthand for promissory note. While it is easy to get tripped up in the various types of notes, this term refers to an official IOU; the right to collect payments based on terms outlined in the promissory note itself. In most cases a note is secured, meaning the borrower stands to lose something if they fail to make payments in accordance to the terms of the note. The security can be any form of property including cars, boats, planes, or real estate. While some venture into niche markets, the type of note most finders work with is the real estate note because they are well secured and it's easy to find note holders and buyers.

A real estate note, commonly called a mortgage, trust deed or land contract, is simply a note that is secured by a home, vacant land, or other type of real estate property. These notes are very attractive for buyers and finders for numerous reasons, with one of the most prominent ones being the sheer volume created on a daily basis. Additionally, in most circumstances, real estate notes are more secure because real property tends to appreciate in value and is fixed in location, whereas many other types of property (like cars) tend to depreciate and can be easily moved. Buyers want to get the most bang for their buck which is why many of them choose to work with real estate notes. They know that should a borrower fail to make payments it would be more realistic for them to recuperate their invested funds by foreclosing on a single family home than on farm equipment. It's also much more difficult for a borrower to hide a house than a tractor. Smart note finders know to look for what the buyers want – and real estate notes are often it.

Regardless of the specific area within the private cash flow business new note finders choose to explore, they must understand that many of the people who own notes and collect payments aren't aware of what exactly it is they have or their right to sell those payments. The well informed note finder will be able to clearly address all of those questions and match that seller with an interested buyer for the incoming payments on their promissory note. Once a new note finder has the basic understanding of what a note is it is time to start developing the additional skills needed to start and maintain a successful note referral business. First up is learning how to use all of this new information to locate note holders and refer them to buyers interested in purchasing their monthly payments.