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Truss Talk
Real strategies for self-employed borrowers, real estate investors, and homeowners looking to unlock their equity. Hosted by the team at Truss Financial Group, each episode breaks down the lending programs, market shifts, and financial tactics that traditional banks won't tell you about — from DSCR and bank statement loans to HELOCs, reverse mortgages, and retirement-smart financing options for seniors. No fluff. No jargon walls. Just the insights that move the needle.
All Episodes
Episode 27: Digital DSCR Loans: Can Real Estate Investors Get Funded Faster in 2026?
In this episode of Truss Talk, we delve into a crucial topic for real estate investors: the speed of the DSCR loan process in 2026. Join me, Jason Nichols, as I partner with Jeff Miller to explore how advancements in technology are reshaping the financing landscape for investors. We discuss the historical challenges of lengthy approval timelines and how digital solutions, such as automated valuation models and streamlined underwriting, have significantly reduced closing times. Learn practical tips for investors to expedite their financing and enhance their competitive edge in a fast-paced market. Tune in to discover how to secure your next investment opportunity without missing a beat.
Episode 26: 1099 vs LLC Owner vs Freelancer. Who Has the Hardest Time Getting Approved?
Episode 26: 1099 vs. LLC Owner vs. Freelancer: Who Has the Hardest Time Getting Approved? If you're self-employed, getting approved for a mortgage often feels like an uphill battle. But even under the broad umbrella of "self-employment," traditional lenders treat a 1099 independent contractor, an LLC owner, and a gig freelancer completely differently. Walking into a bank without knowing how an underwriter views your specific income setup is one of the fastest ways to get an unexpected denial. In this episode of The Truss Financial Podcast, Jeff and Jason break down the exact friction points each of these three borrower profiles faces. They rank who actually has the hardest time getting approved, expose how S-Corp structures and heavy tax write-offs can accidentally slash your qualifying income, and explain why scattered payment channels (like PayPal, Venmo, or direct transfers) create hidden red flags. Whether you're running a solo agency, operating a multi-member LLC, or picking up 1099 contracts, tune in to learn how to clean up your financial presentation, align your tax strategy with your mortgage goals, and qualify for the home you deserve. In this episode, you’ll discover: The Documentation Ranking: Why freelancers face the most underwriting friction, LLC owners navigate structural complexity, and 1099 earners have the clearest path to approval. The Tax Structure Trap: How switching your LLC to an S-Corp or writing off major expenses on Schedule C can quietly ruin your qualifying income. Fixing Scattered Income: Why receiving payments across multiple digital channels makes traditional lenders nervous—and how consolidating accounts for 3 to 6 months turns your cash flow into a slam-duck application. The Bank Statement Advantage: How Non-QM loans allow self-employed borrowers across all three profiles to qualify based on actual gross deposits rather than net tax returns. CPA & Lender Alignment: Why your accountant's tax minimization strategy needs to be coordinated with your mortgage strategy before you apply. Get in Touch with Truss Financial Group: Self-employed and ready to see how a lender specialized in non-traditional income evaluates your true purchasing power? Connect with our team to review your options with zero pressure and no impact on your credit score: Call us at: +1 888-878-7715 Visit us at: trussfinancialgroup.com/contact
Episode 25: HELOC for Home Renovation. When It Builds Value and When It Wastes Equity?
Episode 25: HELOC for Home Renovation: When It Builds Value and When It Wastes Equity? Home renovation is one of the most popular reasons homeowners tap into their home equity, but swinging a hammer without a strategy can quietly erase years of wealth. Spending $80,000 on a swimming pool might sound like a dream upgrade, but if it only adds $15,000 to your home's resale value, you've effectively destroyed equity. In this episode of The Truss Financial Podcast, Jeff and Jason break down when using a HELOC for renovations builds genuine property value—and when it turns into a money pit. They explore why a HELOC's flexible draw structure beats high-interest credit cards or contractor financing, how to identify high-ROI projects (like mid-range kitchen updates and bathroom additions), and why over-improving for your specific neighborhood caps your return on investment. Before you start knocking down walls, tune in to learn how to evaluate your project, protect your equity, and fund your renovation with a clear financial plan. In this episode, you’ll discover: Value Builders vs. Equity Wasters: Why mid-range kitchen updates deliver 70%–80% ROI while swimming pools and hyper-custom design choices waste equity. The Neighborhood Ceiling: Why over-improving a home beyond what local buyers are willing to pay caps your overall property value. The HELOC Advantage: How revolving draw structures allow you to borrow only what you need as contractor expenses and unexpected repair bills pop up. Cheaper Capital: Why an 8%–9% HELOC is a far better choice than 15% contractor financing or 22% credit cards. The Smart Evaluation Process: How to determine whether a renovation is for personal enjoyment or resale value before spending a single dollar. Get in Touch with Truss Financial Group: Planning a home renovation and want to know how much equity you can unlock? Connect with our team to explore our fast, no-appraisal HELOC options without affecting your credit score: Toll-Free Phone: +1 888-878-7715 Website: trussfinancialgroup.com Fill out the form to contact us: trussfinancialgroup.com/contact
Episode 24: Reverse Mortgage vs Selling the Home. Which Option Actually Makes More Sense?
Deciding whether to sell your home or take out a reverse mortgage is one of the most critical choices retirees face. While selling lets you pocket a lump sum, it forces you to solve your housing situation immediately. A reverse mortgage lets you age in place and tap your equity, but it comes with unique qualification and cost structures. In this episode of The Truss Financial Podcast, Jeff and Jason break down a clear-eyed financial and lifestyle framework to help you compare both options side by side. They dive into the real net proceeds of selling after commissions and taxes, the strategic benefits of using home equity to preserve liquid investment portfolios, and the specific scenarios where downsizing is the smarter move. In this episode, you’ll discover: Net Proceeds Reality: Why selling costs, closing fees, and capital gains taxes mean headline home values aren't what actually land in your bank account. The Equity Access Gap: How reverse mortgage principal limits (typically 40%–55%+ of home value depending on age) compare to outright sale proceeds. When Selling Wins: Why high maintenance needs, relocating closer to family, or short-term hold plans (under 5–7 years) point toward selling. Preserving Retirement Assets: How structuring a reverse mortgage as a monthly payment stream protects your stock portfolio from forced liquidations. The "Life-First" Principle: Why housing preferences and health goals should dictate your financial strategy, not the other way around. Get in Touch with Truss Financial Group Wrestling with whether to stay in your home or sell? Let our team help you run the numbers both ways so you can make an informed decision for your retirement with zero pressure and no impact on your credit score: Toll-Free Phone: (888) 878-7715 Strategy Session: trussfinancialgroup.com/contact