The path to success is rarely a straight line. Sometimes, it takes a leap of faith—especially when the odds are stacked against you. That’s exactly what Kip Atkins did when he launched his real estate brokerage at the height of the 2008 financial crisis, a time when most lenders and realtors were running for the exits.
Kip, founder and president of Diversified Financing Solutions, started his career in real estate law, handling REO (Real Estate Owned) dispositions for GMAC. But instead of staying in the comfort of a corporate career, he saw an opportunity amidst the chaos and took a bold step into entrepreneurship.
Seeing the Storm Before It Hits
Kip’s unique perspective on the market came from working on the back end of the mortgage industry—dealing with foreclosures, evictions, and distressed asset management. In the early 2000s, while many were caught up in the housing boom, he noticed the warning signs.
“I was buying a house in Orange County in 2005, and I saw buyers making crazy offers, removing contingencies, and pushing affordability indexes to the single digits,” Kip recalls. “I knew something had to give.”
Sure enough, by 2007, REO properties flooded the market. But rather than retreat, Kip doubled down. He saw opportunity where others saw disaster. He left his six-figure job, took a loan against his house, and gave himself six months to make his business work.
From Selling REOs to Financing Investments
At first, Kip focused on helping banks unload their REO properties. But he quickly saw another challenge—many buyers couldn’t secure financing. Traditional lenders were tightening their belts, and many REO properties needed repairs before they could qualify for conventional loans.
“I had investors coming to me saying, ‘I want to buy this, but I can’t get financing,’” Kip recalls. “That’s when I realized I could step in and provide the capital.”
Using his own funds, he made his first private loan. “It was 12% interest, three points upfront—it just felt right,” Kip says with a laugh. “I didn’t even know there was an entire industry around private lending.”
As demand grew, he expanded from lending his own money to pooling funds from friends, family, and other investors. Over time, this evolved into a structured lending business.
Building a Smarter Lending Model
Today, Kip’s company, Diversified Financing Solutions, originates, brokers, and funds loans. His experience in REO and asset management gives him a unique edge—he doesn’t just look at a deal on paper. He understands what can go wrong and how to structure a loan for success.
One key principle? “We don’t load a loan unless we know we can close it.”
By vetting deals upfront and staying disciplined with underwriting, Kip has maintained a high success rate in a market where many lenders struggle. He’s also cautious about taking on too much capital at once. “I don’t want to be under the gun to deploy capital. I take a slow, steady approach,” he says.
Opportunities in Today’s Market
Kip sees today’s real estate market as ripe with opportunity. “There’s a massive amount of aging housing stock that needs to be rehabbed and resold,” he says. With interest rates showing signs of coming down, he believes this will inject more activity into the market.
His advice for new investors? Focus on fundamentals. “Real estate isn’t just about finding deals. It’s about understanding what happens when things go wrong. That’s what makes you a great investor.”
Why Experience Matters in Lending
Kip’s background—first in law, then in REO asset management, and finally in lending—has given him a rare 360-degree view of real estate. His ability to foresee risks before they become problems has kept his firm profitable, even when others faltered.
For those looking to get into real estate investing or lending, he emphasizes one key lesson: “Understand how the game ends before you get in.”
His company doesn’t just lend money; they educate their borrowers. By sharing his insights through social media and direct mentorship, Kip is helping to build a smarter generation of investors.
Betting on Yourself
Kip’s story is a testament to the power of believing in yourself. He left a stable career to chase an opportunity that few saw, took calculated risks, and built a business that continues to thrive.
“If you don’t want something, you’re not going to get it,” he says. “You have to want it. And sometimes, that means taking the leap before you know exactly how you’ll land.”
You can connect with Kip on his website (www.diversifiedfinancingsolutions.com) or @KipAdkins on Instagram and LinkedIn.
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