Certified Stairway Advisor ™
Where Mortgage Expertise Meets Financial Strategy
Two Designations. One Powerful Credential.
The Certified Stairway Advisor™ designation is earned by completing two robust, strategy-packed courses:
- CSA-MFS: Mortgage & Financial Strategy (40 hours)
- CSA-REI: Real Estate Investing (36–40 hours)
Together, they form a powerful, real-world education for mortgage professionals who want to advise beyond the transaction.
Why We Created the CSA Designation
Clients today don’t want salespeople—they want trusted advisors who understand both the mortgage and the money behind it. CSA graduates aren’t licensed financial planners, but they are fluent in:
- Mortgage as a financial tool
- Real estate as a wealth strategy
- Collaboration with CPAs, CFPs, and attorneys
- Real conversations, not sales scripts
Who Is This For?
Two Tracks. Deep Training. Immediate Impact.
CSA-MFS: Mortgage & Financial Strategy
1. Mortgage & Wealth-Building Fundamentals
2. Financial Strategy & Debt Restructuring
3. Understanding & Using Financial Calculators
4. Investment Property Financing & Tax Strategies
5. Retirement Planning & Real Estate
6. Professional Introductions to Financial Planners
7. Client Communication & Intelligent Conversations
8. Case Study Analysis & Application
9. Business Owners & Real Estate Leverage
2. Financial Strategy & Debt Restructuring
3. Understanding & Using Financial Calculators
4. Investment Property Financing & Tax Strategies
5. Retirement Planning & Real Estate
6. Professional Introductions to Financial Planners
7. Client Communication & Intelligent Conversations
8. Case Study Analysis & Application
9. Business Owners & Real Estate Leverage
CSA-REI – Chapters & Time Breakdown:
1. Introduction to Real Estate as a Wealth Strategy
2. Types of Residential Real Estate Investors
3. Analyzing Deals Like a Pro
4. Understanding Property Management
5. Financing Strategies for Investors
6. Scaling Your Portfolio Strategically
7. Tax, Legal, and Insurance Considerations
8. Creating Investment Partnerships
9. Case Studies, Worksheets & Action Planning
2. Types of Residential Real Estate Investors
3. Analyzing Deals Like a Pro
4. Understanding Property Management
5. Financing Strategies for Investors
6. Scaling Your Portfolio Strategically
7. Tax, Legal, and Insurance Considerations
8. Creating Investment Partnerships
9. Case Studies, Worksheets & Action Planning
How This Certification Sets You Apart
I thought I was just becoming a better loan officer. I ended up becoming the most trusted financial voice in my client’s lives.
— CSA Graduate, Los Angeles, CA
What It Takes To Become a Certified Stairway Advisor™
- Enroll in Both Courses (CSA-MFS & CSA-REI)
- Complete 70+ Hours of Training
- Pass the Certification Exam
- Maintain Annual Continuing Education
- Represent the CSA™ Standard in All Client Work
Common Questions About the CSA Program
Do I need to be a licensed loan officer to enroll?
• What kind of support do I receive?
• Can I take the courses at my own pace?
• Will this help me attract more business?
• Is this for new or experienced professionals?
Are You Ready to Become the Advisor Clients Trust for Life?
Join the CSA™ Program and Start Building Generational Wealth—For You and Your Clients.
100% Client Satisfaction
Real Comments, Real People
Hear From Some Past Clients of Our Founder
First-time home purchase and refinance with fast closing
Great customer service! We were living in California for 20+ years, and every year our rent went up, so we decided to move to Virginia and get our own house. Jim helped us with our very first home mortgage and constantly updated us with the lowering rates. After we were presented with different options, we decided to do a refi, and his team made it possible for us to grab the opportunity to shorten our term from 30 to 15 years at a much lower rate. In just around three weeks we were able to close. Me and my family will definitely recommend them!
Johnny Blan - via Facebook
Retired Investor -
CALIFORNIA
CALIFORNIA
Guidance through the purchase process with clear explanations
They worked with me on the purchase process. Their knowledge helped me to choose the option that was most convenient. From the beginning they explained the process. Thanks Jim!
Dayana Ruiz - via Facebook
Mortgage Loan Originator Columbus Capital Lending -
FLORIDA
FLORIDA
Investor-friendly lender who goes the extra mile
I'm an RE investor. Had multiple loan officers but one really stands out – JIM BLACKBURN. Now, he is working on a third deal with me. He does go the extra mile. A few examples from the past: I have tons of properties and live in China with unique income (he made it work!). He called me in China at 1 AM to get information to close the deal. He is super efficient with collecting the right documents upfront to avoid a lot of back and forth later with processors. You can't go wrong with Jim.
Dennis Nikolaev - Facebook
Studio Leader at APCE Dennis Studio -
CHINA
CHINA