“Agency RMBS” refers to RMBS representing interests in or obligations backed by pools of mortgage loans guaranteed by a government sponsored enterprise (“GSE”), such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), or an agency of the U.S. government, such as the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”);

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management has made significant estimates in several areas, including fair valuation of its distressed and other residential mortgage loans, multi-family loans held in securitization trusts, residential mortgage loans held in securitization trust, multi-family CDOs, certain residential CDOs and CMBS held in re-securitization trusts, as well as income recognition on distressed residential mortgage loans purchased at a discount. Although the Company’s estimates contemplate current conditions and how it expects those conditions to change in the future, it is reasonably possible that actual conditions could be different than anticipated in those estimates, which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations and its financial condition.

Principles of Consolidation and Variable Interest Entities – The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of all its subsidiaries which are majority-owned, controlled by the Company or a variable interest entity (“VIE”) where the Company is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

A VIE is an entity that lacks one or more of the characteristics of a voting interest entity. A VIE is defined as an entity in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The Company consolidates a VIE when it is the primary beneficiary of such VIE, herein referred to as a “Consolidated VIE”. As primary beneficiary, the Company has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and a right to receive benefits or absorb losses of the entity that could be potentially significant to the VIE. The Company is required to reconsider its evaluation of whether to consolidate a VIE each reporting period, based upon changes in the facts and circumstances pertaining to the VIE.

Business Combinations – The Company accounts for business combinations by applying the acquisition method in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). Transaction costs related to acquisition of a business are expensed as incurred and excluded from the fair value of consideration transferred. The identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and non-controlling interests, if any, in an acquired entity are recognized and measured at their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of consideration transferred over the fair values of identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and non-controlling interests, if any, in an acquired entity, net of fair value of any previously held interest in the acquired entity, is recorded as goodwill. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets and liabilities.

On March 31, 2017, the Company determined that it became the primary beneficiary of 200 RHC Hoover, LLC (“Riverchase Landing”) and The Clusters, LLC (“The Clusters”), two VIEs that each owned a multi-family apartment community and in each of which the Company held a preferred equity investment. Accordingly, on this date, the Company consolidated both Riverchase Landing and The Clusters into its consolidated financial statements in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”). These transactions were accounted for by applying the acquisition method for business combinations under ASC 805 (see Note 9). In March 2018 and February 2019, Riverchase Landing and The Clusters, respectively, completed the sale of their multi-family apartment communities and redeemed each of the Company’s preferred equity investments. The Company de-consolidated Riverchase Landing and The Clusters as of the date of each property’s sale.

Goodwill – Goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of consideration transferred in a business combination over the fair values of identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and non-controlling interests, if any, in an acquired entity, net of fair value of any previously held interest in the acquired entity. In May 2016, the Company acquired the outstanding membership interests in RiverBanc LLC (“RiverBanc”), RB Multifamily Investors LLC and RB Development Holding Company, LLC (“RBDHC”) that were not previously owned by the Company. These transactions were accounted for by applying the acquisition method for business acquisitions under ASC 805. Goodwill of $25.2 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, relates to these transactions and the inclusion of these entities in the Company’s multifamily investment reporting unit.

Goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if the Company believes indicators of impairment exist, by initially performing a qualitative screen and, if necessary, then comparing fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, an impairment charge for the amount by which carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value (in an amount not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit) is recognized. The Company’s annual evaluation of goodwill as of October 1, 2019 indicated no impairment.

Investment Securities, Available for Sale – The Company’s investment securities, where the fair value option has not been elected and which are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported in Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”), include Agency RMBS, Agency CMBS, non-Agency RMBS and CMBS. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company’s newly purchased investment securities are presented at fair value as a result of a fair value election made at the time of acquisition pursuant to ASC 825, Financial Instruments (“ASC 825”). The fair value option was elected for these investment securities to provide stockholders and others who rely on our financial statements with a more complete and accurate understanding of our economic performance. The Company has also elected the fair value option at the time of acquisition for its Agency IOs, certain Agency fixed-rate RMBS and Agency ARMs within the Agency IO portfolio. The fair value option was elected for these investment securities to better match the accounting for these investment securities with the related derivative instruments within the Agency IO portfolio, which were not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had fully exited its Agency IO strategy and liquidated its Agency IO portfolio. Changes in fair value of investment securities subject to the fair value election are recorded in current period earnings in unrealized gains (losses), net on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

The Company generally intends to hold its investment securities until maturity; however, from time to time, it may sell any of its securities as part of the overall management of its business. As a result, our investment securities are classified as available for sale securities. Realized gains and losses recorded on the sale of investment securities available for sale are based on the specific identification method and included in realized gains (losses), net on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Interest income on our investment securities available for sale is accrued based on the outstanding principal balance and their contractual terms. Purchase premiums or discounts associated with our Agency RMBS and Agency CMBS assessed as high credit quality at the time of purchase are amortized or accreted to interest income over the estimated life of these investment securities using the effective yield method. Adjustments to amortization are made for actual prepayment activity on our Agency RMBS.

Interest income on certain of our credit sensitive securities that were purchased at a premium or discount to par value, such as certain of our non-Agency RMBS, CMBS and ABS of less than high credit quality, is recognized based on the security’s effective yield. The effective yield on these securities is based on management’s estimate of the projected cash flows from each security, which incorporates assumptions related to fluctuations in interest rates, prepayment speeds and the timing and amount of credit losses. On at least a quarterly basis, management reviews and, if appropriate, adjusts its cash flow projections based on input and analysis received from external sources, internal models, and its judgment about interest rates, prepayment rates, the timing and amount of credit losses, and other factors. Changes in cash flows from those originally projected, or from those estimated at the last evaluation, may result in a prospective change in the yield (or interest income) recognized on these securities.

The Company accounts for investment securities that are of high credit quality (generally those rated AA or better by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization, or NRSRO) at date of acquisition in accordance with ASC 320-10, Investments - Debt and Equity Securities (“ASC 320-10”). The Company accounts for investment securities that are not of high credit quality (i.e., those whose risk of loss is more than remote) or securities that can be contractually prepaid such that we would not recover our initial investment at the date of acquisition in accordance with ASC 325-40, Investments - Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets (“ASC 325-40”). The Company considers credit ratings, the underlying credit risk and other market factors in determining whether the investment securities are of high credit quality; however, securities rated lower than AA or an equivalent rating are not considered of high credit quality and are accounted for in accordance with ASC 325-40. If ratings are inconsistent among NRSROs, the Company uses the lower rating in determining whether the securities are of high credit quality.

When the fair value of an investment security is less than its amortized cost as of the reporting balance sheet date, the security is considered impaired. The Company assesses its impaired securities on at least a quarterly basis and designates such impairments as either “temporary” or “other-than-temporary”. If the Company intends to sell an impaired security, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the impaired security before its anticipated recovery, the Company recognizes an other-than-temporary impairment through earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment’s amortized cost and its fair value as of the balance sheet date. If the Company does not expect to sell an other-than-temporarily impaired security, only the portion of the other-than-temporary impairment related to credit losses is recognized through earnings with the remainder recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Impairments recognized through other comprehensive income (loss) do not impact earnings. Following the recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment through earnings, a new cost basis is established for the security, which may not be adjusted for subsequent recoveries in fair value through earnings. However, other-than-temporary impairments recognized through earnings may be accreted back to the amortized cost basis of the security on a prospective basis through interest income. The determination as to whether an other-than-temporary impairment exists and, if so, the amount considered other-than-temporarily impaired is subjective, as such determinations are based on both factual and subjective information available at the time of assessment as well as the Company’s estimates of the future performance and cash flow projections. As a result, the timing and amount of other-than-temporary impairments constitute material estimates that are susceptible to significant change.

In determining the other-than temporary impairment related to credit losses for securities that are not of high credit quality, the Company compares the present value of the remaining cash flows expected to be collected at the prior reporting date or purchase date, whichever is most recent, against the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected at the current financial reporting date. The Company considers information available about the past and expected future performance of underlying collateral, including timing of expected future cash flows, prepayment rates, default rates, loss severities and delinquency rates.

Distressed and Other Residential Mortgage Loans, at fair value – Certain of the Company’s acquired residential mortgage loans, including distressed residential mortgage loans, non-QM loans, second mortgage loans and residential bridge loans, are presented at fair value on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as a result of a fair value election made at the time of acquisition pursuant to ASC 825. Changes in fair value are recorded in current period earnings in unrealized gains (losses), net on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Premiums and discounts associated with the purchase of distressed and other residential mortgage loans at fair value are amortized or accreted into interest income over the life of the related loan using the effective interest method. Any premium amortization or discount accretion is reflected as a component of interest income, distressed and other residential mortgage loans on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Distressed and other residential mortgage loans at fair value are considered past due when they are 30 days past their contractual due date, and are placed on nonaccrual status when delinquent for more than 90 days. Interest accrued but not yet collected at the time loans are placed on nonaccrual is reversed and subsequently recognized only to the extent it is received in cash or until it qualifies for return to accrual status. Loans are restored to accrual status only when contractually current or the collection of future payments is reasonably assured.

Distressed Residential Mortgage Loans, net – Certain of the distressed residential mortgage loans acquired by the Company at a discount, with evidence of credit deterioration since their origination and where it is probable that the Company will not collect all contractually required principal payments, are accounted for under ASC 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality (“ASC 310-30”) and are included in distressed and other residential mortgage loans, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Management evaluates whether there is evidence of credit quality deterioration as of the acquisition date using indicators such as past due or modified status, risk ratings, recent borrower credit scores and recent loan-to-value percentages. Loans considered credit impaired are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition, with no allowance for loan losses. Subsequent to acquisition, the recorded amount for these loans reflects the original investment, plus accretion income, less principal and interest cash flows received. These distressed residential mortgage loans are presented on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at carrying value, which reflects the recorded amount reduced by any allowance for loan losses established subsequent to acquisition.

Under ASC 310-30, the acquired credit impaired loans may be accounted for individually or aggregated and accounted for as a pool of loans if the loans being aggregated have common risk characteristics. A pool is accounted for as a single asset with a single composite interest rate and an expectation of aggregate cash flows. Once a pool is assembled, it is treated as if it was one loan for purposes of applying the accounting guidance. For each pool established, or on an individual loan basis for loans not aggregated into pools, the Company estimates at the time of acquisition and periodically, the principal and interest expected to be collected. The difference between the cash flows expected to be collected and the carrying amount of the loans is referred to as the “accretable yield.” This amount is accreted as interest income over the life of the loans using a level yield methodology. Interest income recorded each period relates to the accretable yield recognized at the pool level or on an individual loan basis, and not to contractual interest payments received at the loan level. The difference between contractually required principal and interest payments and the cash flows expected to be collected, referred to as the “nonaccretable difference,” includes estimates of both the impact of prepayments and expected credit losses over the life of the individual loan, or the pool (for loans grouped into a pool).

Management monitors actual cash collections against its expectations, and revised cash flow expectations are prepared as necessary. A decrease in expected cash flows in subsequent periods may indicate that the loan pool or individual loan, as applicable, is impaired, thus requiring the establishment of an allowance for loan losses by a charge to the provision for loan losses. An increase in expected cash flows in subsequent periods initially reduces any previously established allowance for loan losses by the increase in the present value of cash flows expected to be collected, and results in a recalculation of the amount of accretable yield for the loan pool. The adjustment of accretable yield due to an increase in expected cash flows is accounted for prospectively as a change in estimate. The additional cash flows expected to be collected are reclassified from the nonaccretable difference to the accretable yield, and the amount of periodic accretion is adjusted accordingly over the remaining life of the loans in the pool or individual loan, as applicable. The impacts of (i) prepayments, (ii) changes in variable interest rates, and (iii) any other changes in the timing of expected cash flows are recognized prospectively as adjustments to interest income.

Disposal of a distressed residential mortgage loan accounted for under ASC 310-30, which may include a loan sale, receipt of payment in full from the borrower or foreclosure, results in removal of the loan from the loan pool at its allocated carrying amount. In the event of a sale of the loan and receipt of payment (in full or partial) from the borrower, a gain or loss on sale is recognized and reported based on the difference between the sales proceeds or payment from the borrower and the allocated carrying amount of the acquired distressed residential mortgage loan. In the case of a foreclosure, an individual loan is removed from the pool and a loss on sale is recognized if the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell. A gain is not recognized if the fair value of collateral less costs to sell exceeds the carrying value.

The Company uses the specific allocation method for the removal of loans as the estimated cash flows and related carrying amount for each individual loan are known. In these cases, the remaining accretable yield is unaffected and any material change in remaining effective yield caused by the removal of the loan from the pool is addressed by the re-assessment of the estimate of cash flows for the pool prospectively.

For individual loans not accounted for in pools that are sold or satisfied by payment in full, a gain or loss on sale is recognized and reported based on the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the acquired distressed residential mortgage loan. In the case of a foreclosure, a loss is recognized if the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the underlying collateral less costs to sell. A gain is not recognized if the fair value of underlying collateral less costs to sell exceeds the carrying value.

Residential Mortgage Loans Held in Securitization Trusts, net – Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, net are comprised of certain ARM loans transferred to Consolidated VIEs that have been securitized into sequentially rated classes of beneficial interests and are included in distressed and other residential mortgage loans, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company accounted for these securitization trusts as financings which are consolidated into the Company’s financial statements. Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, net are carried at their unpaid principal balances, net of unamortized premium or discount, unamortized loan origination costs and allowance for loan losses. Interest income is accrued and recognized as revenue when earned according to the terms of the mortgage loans and when, in the opinion of management, it is collectible. The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when, in management’s opinion, the interest is not collectible in the normal course of business, but in all cases when payment becomes greater than 90 days delinquent. Loans return to accrual status when principal and interest become current and are anticipated to be fully collectible.

The Company establishes an allowance for loan losses based on management’s judgment and estimate of credit losses inherent in our portfolio of residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, net. Estimation involves the consideration of various credit-related factors, including but not limited to, macro-economic conditions, current housing market conditions, loan-to-value ratios, delinquency status, historical credit loss severity rates, purchased mortgage insurance, the borrower’s current economic condition and other factors deemed to warrant consideration. Additionally, management looks at the balance of any delinquent loan and compares that to the current value of the collateralizing property. Management utilizes various home valuation methodologies including appraisals, broker pricing opinions, internet-based property data services to review comparable properties in the same area or consult with a broker in the property’s area.

Residential Mortgage Loans Held in Securitization Trust, at fair value – Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trust at fair value are comprised of seasoned re-performing and non-performing residential mortgage loans held in a Freddie Mac-sponsored residential mortgage loan securitization, of which we own the first loss subordinated securities and certain IOs and senior securities issued by this securitization, and that we consolidate in our financial statements in accordance with GAAP (“Consolidated SLST”). Based on a number of factors, management determined that the Company was the primary beneficiary of Consolidated SLST and met the criteria for consolidation and, accordingly, has consolidated the securitization, including its assets, liabilities, income and expenses in our financial statements. The Company has elected the fair value option on each of the assets and liabilities held within Consolidated SLST, which requires that changes in valuations be reflected on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. In accordance with ASC 810, the Company measures both the financial assets and financial liabilities of a qualifying consolidated collateralized financing entity (“CFE”) using the fair value of either the CFE’s financial assets or financial liabilities, whichever is more observable. As the related securitization trust is considered a qualifying CFE, the Company determines the fair value of the residential mortgage loans held in Consolidated SLST based on the fair value of its residential collateralized debt obligations and its retained interests from the securitization (eliminated in consolidation in accordance with GAAP), as the fair value of these instruments is more observable.

Interest income is accrued and recognized as revenue when earned according to the terms of the seasoned re-performing and non-performing residential mortgage loans and when, in the opinion of management, it is collectible. The accrual of interest on the seasoned re-performing and non-performing residential mortgage loans is discontinued when, in management’s opinion, the interest is not collectible in the normal course of business.

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities – Non-controlling, unconsolidated ownership interests in an entity may be accounted for using the equity method or the cost method. In circumstances where the Company has a non-controlling interest but either owns a significant interest or is able to exert influence over the affairs of the enterprise, the Company utilizes the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, the initial investment is increased each period for additional capital contributions and a proportionate share of the entity’s earnings or preferred return and decreased for cash distributions and a proportionate share of the entity’s losses. Management periodically reviews its investments for impairment based on projected cash flows from the entity over the holding period. When any impairment is identified, the investments are written down to recoverable amounts.

The Company may elect the fair value option for an investment in an unconsolidated entity that is accounted for using the equity method. The Company elected the fair value option for certain investments in unconsolidated entities that own interests (directly or indirectly) in commercial or residential real estate assets or loans because the Company determined that such presentation represents the underlying economics of the respective investment. The Company records the change in fair value of its investment in other income on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations (see Note 7).

A preferred equity investment is an equity investment in the entity that owns the underlying property. Preferred equity is not secured by the underlying property, but holders have priority relative to common equity holders on cash flow distributions and proceeds from capital events. In addition, preferred equity holders may be able to enhance their position and protect their equity position with covenants that limit the entity’s activities and grant the holder the exclusive right to control the property after an event of default.

The Company has evaluated its preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments for accounting treatment as loans versus equity investments utilizing the guidance provided by the Acquisition, Development and Construction Arrangements Subsection of ASC 310, Receivables. Preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments, for which the characteristics, facts and circumstances indicate that loan accounting treatment is appropriate, are stated at unpaid principal balance, adjusted for any unamortized premium or discount and deferred fees or expenses, net of valuation allowances. The Company accretes or amortizes any discounts or premiums and deferred fees and expenses over the life of the related asset utilizing the effective interest method or straight line-method, if the result is not materially different.

Management evaluates the collectability of both interest and principal of each of these loans, if circumstances warrant, to determine whether they are impaired. A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the existing contractual terms. When a loan is impaired, the amount of the loss accrual is calculated by comparing the carrying amount of the investment to the estimated fair value of the loan or, as a practical expedient, to the value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Interest income is accrued and recognized as revenue when earned according to the terms of the loans and when, in the opinion of management, it is collectible. The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when, in management’s opinion, the interest is not collectible in the normal course of business, but in all cases when payment becomes greater than 90 days delinquent. Loans return to accrual status when principal and interest become current and are anticipated to be fully collectible.

Multi-Family Loans Held in Securitization Trusts, at fair value – Multi-family loans held in securitization trusts are comprised of multi-family mortgage loans held in Freddie Mac-sponsored multi-family loan K-Series securitizations, of which we, or one of our “special purpose entities” (“SPEs”) own the first loss POs and certain IOs and certain senior or mezzanine securities issued by those securitizations, and that we consolidate in our financial statements in accordance with GAAP (the “Consolidated K-Series”). Based on a number of factors, management determined that the Company was the primary beneficiary of each VIE within the Consolidated K-Series and met the criteria for consolidation and, accordingly, has consolidated these securitizations, including their assets, liabilities, income and expenses in our financial statements. The Company has elected the fair value option on each of the assets and liabilities held within the Consolidated K-Series, which requires that changes in valuations be reflected on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. In accordance with ASC 810, the Company measures both the financial assets and financial liabilities of a qualifying consolidated CFE using the fair value of either the CFE’s financial assets or financial liabilities, whichever is more observable. As the Company’s multi-family securitization trusts are considered qualifying CFEs, the Company determines the fair value of multi-family loans held in securitization trusts based on the fair value of its multi-family collateralized debt obligations and its retained interests from these securitizations (eliminated in consolidation in accordance with GAAP), as the fair value of these instruments is more observable.

Real Estate Held for Sale in Consolidated Variable Interest Entities - The Company recorded its initial investments in income-producing real estate at fair value at the acquisition date in accordance with ASC 805. The purchase price of acquired properties was apportioned to the tangible and identified intangible assets and liabilities acquired at their respective estimated fair values. In making estimates of fair values for purposes of allocating purchase price, the Company utilized a number of sources, including independent appraisals that may be obtained in connection with the acquisition or financing of the respective real estate, its own analysis of recently-acquired and existing comparable properties, property financial results, and other market data. The Company also considered information obtained about the real estate as a result of its due diligence, including marketing and leasing activities, in estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired. The Company considered the value of acquired in-place leases and utilized an amortization period that is the average remaining term of the acquired leases.

The Company reclassified its operating real estate held in consolidated variable interest entities to real estate held for sale in consolidated variable interest entities in accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment during the year ended December 31, 2017. When real estate assets are identified as held for sale, the Company discontinues depreciating (amortizing) the assets and estimates the fair value, net of selling costs, of such assets. Real estate held for sale in consolidated variable interest entities is recorded at the lower of the net carrying amount of the assets or the estimated net fair value. If the estimated net fair value of the real estate held for sale is less than the net carrying amount of the assets, an impairment charge is recorded on the consolidated statements of operations with an allocation to non-controlling interests in the respective VIEs, if any.

The Company assesses the net fair value of real estate held for sale each reporting period that assets remain classified as held for sale. Subsequent changes, if any, in the net fair value of the real estate assets held for sale that require an adjustment to the carrying amount are recorded on the consolidated statements of operations with an allocation to non-controlling interests in the respective VIEs, if any, unless the adjustment causes the carrying amount of the assets to exceed the net carrying amount upon initial classification as held for sale.

If circumstances arise that the Company previously considered unlikely and, as a result, the Company decides not to sell real estate assets previously classified as held for sale, the real estate assets are reclassified to another real estate classification. Real estate assets that are reclassified are measured at the lower of (a) their carrying amount before they were classified as held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation (amortization) expense that would have been recognized had the assets remained in their previous classification, or (b) their fair value at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell.

Real Estate - Depreciation – The Company depreciates on a straight-line basis the building component of its real estate over a 30-year estimated useful life, building and improvements over a 10-year to 30-year estimated useful life, and furniture, fixtures and equipment over a 5-year estimated useful life, all of which are judgmental determinations. Betterments and certain costs directly related to the improvement of real estate are capitalized. Expenditures for ordinary maintenance and repairs are expensed to operations as incurred.

Real Estate Sales – The Company accounts for its real estate sales in accordance with ASC 360-20, Property, Plant and Equipment - Real Estate Sales. When real estate is sold, the nature of the entire real estate component being sold is considered in relation to the entire transaction to determine whether the substance of the transaction is the sale of real estate. Profit is recognized on the date of the real estate sale provided that a) a sale is consummated, b) the buyer’s initial and continuing investments are adequate to demonstrate commitment to pay for the property, c) the seller’s receivable is not subject to future subordination, and d) the seller has transferred to the buyer the usual risks and rewards of ownership and does not have a substantial continuing involvement with the sold property. Sales value is calculated based on the stated sales price plus any other proceeds that are additions to the sales price subtracting any discount needed to reduce a receivable to its present value and any services the seller commits to perform without compensation. See Note 10 for further discussion regarding sales of real estate by Consolidated VIEs.

Real Estate Under Development – The Company’s expenditures which directly relate to the acquisition, development, construction and improvement of properties are capitalized at cost. During the development period, which culminates once a property is substantially complete and ready for intended use, operating and carrying costs such as interest expense, real estate taxes, insurance and other direct costs are capitalized. Advertising and general administrative costs that do not relate to the development of a property are expensed as incurred. Real estate under development owned by Kiawah River View Investors LLC (“KRVI”), a Consolidated VIE (see Note 9), as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 of $14.5 million and $22.0 million, respectively, is included in receivables and other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Real Estate - Impairment – The Company periodically evaluates its real estate assets for indicators of impairment. The judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on factors such as operational performance, market conditions and legal and environmental concerns, as well as the Company’s ability and intent to hold each asset. Future events could occur which would cause the Company to conclude that impairment indicators exist and an impairment is warranted. If impairment indicators exist for long-lived assets to be held and used, and the expected future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, then the Company will record an impairment loss for the difference between the fair value of the asset and its carrying amount. If the asset is to be disposed of, then an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the estimated fair value of the asset, net of selling costs, and its carrying amount.

The Company evaluates the home pricing and lot values of the real estate under development that is owned by KRVI on a quarterly basis. Based on evaluations during the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company determined that the real estate under development with an original carrying amount of $20.9 million was no longer fully recoverable and was impaired. The Company recognized a $1.9 million impairment loss which is included in other income on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019. For the year ended December 31, 2019, $1.0 million of this impairment loss is included in net income attributable to non-controlling interest in consolidated variable interest entities on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, resulting in a net loss to the Company of $0.9 million. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized a $2.8 million impairment loss which is included in other income on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. For the year ended December 31, 2018, $1.4 million of this impairment loss is included in net income attributable to non-controlling interest in consolidated variable interest entities on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, resulting in a net loss to the Company of $1.4 million. Fair value was determined based on the sales comparison approach which derives a value indication by comparing the subject property to similar properties that have been recently sold and assumes a purchaser will not pay more for a particular property than a similar substitute property.

Intangible Assets – Intangible assets consisting of acquired trade name, acquired technology, employment/non-compete agreements, and acquired in-place leases with useful lives ranging from 6 months to 10 years are included in receivables and other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Intangible assets with estimable useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The useful lives of intangible assets are evaluated on an annual basis to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining useful life. See “Real Estate Held for Sale in Consolidated Variable Interest Entities” for further discussion of acquired in-place lease intangible assets.

Repurchase Agreements, Investment Securities – The Company finances the majority of its investment securities available for sale using repurchase agreements. Under a repurchase agreement, an asset is sold to a counterparty to be repurchased at a future date at a predetermined price, which represents the original sales price plus interest. The repurchase agreements are treated as collateralized financing transactions and are carried at their contractual amounts, as specified in the respective agreements. Borrowings under repurchase agreements generally bear interest rates of a specified margin over LIBOR.

Repurchase Agreements, Distressed and Other Residential Mortgage Loans – The Company finances a portion of its distressed and other residential mortgage loans at fair value and distressed residential mortgage loans accounted for under ASC 310-30, through repurchase agreements that expire within 12 to 18 months (see Note 12). The borrowings under the repurchase agreements bear an interest rate of a specified margin over one-month LIBOR. The repurchase agreements are treated as collateralized financing transactions and are carried at their contractual amounts, as specified in the respective agreements. Costs related to the establishment of the repurchase agreements which include underwriting, legal, accounting and other fees are reflected as deferred charges. Such costs are presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the deferred charges are amortized as an adjustment to interest expense using the effective interest method, or straight line-method, if the result is not materially different.

Collateralized Debt Obligations – The Company records collateralized debt obligations used to permanently finance certain residential and multi-family loans held in securitization trusts as debt on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Residential collateralized debt obligations (“Residential CDOs”) are used to finance residential ARM loans held in the Company’s residential mortgage loan securitization trusts. Residential collateralized debt obligations, at fair value (“SLST CDOs”) include the debt issued to permanently finance the seasoned re-performing and non-performing residential mortgage loans held in Consolidated SLST. Multi-Family collateralized debt obligations (“Multi-Family CDOs”) include debt issued to permanently finance the multi-family mortgage loans held in the Consolidated K-Series. We refer to Residential CDOs, SLST CDOs and Multi-Family CDOs collectively as “CDOs” in this report.

Securitized Debt – Securitized Debt represents third-party liabilities of Consolidated VIEs and excludes liabilities of the VIEs acquired by the Company that are eliminated on consolidation. The Company entered into several financing transactions that resulted in the Company consolidating as VIEs the SPEs that were created to facilitate the transactions and to which underlying assets in connection with the financing were transferred. The Company engaged in these transactions primarily to obtain permanent or longer-term financing on a portion of its multi-family CMBS and acquired distressed residential mortgage loans.

Costs related to the issuance of securitized debt, which include underwriting, rating agency, legal, accounting and other fees, are reflected as deferred charges. Such costs are presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the deferred charges are amortized as an adjustment to interest expense using the effective interest method, or straight line-method, if the result is not materially different.

Convertible Notes – On January 23, 2017, the Company issued its 6.25% Senior Convertible Notes due 2022 (the “Convertible Notes”) to finance the acquisition of targeted assets and for general working capital purposes. The Company evaluated the conversion features of the Convertible Notes for embedded derivatives in accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”) and determined that the conversion features should not be bifurcated from the notes.

The Convertible Notes were issued at a 4% discount. Costs related to issuance of the Convertible Notes, which include underwriting, legal, accounting and other fees, are reflected as deferred charges. The discount and deferred charges are amortized as an adjustment to interest expense using the effective interest method. The discount and deferred issuance costs, net of amortization, are presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The Company uses interest rate swaps to hedge the variable cash flows associated with our variable rate borrowings. At the inception of an interest rate swap agreement, the Company determines whether the instrument will be part of a qualifying hedge accounting relationship or whether the Company will account for the contract as a trading instrument. The Company has elected to treat all current interest rate swaps as trading instruments due to volatility and difficulty in effectively matching cash flows. We typically pay a fixed rate and receive a floating rate, based on one or three month LIBOR, on the notional amount of the interest rate swaps. The floating rate we receive under our swap agreements has the effect of offsetting the repricing characteristics and cash flows of our financing arrangements. Changes in fair value for interest rate swaps designated as trading instruments are reported on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations as unrealized gains (losses), net. Changes in fair value for interest rate swaps qualifying for hedge accounting will be included on the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) as decrease in fair value of derivative instruments utilized for cash flow hedges.

All of the Company’s interest rate swaps outstanding are cleared through a central clearing house. The Company exchanges variation margin for swaps based upon daily changes in fair value. As a result of amendments to rules governing certain central clearing activities, the exchange of variation margin is treated as a legal settlement of the exposure under the swap contract. Previously such payments were treated as cash collateral pledged against the exposure under the swap contract. Accordingly, the Company accounted for the receipt or payment of variation margin as a direct reduction to or increase in the carrying value of the interest rate swap asset or liability on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Manager Compensation – From 2012 to May 2019, we were a party to an investment management agreement with Headlands Asset Management LLC (“Headlands”) pursuant to which Headlands provided investment management services with respect to our investments in certain distressed residential mortgage loans. From 2011 to December 2017, we were a party to an investment management agreement with the Midway Group, LP (“Midway”), pursuant to which Midway provided investment management services with respect to our investments in Agency IOs. These investment management agreements provided for the payment to our investment managers of a management fee, incentive fee and reimbursement of certain operating expenses, which were accrued and expensed during the period for which they are earned or incurred. The Headlands agreement was terminated effective May 3, 2019 and the Midway agreement was terminated effective December 31, 2017.

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) – The Company’s comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to the Company’s common stockholders includes net income, the change in fair value of its available for sale securities purchased prior to October 2019 and its derivative hedging instruments (comprised of interest rate swaps until October 2017) (to the extent that such changes are not recorded in earnings), adjusted by realized net gains/(losses) reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) for available for sale securities, reduced by dividends declared on the Company’s preferred stock and increased/decreased for net loss/(income) attributable to non-controlling interest in consolidated variable interest entities. See “Investment Securities, Available for Sale” for discussion of the reporting of the change in fair value of available for sale securities purchased after September 2019.

During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company granted Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”) to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and certain other employees. The awards were issued pursuant to and are consistent with the terms and conditions of the Company’s 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”). The PSUs are subject to performance-based vesting under the 2017 Plan pursuant to a form of PSU award agreement (the “PSU Agreement”). Vesting of the PSUs will occur after a three-year period based on the Company’s relative TSR percentile ranking as compared to an identified performance peer group. The feature in this award constitutes a “market condition” which impacts the amount of compensation expense recognized for these awards. The grant date fair values of PSUs were determined through Monte-Carlo simulation analysis.

Income Taxes – The Company operates in such a manner so as to qualify as a REIT under the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. Requirements for qualification as a REIT include various restrictions on ownership of the Company’s stock, requirements concerning distribution of taxable income and certain restrictions on the nature of assets and sources of income. A REIT must distribute at least 90% of its taxable income to its stockholders, of which 85% plus any undistributed amounts from the prior year must be distributed within the taxable year in order to avoid the imposition of an excise tax. Distribution of the remaining balance may extend until timely filing of the Company’s tax return in the subsequent taxable year. Qualifying distributions of taxable income are deductible by a REIT in computing taxable income.

Certain activities of the Company are conducted through TRSs and therefore are subject to federal and various state and local income taxes. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented, and disclosed in the financial statements. ASC 740 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Company’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. In situations involving uncertain tax positions related to income tax matters, we do not recognize benefits unless it is more likely than not that they will be sustained. ASC 740 was applied to all open taxable years as of the effective date. Management’s determinations regarding ASC 740 may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, an ongoing analysis of tax laws, regulations and interpretations thereof. The Company will recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in our consolidated statements of operations.

Earnings Per Share – Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income attributable to the Company’s common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the Company.

On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASC 842 using the modified retrospective transition method applied to all leases that were not completed as of January 1, 2019. Results for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 are presented under ASC 842, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for the prior period. We elected the practical expedients allowed for under ASC 842 that exempt an entity from reassessing whether existing contracts contain leases, reassessing the lease classification of existing leases, and reassessing the initial direct costs for existing leases. As such, there was no cumulative impact on opening accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2019 of adopting ASC 842 under the modified retrospective transition method. Operating lease right of use assets of $9.3 million and operating lease liabilities of $9.8 million are included in receivables and other assets and accrued expenses and other liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, respectively, as of December 31, 2019. The adoption of ASC 842 did not have a material effect on our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019.

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). The amendments require the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. In addition, the ASU amends the accounting for credit losses on purchased financial assets with credit deterioration and available-for-sale debt securities, which will require the recognition of credit losses through a valuation allowance when fair value is less than amortized cost. The amendments are effective for public entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted beginning in 2019.

In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief (“ASU 2019-05”). The amendments allow an entity to make an irrevocable one-time election to measure financial assets accounted for under ASC 326-20, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses— Measured at Amortized Cost, using the fair value option upon adoption of ASU 2016-13. For the Company, the amendments are effective upon adoption of ASU 2016-13. The amendments in ASU 2019-05 should be applied on a modified retrospective basis by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the date that an entity adopted the amendments in ASU 2016-13.

On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13 and elected to apply the fair value option in accordance with ASU 2019-05 to the Company’s distressed and other residential mortgage loans, net, preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments that are accounted for as loans and preferred equity and mezzanine loans that are accounted for under the equity method. Adjustments resulting from the one-time election to record the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of these assets will be reflected in our consolidated balance sheets as of January 1, 2020 and will have no impact on our consolidated statements of operations as of January 1, 2020. Subsequent changes in fair value for these assets will be recorded in unrealized gains (losses), net on our consolidated statements of operations. As a result of the implementation of ASU 2019-05, we recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment of $12.3 million as an increase to stockholders’ equity as of January 1, 2020.



	December 31, 2019			Transition Adjustment		January 1, 2020
Assets
Distressed and other residential mortgage loans, net	$	202,756		$	5,715	$	208,471
Investments in unconsolidated entities	106,083			1,394		107,477
Preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments	180,045			2,420		182,465
Receivables and other assets	865			2,755		3,620
Total Assets	$	489,749		$	12,284	$	502,033

Stockholders' Equity
Accumulated deficit	$	(148,863	)	$	12,284	$	(136,579	)
Total Stockholders' Equity	$	(148,863	)	$	12,284	$	(136,579	)

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”). These amendments add, modify, or remove disclosure requirements regarding the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, narrative descriptions of measurement uncertainty, and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. The amendments are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted upon issuance of this update. An entity is permitted to early adopt any removed or modified disclosures upon issuance of ASU 2018-13 and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date. The Company anticipates the implementation of this guidance as of the effective date will result in additional and modified disclosures with respect to its Level 3 fair value measurements.