SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Certain accounting policies involve judgments and uncertainties to such an extent that there is reasonable likelihood that materially different amounts could have been reported under different conditions, or if different assumptions had been used. The Company evaluates its estimates and assumptions on a regular basis. The Company uses historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances to form the basis for making judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may materially differ from these estimates and assumptions used in preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

Variable Interest Entities

The Company invests in partnerships and joint ventures that may or may not qualify as “variable interest entities” or “VIEs.”

Generally, an entity is determined to be a VIE when either (i) the equity investors (if any) as a group, lack one or more of the essential characteristics of a controlling financial interest, (ii) the equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity’s activities without additional subordinated financial support or (iii) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportionate to their economic interests and substantially all of the activities of the entity involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor that has disproportionately fewer voting rights. The Company consolidates entities that are VIEs for which the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that has both (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Entities are also considered VIEs where the Company is the general partner (or the equivalent) and the limited partners (or the equivalent) in such investments do not have “kick-out” rights or substantive participating rights. The Company reassesses whether it has a controlling financial interest in any such investments as circumstances warrant. For consolidated VIE’s, the net equity pertaining to unrelated equity owners is reported as noncontrolling interests.

In instances where the Company is not the primary beneficiary, or the entity does not constitute a VIE, the Company uses the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, investments are initially recognized in the consolidated balance sheet at cost, or fair value in the case of legal assignments of such interests, and are subsequently adjusted to reflect the Company’s proportionate share of net earnings or losses of the entity, distributions received, contributions and certain other adjustments, as appropriate. When circumstances indicate there may have been a loss in value of an equity method investment, and the Company determines the loss in value is other than temporary, the Company recognizes an impairment charge to reflect the investment at fair value.

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling interests represent the portion of equity in the Company’s consolidated entities which is not attributable to the Company’s stockholders. Accordingly, noncontrolling interests are reported as a component of equity, separate from stockholders’ equity, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The net earnings (loss) allocated to such parties are reported in loss attributable to noncontrolling interest income allocation in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes items that impact changes in shareholders’ equity but are not recorded in earnings. The Company did not have any such items during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. Accordingly, comprehensive income (loss) is equal to net income (loss) for those periods.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are held in depository accounts with financial institutions that are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). Cash balances with institutions may be in excess of federally insured limits or may be invested in time deposits that are not insured by the institution or the FDIC or any other government agency. The company has never experienced any losses related to these balances. We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, our cash and cash equivalents were invested primarily in money market accounts that invest primarily in U.S. government securities. Due to the short maturity period of the cash equivalents, the carrying amount of these instruments approximate their fair values.

Funds Held by Lender and Restricted Cash

Funds held by lender and restricted cash includes amounts maintained in escrow or other restricted accounts deposited into reserve accounts held by lenders for contractually specified purposes, which includes property taxes and insurance. In addition, restricted cash includes initial Hotel Fund investor contributions which are held in a separate account until the accreditation evaluation is completed, at which time such funds are released for general operating purposes.

In February 2017, certain senior lender-controlled reserve accounts held at December 31, 2016 in the amount of $2.1 million were released to us upon sale of the Sedona hotels, which were the underlying collateral. At year end, this balance consists of property tax and insurance reserves for the MacArthur Loan and Hotel Fund investor contributions totaling $0.1 million at December 31, 2017.

Revenue Recognition

Operating Property Revenue

Revenues for the hospitality and entertainment operations include hotel, spa, golf, ancillary guest services, and related food and beverage operations, which are recognized as services are provided. Food and beverage revenue is derived from the sale of prepared food and beverage and select retail items and is recognized at the time of sale. Revenue derived from gift card sales is recognized at the time the gift card is redeemed. Until the redemption of gift cards occurs, the outstanding balances on such cards are included in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. In addition, advance deposits received from customers for hotel rooms or for event facility rentals are recorded as deferred revenue in customer deposits and funds held for others in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and are recognized as income at the time service is provided for the related deposit. Sales taxes are presented on the net basis with sales tax charged on taxable transactions excluded from consolidated statement of operations and represented as a liability on the consolidated balance sheet.

Residential rental income includes monthly rents, non-refundable fees, security, pet and cleaning deposits and retained refundable security deposits at the Company’s apartment complex. Rents are recognized on the first of each month when there is a tenant occupying the unit either under an initial or renewed term of a lease on a straight-line basis, or under the month-to-month provision of the lease. Rent concessions (i.e. first month free rent) are spread evenly over the term of the lease agreement. Rental income is suspended upon the earlier of the tenant becoming two months delinquent in rents, or the commencement of eviction proceedings, which usually occur within 30 days of delinquency. Rental income is restarted and/or caught-up when the tenant becomes current on the account. Retained refundable security deposits are recorded as liabilities and are not recognized as income unless or upon the meeting of security deposit forfeiture criteria (i.e. lease breakage, property damage, unmet move-out requirements, etc.).

Rental income arising from operating leases for the easement or use of real property owned by the Company is recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease.

Management Fee Revenue Recognition

Our revenues include base management and incentive management fees from management of hotels. Management fees are typically composed of a base fee, which typically is a percentage of the hotel revenues, plus an incentive fee, which is generally based on hotel profitability. We recognize base management fees as revenue when we earn them under the contracts. In interim periods and at year-end, we recognize incentive management fees that would be due as if the contracts were to terminate at that date, exclusive of any termination fees payable or receivable by us.

Mortgage Investment Revenue Recognition

Interest on mortgage loans is recognized as revenue when earned using the interest method based on a 360 or 365 day year, in accordance with the related mortgage loan terms. We do not recognize interest income on loans once they are deemed to be impaired and placed in non-accrual status. Generally, a loan is placed in non-accrual status when it is past its scheduled maturity by more than 90 days, when it becomes delinquent as to interest due by more than 90 days or when the related fair value of the collateral is less than the total principal, accrued interest and related costs. We may determine that a loan, while delinquent in payment status, should not be placed in non-accrual status in instances where the fair value of the loan collateral significantly exceeds the principal and the accrued interest, as we expect that income recognized in such cases is probable of collection. Unless and until we have determined that the value of underlying collateral is insufficient to recover the total contractual amounts due under the loan term, generally our policy is to continue to accrue interest until the loan is more than 90 days delinquent with respect to accrued, uncollected interest or more than 90 days past scheduled maturity, whichever comes first. Mortgage loans classified as held for sale are recorded on the lower of carrying value or fair value less cost to sell.

We do not typically remove a loan from non-accrual status until (a) the borrower has brought the respective loan current as to the payment of past due interest, and (b) we are reasonably assured as to the collection of all contractual amounts due under the loan based on the value of the underlying collateral of the loan, the receipt of additional collateral required and the financial ability of the borrower to service our loan.

We do not generally reverse accrued interest on loans once they are deemed to be impaired and placed in non-accrual status. In conducting our periodic valuation analysis, we consider the total recorded investment for a particular loan, including outstanding principal, accrued interest, anticipated protective advances for estimated outstanding property taxes for the related property and estimated foreclosure costs, when computing the amount of valuation allowance required. As a result, our valuation allowance may increase based on interest income recognized in prior periods, but subsequently deemed to be uncollectible as a result of our valuation analysis.

We generally allocate cash receipts first to interest, except when such payments are specifically designated by the terms of the loan as a principal reduction. Loans with a principal or interest payment one or more days delinquent are in technical default and are subject to various fees and charges including default interest rates, penalty fees and reinstatement fees. Often these fees are negotiated in the normal course of business and, therefore, not subject to estimation. Accordingly, revenue for such fees is recognized over the remaining life of the loan as an adjustment to the interest income yield.

We defer fees for loan originations, processing and modifications, net of direct origination costs, at origination and amortize such fees as an adjustment to interest income using the effective interest method. Revenue for non-refundable commitment fees is recognized over the remaining life of the loan as an adjustment to the interest income yield.

We defer premiums or discounts arising from acquired loans at acquisition and amortize such premiums or discounts as an adjustment to interest income over the contractual term of the related loan using the effective interest method. We include the unamortized portion of the premium or discount as a part of the net carrying value of the loan on the consolidated balance sheets. Costs not directly paid to the seller of the loan are expensed as incurred and not amortized, except for any fees paid directly to the seller.

Recovery of Credit Losses

We record recovery of credit losses when either: 1) our fair value analysis indicates an increase in the value of our assets held for sale (but not above our basis); or 2) we collect recoveries against borrowers or guarantors of our loans. We generally pursue enforcement action against guarantors on loans in default. In those circumstances where we obtain a legal judgment against a particular guarantor, he may not have the financial resources to pay the judgment amount in full, or he may take other legal action to avoid payment to us, such as declaring bankruptcy. As a result, the collectability of such amounts is generally not determinable, and as such, we do not record the effects of such judgments until realization of the recovery is deemed probable and when all contingencies relating to recovery have been resolved, which is generally upon receipt of funds or others assets. Upon receipt of such amounts, we recognize the income in recovery of credit losses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

(Gain) Loss on Disposal of Assets

Gains from sales of real estate related assets are recognized in accordance with applicable accounting standards only when all of the following conditions are met: 1) the sale is consummated, 2) the buyer has demonstrated a commitment to pay and the collectability of the sales price is reasonably assured, 3) if financed, the receivable from the buyer is collateralized by the property and is subject to subordination only by an existing first mortgage and other liens on the property, and 4) the seller has transferred the usual risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer, and is not obligated to perform significant activities after the sale. If a sale of real estate does not meet the foregoing criteria, any potential gain relating to the sale is deferred until such time that the criteria is met.

Unconsolidated Entities

The Company has held ownership interests in several entities that do not meet the criteria under GAAP for consolidation. For these entities, the Company utilizes the equity method of accounting and records the net income and losses from those unconsolidated entities, as applicable, in equity method income (loss) from unconsolidated entities in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2017, all entities have been consolidated.

Advertising and Marketing Costs

Advertising costs are charged to expense as incurred. For 2017 and 2016, our operations incurred advertising costs of $0.3 million (of which $0.2 million is included as a component of discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations) and $1.1 million (of which $0.9 million is included as a component of discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations), respectively. Advertising costs related to operations are included in operating property direct expenses and general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Valuation Allowance

A loan is deemed to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to ultimately collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated.

Our mortgage loans, which are deemed to be collateral dependent, are subject to a valuation allowance based on our determination of the fair value of the subject collateral in relation to the outstanding mortgage balance, including accrued interest and related expected costs to foreclose and sell. We evaluate our mortgage loans for impairment losses on an individual loan basis, except for loans that are cross-collateralized within the same borrowing group. For cross-collateralized loans within the same borrowing group, we perform both an individual loan evaluation as well as a consolidated loan evaluation to assess our overall exposure for such loans. As such, we consider all relevant circumstances to determine impairment and the need for specific valuation allowances. In the event a loan is determined not to be collateral dependent, we measure the fair value of the loan based on the estimated future cash flows of the note discounted at the note’s contractual rate of interest.

Since our loan portfolio is considered collateral dependent, the extent to which our loans are considered collectible, with consideration given to personal guarantees provided under such loans, is largely dependent on the fair value of the underlying collateral.

Fair Value

In determining fair value, we have adopted applicable accounting guidance which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and requires certain disclosures about fair value measurements under GAAP. Specifically, this guidance defines fair value based on exit price, or the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or the transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes and ranks the level of market price observability used in measuring financial instruments. Market price observability is affected by a number of factors, including the type of financial instrument, the characteristics specific to the financial instrument, and the state of the marketplace, including the existence and transparency of transactions between market participants. Financial instruments with readily available quoted prices in active markets generally will have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment used in measuring fair value.

Financial instruments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed based on the observability of inputs used in the determination, as follows:


Level 1-	Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access at the measurement date;


Level 2-	Valuations based on quoted market prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active or models for which all significant inputs are observable in the market either directly or indirectly; and


Level 3-	Valuations based on models that use inputs that are unobservable in the market and significant to the fair value measurement. These inputs require significant judgment or estimation by management of third parties when determining fair value and generally represent anything that does not meet the criteria of Levels 1 and 2.

The accounting guidance gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs, and gives the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs. The value of a financial instrument within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value instrument.

We perform an evaluation for impairment for all loans in default as of the applicable measurement date based on the fair value of the collateral if we determine that foreclosure is probable. We generally measure impairment based on the fair value of the underlying collateral of the loans in default because those loans are considered collateral dependent. Impairment is measured at the balance sheet date based on the then fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell, in relation to contractual amounts due under the terms of the loan. In the case of loans that are not deemed to be collateral dependent, we measure impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows. In addition, we perform a similar evaluation for impairment for all real estate held for sale as of the applicable measurement date based on the fair value of the real estate.

In the case of collateral dependent loans, REO held for sale, or other REO, the amount of any improvement in fair value attributable to the passage of time is recorded as a credit to (or recovery of) the provision for credit losses or impairment of REO held for sale or other REO with a corresponding reduction in the valuation allowance.

In connection with our assessment of fair value, we may utilize the services of one or more independent third-party valuation firms, other consultants or the Company’s internal asset management department to provide a range of values for selected properties. With respect to valuations received from third-party valuation firms, one of four valuation approaches, or a combination of such approaches, is used in determining the fair value of the underlying collateral of each loan or REO asset held for sale: (1) the development approach; (2) the income capitalization approach; (3) the sales comparison approach; or (4) the cost approach. The valuation approach taken depends on several factors including the type of property, the current status of entitlements and level of development (horizontal or vertical improvements) of the respective project, the likelihood of a bulk sale as opposed to individual unit sales, whether the property is currently or nearly ready to produce income, the current sales price of the property in relation to the cost of development and the availability and reliability of market participant data.

We generally select a fair value within a determinable range as provided by our asset management team, unless we or the borrower have received a bona fide written third-party offer on a specific loan’s underlying collateral, or REO asset. In determining a single best estimate of value from the range provided, we consider the macro- and micro-economic data provided by the third-party valuation specialists, supplemented by management’s knowledge of the specific property condition and development status, borrower status, level of interest by market participants, local economic conditions, and related factors.

As an alternative to using third-party valuations, we utilize bona fide written third-party offer amounts received, executed purchase and sale agreements, internally prepared discounted cash flow analysis, or internally prepared market comparable assessments, whichever may be determined to be most relevant.

We are also required by GAAP to disclose fair value information about financial instruments that are not otherwise reported at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet, to the extent it is practicable to estimate a fair value for those instruments. These disclosure requirements exclude certain financial instruments and all non-financial instruments. As of the dates of the balance sheets, the respective carrying value of all balance sheet financial instruments approximated their fair values. These financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, funds held by lender and restricted cash, mortgage loans, other receivables, accounts payable, accrued interest, customer deposits and funds held for others, and notes payable. Other than notes payables, the fair values of these financial instruments are assumed to approximate carrying values because these instruments are short term in duration. Fair values of notes payable are assumed to approximate carrying values because the terms of such indebtedness are deemed to be at effective market rates and/or because of the short-term duration of such notes.

Loan Charge Offs

Loan charge offs generally occur under one of two scenarios: (i) the foreclosure of a loan and transfer of the related collateral to REO status, or (ii) we agree to accept a loan payoff in an amount less than the contractual amount due. Under either scenario, the loan charge-off is generally recorded through the valuation allowance.

When a loan is foreclosed and transferred to REO status, the asset is transferred to the applicable REO classification at its then current fair value, less estimated costs to sell. In addition, we record the related liabilities of the REO assumed in the foreclosure, such as outstanding property taxes or special assessment obligations. Our REO assets are classified as either held for development, operating (i.e., a long-lived asset) or held for sale.

A loan charged off is recorded as a charge to the valuation allowance at the time of foreclosure in connection with the transfer of the underlying collateral to REO status. The amount of the loan charge off is equal to the difference between a) the contractual amounts due under the loan plus related liabilities assumed, and b) the fair value of the collateral acquired through foreclosure, net of selling costs. At the time of foreclosure, the carrying value of the loan plus related liabilities assumed less the related valuation allowance is compared with the estimated fair value, less costs to sell, on the foreclosure date and the difference, if any, is included in the provision for credit losses (recovery) in the statement of operations. The valuation allowance is netted against the gross carrying value of the loan, and the net balance is recorded as the new basis in the REO assets. Once in REO status, the asset is evaluated for impairment based on accounting criteria for long-lived assets or on a fair value, as appropriate basis.

Except in limited circumstances, our mortgage loans are collateralized by first deeds of trust (mortgages) on real property and generally include a personal guarantee by the principals of the borrower and, often times, the loans are secured by additional collateral. Loans that we intend to sell, subsequent to origination or acquisition, are classified as loans held for sale, net of any applicable valuation allowance. Loans classified as held for sale are generally subject to a specific marketing strategy or a plan of sale. Loans held for sale are accounted for at the lower of cost or fair value on an individual basis. Direct costs related to selling such loans are deferred until the related loans are sold and are included in the determination of the gains or losses upon sale. Valuation adjustments related to loans held for sale are reported net of related principal and interest receivable in the consolidated balance sheets and are included in the provision for (recovery of) credit losses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Some of the loans we sell are non-performing and generate no cash flow from interest or principal payments. In those cases, a buyer is generally interested in the underlying real estate collateral. Accordingly, we use the criteria applied to our sales of real estate assets, as described above, in recording gains or losses from the sale of such loans. In addition, we also consider the applicable accounting guidance for derecognition of financial assets in connection with our loan sales. Since we do not retain servicing rights, nor do we have any rights or obligations to repurchase such loans, derecognition of such assets upon sale is appropriate.

Discounts on Acquired Loans

We account for mortgages acquired at a discount in accordance with applicable accounting guidance which requires that the amount representing the excess of cash flows estimated by us at acquisition of the note over the purchase price is to be accreted into interest income over the expected life of the loan (accretable discount) using the effective interest method. Subsequent to acquisition, if cash flow projections improve, and it is determined that the amount and timing of the cash flows related to the nonaccretable discount are reasonably estimable and collection is probable, the corresponding decrease in the nonaccretable discount is transferred to the accretable discount and is accreted into interest income over the remaining life of the loan using the effective interest method. If cash flow projections deteriorate subsequent to acquisition, or if the probability of the timing or amount to be collected is indeterminable, the decline is accounted for through the provision for credit loss. No accretion is recorded until such time that the timing and amount to be collected under such loans is determinable and probable as to collection.

Real Estate Held for Sale

Real estate held for sale consists primarily of assets that have been acquired in satisfaction of a loan receivable, such as in the case of foreclosure. When a loan is foreclosed upon and the underlying collateral is transferred to REO status, an assessment of the fair value is made, and the asset is transferred to real estate held for sale at this amount less estimated costs to sell. We typically obtain a fair value report on REO assets within 90 days of the foreclosure of the related loan. Valuation adjustments required at the date of transfer are charged off against the valuation allowance.

Our classification of a particular REO asset as held for sale depends on various factors, including our intent to sell the property, the anticipated timing of such disposition and whether a formal plan of disposition has been adopted. If management undertakes a specific plan to dispose of real estate owned within twelve months and the real estate is transferred to held for sale status, the fair value of the real estate may be less than the estimated future undiscounted cash flows of the property when the real estate was held for sale, and that difference may be material.

Subsequent to transfer, real estate held for sale is carried at the lower of carrying amount (transferred value) or fair value, less estimated selling costs. Our real estate held for sale is carried at the transferred value, less cumulative impairment charges. Real estate held for sale requires periodic evaluation for impairment which is conducted at each reporting period. When circumstances indicate that there is a possibility of impairment, we will assess the future undiscounted cash flows of the property and determine whether they exceed the carrying amount of the asset. In the event these cash flows are insufficient, we determine the fair value of the asset and record an impairment charge equal to the difference between the fair value and the then-current carrying value. The impairment charge is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations.

Upon sale of REO assets, any difference between the net carrying value and net sales proceeds is charged or credited to operating results in the period of sale as a gain or loss on disposal of assets, assuming certain revenue recognition criteria are met. See revenue recognition policy above.

Operating Properties

Operating properties consist of both operating assets acquired through foreclosure and operating assets that have been purchased by the Company, which the Company has elected to hold for on-going operations. At December 31, 2017, our sole operating property consisted of MacArthur Place, a hospitality property in Sonoma, California. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we sold our hospitality properties in Sedona, Arizona, and an 18-hole golf course and clubhouse in Bullhead City, Arizona.

Other Real Estate Owned

Other REO includes those assets which are generally available for sale but, for a variety of reasons, are not currently being marketed for sale as of the reporting date, or those which are not expected to be disposed of within 12 months.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is recorded at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Costs to develop, and improve or extend the life of property and equipment are capitalized, while costs for normal repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Depreciation and amortization are computed on a straight line basis over the estimated useful life of the related assets, which range from five to 40 years. Gains or losses on the sale or retirement of assets are included in income when the assets are retired or sold provided there is reasonable assurance of the collectability of the sales price and any future activities to be performed by us relating to the assets sold are insignificant. Upon the acquisition of real estate, we assess the fair value of acquired assets (including land, buildings and improvements, identified intangibles, such as acquired above and below-market leases, acquired in-place leases and tenant relationships) and acquired liabilities and we allocate the purchase price based on these assessments.

Business Combinations

We allocate the purchase price of an acquisition to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. We recognize as goodwill the amount by which the purchase price of an acquired entity exceeds the net of the fair values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. In determining the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, we use various recognized valuation methods including the income and market approaches. Further, we make assumptions within certain valuation techniques, including discount rates, royalty rates, and the amount and timing of future cash flows. We record the net assets and results of operations of an acquired entity in our consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date. We initially perform these valuations based upon preliminary estimates and assumptions by management or independent valuation specialists under our supervision, where appropriate, and make revisions as estimates and assumptions are finalized. We expense acquisition-related costs as we incur them. See Note 9 Business Combination for additional information.

Goodwill

We assess goodwill for potential impairment in the third quarter of each fiscal year, or during the year if an event or other circumstance indicates that we may not be able to recover the carrying amount of the net assets of the reporting unit. In evaluating goodwill for impairment, we first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Qualitative factors that we consider generally include macroeconomic and industry conditions, overall financial performance, and other relevant entity-specific events. If we bypass the qualitative assessment, or if we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then we perform a two-step goodwill impairment test to identify potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of goodwill impairment we will recognize, if any.

In the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test, we compare the estimated fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, no further analysis is required or performed. However, if the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we proceed to the second step and calculate the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill to determine whether any impairment loss is necessary. We calculate the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill by allocating the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to all of the unit’s assets and liabilities as if the unit had been acquired in a business combination. If the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, we recognize an impairment loss in the amount of that excess. In allocating the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, we use available industry and market data, as well as our historical experience and knowledge of the industry.

We calculate the estimated fair value of a reporting unit using a combination of standard valuation methodologies, as applicable, which typically include the income and market approaches. For the income approach, we use internally developed discounted cash flow models that include the following assumptions, among others: projections of revenues, expenses, and related cash flows based on assumed long-term growth rates and demand trends; expected future investments to enhance overall unit value; and estimated discount rates. For the market approach, we use internal analyses based primarily on market comparables. We base these assumptions on our historical data and experience, third-party appraisals, industry projections, micro and macro general economic condition projections, and our expectations.

Intangibles and Long-Lived Assets

For real estate assets that are classified as held for sale, the Company records impairment losses if the fair value of the asset net of estimated selling costs is less than the carrying amount. Management reviews each long-lived asset for the existence of any indicators of impairment. If indicators of impairment are present, the Company calculates the expected undiscounted future cash flows to be derived from that asset. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, the Company reduces the asset to its fair value, and records an impairment charge for the excess of the net book value over the estimated fair value.

We assess indefinite-lived intangible assets for potential impairment and continued indefinite use at the end of each fiscal year, or during the year if an event or other circumstance indicates that we may not be able to recover the carrying amount of the asset. Similar to goodwill, we may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible is less than its carrying amount. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value, we recognize an impairment loss in the amount of that excess.

We test definite-lived intangibles and long-lived asset groups for recoverability when changes in circumstances indicate that we may not be able to recover the carrying value; for example, when there are material adverse changes in projected revenues or expenses, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected operating results, or significant negative industry or economic trends. We also test recoverability when management has committed to a plan to sell or otherwise dispose of an asset group and we expect to complete the plan within a year. We evaluate recoverability of an asset group by comparing its carrying value to the future net undiscounted cash flows that we expect the asset group will generate. If the comparison indicates that we will not be able to recover the carrying value of an asset group, we recognize an impairment loss for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. When we recognize an impairment loss for assets to be held and used, we depreciate the adjusted carrying amount of those assets over their remaining useful life.

We calculate the estimated fair value of an intangible asset or asset group using the income approach or the market approach. We generally utilize similar assumptions and methodology for the income approach applied in the assessment of goodwill. For the market approach, we use internal analyses based primarily on market comparables and assumptions about market capitalization rates, growth rates, and inflation.

Segment Reporting

Our operations are organized and managed according to a number of factors, including line of business categories and geographic locations. As our business has evolved from that of a lender to an owner and operator of various types of real properties, our reportable segments have also changed in order to more effectively manage and assess operating performance. As permitted under applicable accounting guidance, certain operations have been aggregated into operating segments having similar economic characteristics and products. The Company’s reportable segments include the following: Mortgage and REO-Legacy Portfolio and Other Operations, Hospitality and Entertainment Operations, and Corporate and Other.

Statement of Cash Flows

Changes in funds held by lender and restricted cash activity is reflected in cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities depending on the nature and use of such funds for those respective years.

Stock Based Compensation

The Company accounts for its equity-based compensation awards using the fair value method, which requires an estimate of fair value of the award at the time of grant. The Company recognizes the compensation expense related to the time-based vesting criteria on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Accruals of compensation cost for an award with a performance condition shall be based on the probable outcome of that performance condition. Therefore, compensation cost shall be accrued if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved and shall not be accrued if it is not probable that the performance condition will be achieved.

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock

The Company’s Series B-1 and B-2 Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible into common stock on a one-to-one basis, and is redeemable five years from the issuance date at the option of the holder for a redemption price of 150% of the original purchase price of the preferred stock. As described in Note 18, subsequent to December 31, 2017, we issued shares of Series B-3 Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock with similar terms but with a redemption price of 145% of the original purchase price of that preferred stock. The preferred stock is reported in the mezzanine equity section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Since the preferred stock does not have a mandatory redemption date (rather it is at the option of the holder), under applicable accounting guidance, the Company elected to amortize the redemption premium over the five year redemption period using the effective interest method and recording this as a deemed dividend, rather than recording the entire accretion of the redemption premium as a deemed dividend upon issuance of the preferred stock. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, the Company assesses whether the preferred stock is redeemable at each reporting period.

A roll forward of the balance of redeemable convertible preferred stock for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 follows (in thousands):



Balance at December 31, 2015	$	29,638
Deemed dividend on redeemable convertible preferred stock	2,505
Balance at December 31, 2016	32,143
Deemed dividend on redeemable convertible preferred stock	2,716
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	34,859

Earnings per Share

Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) reduced by preferred stock dividends and amounts allocated to certain non-vested share-based payment awards, if applicable, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.

Income Taxes

We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities and record a deferred income tax (benefit) provision when there are differences between assets and liabilities measured for financial reporting and for income tax purposes. We regularly review our deferred tax assets to assess our potential realization and establish a valuation allowance for such assets when we believe it is more likely than not that we will not recognize some portion of the deferred tax asset. Generally, we record any change in the valuation allowance in income tax expense. Income tax expense includes (i) deferred tax expense, which generally represents the net change in the deferred tax asset or liability balance during the year plus any change in the valuation allowance and (ii) current tax expense, which represents the amount of taxes currently payable to or receivable from a taxing authority plus amounts accrued for income tax contingencies (including both penalty and interest). Income tax expense excludes the tax effects related to adjustments recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as well as the tax effects of cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles.

In evaluating our ability to realize our deferred tax assets, we consider all available positive and negative evidence regarding the ultimate realizability of our deferred tax assets, including past operating results and our forecast of future taxable income. In addition, general uncertainty surrounding future economic and business conditions have increased the likelihood of volatility in our future earnings. Further, to date we have not demonstrated the ability to be profitable. Accordingly, we have recorded a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to 2016 amounts to conform to the current year presentation. In February 2017, the Company entered into an agreement to sell the Sedona hotels to a third party, at which time such assets met the criteria for held for sale classification. Due to the material nature of the Sedona hotel operations, the disposition of this asset group was deemed to represent a strategic shift that would have a major effect on our current operations and financial results under GAAP. Accordingly, this also caused the reclassification of the respective assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses related to the Sedona hotels to be presented as Assets from discontinued operations and Liabilities from discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheets, and Income (Loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax in the consolidated statements of operations, respectively. See Note 17 for a summary of discontinued operations. The balance of Mortgage Loans Held for Sale, Net as of December 31, 2016 was reclassified to Mortgage Loans, Net in the consolidated balance sheets to conform with the Company’s determination that such assets did not meet the applicable accounting criteria of held for sale as of that date.

Discontinued Operations

In determining whether a group of assets disposed (or to be disposed) of should be presented as a discontinued operation, the Company makes a determination of whether the criteria for held-for-sale classification is met and whether the disposition represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on our operations and financial results. If these determinations can be made affirmatively, the results of operations of the group of assets being disposed of (as well as any gain or loss on the disposal transaction) are aggregated for separate presentation apart from continuing operating results of the Company in the consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Changes to GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in the form of accounting standards updates (“ASUs”) to the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). The Company considers the applicability and impact of all ASUs.

Adopted Accounting Standards

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvement to Employee Share Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”), which affects entities that issue share-based payment awards to their employees. ASU 2016-09 is designed to simplify several aspects of accounting for share-based payment award transactions including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, classification on the statement of cash flows and forfeiture rate calculations. The Company elected to change our policy surrounding forfeitures, and beginning January 1, 2017, the Company no longer estimates the number of awards expected to be forfeited but rather accounts for them as they occur. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 has been evaluated and did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2014-09, and several related ASUs, which supersede the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, as well as most industry-specific guidance, and provide a principles-based, comprehensive framework in Topic 606, Revenue Recognition. ASU 2014-09 also provides for enhanced disclosure requirements. We will use the modified retrospective transition method when we adopt ASU 2014-09 in our 2018 first quarter. Based on our preliminary assessment, the impact that ASU 2014-09 will have on our financial statements and disclosures relating to our recognition of room revenue, ancillary guest services revenue, food and beverage revenue, banquet, events and corporate group revenue, spa services revenue, and management fees revenue is expected to remain substantially unchanged. Interest income is not within the scope of this standard. The company is in the process of finalizing the disclosure requirements and will have this completed by the first quarter of 2018.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Subtopic 825-10), which requires all equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income (other than those accounted for under equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee). The amendments in this update also require an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income, the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments. In addition, the amendments in this update require separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. This new standard establishes a right-of-use (ROU) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses. The ASU requires an organization to measure 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. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, although the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. Organizations will continue to use judgment to determine which loss estimation method is appropriate for their circumstances. Additionally, the ASU amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. For public companies, this update will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. We have not yet determined the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”), which is intended to address diversity in practice related to how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The amendments in ASU 2016-15 address eight specific cash flow issues as well as application of the predominance principle (dependence on predominant source or use of receipt or payment) and are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted. ASU 2016-15 requires retrospective adoption unless it is impracticable to apply, in which case it is to be applied prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (“ASU 2016-18”), which provides guidance on the presentation of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. In accordance with ASU 2016-18, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning of period and end of period amounts shown on the statements of cash flows. The amendments of ASU 2016-18 are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this amendment will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business (“ASU 2017-01”), which clarifies the definition of a business by adding guidance to assist entities in evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. For public companies, ASU 2017-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods. We have not yet determined the impact the adoption of ASU 2017-01 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718) . The ASU provides clarification on when modification accounting should be used for changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. ASU 2017-09 does not change the accounting for modifications but clarifies that modification accounting guidance should only be applied if there is a change to the value, vesting conditions or award classification and would not be required if the changes are considered non-substantive. The amendments of this ASU are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this amendment will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In July 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-11, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260), Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480) and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): I. Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Down Round Features; II. Replacement of the Indefinite Deferral for Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests with a Scope Exception, (“ASU 2017-11”). Part I of this update addresses the complexity of accounting for certain financial instruments with down round features. Down round features are features of certain equity-linked instruments (or embedded features) that result in the strike price being reduced on the basis of the pricing of future equity offerings. Current accounting guidance creates cost and complexity for entities that issue financial instruments (such as warrants and convertible instruments) with down round features that require fair value measurement of the entire instrument or conversion option. Part II of this update addresses the difficulty of navigating Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, because of the existence of extensive pending content in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. This pending content is the result of the indefinite deferral of accounting requirements about mandatorily redeemable financial instruments of certain nonpublic entities and certain mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests. The amendments in Part II of this update do not have an accounting effect. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact of adopting ASU 2017-11 on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.