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EX-31.1 - VESTIN FUND III LLCexhibit311.htm
EX-31.2 - VESTIN FUND III LLCexhibit312.htm
EX-32.1 - VESTIN FUND III LLCexhibit32.htm



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark one)

[X]  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013

Or

[   ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _________ to _________

Commission File Number 000-51310

VESTIN FUND III, LLC
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

NEVADA
 
87-0693972
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)
 
Identification No.)

8880 WEST SUNSET ROAD, SUITE 200, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89148
 (Address of Principal Executive Offices)  (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 702.227.0965

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

None
 
None
(Title of each class)
 
(Name of each exchange on which registered)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None
(Title of class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes [   ] No [X]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes [   ] No [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes [X] No [   ]




Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Sec. 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes [   ] No [   ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (Sec. 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  Yes [   ] No [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer [   ]
Accelerated filer [   ]
   
Non-accelerated filer [   ]
Smaller reporting company [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes [   ] No [X]

State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.  Not applicable.

As of March 31, 2014, the Company had 2,024,424 units outstanding.
 
 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

     
Page
     
 
 
 
 
 
       
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
     
 
 
 
 
 
       
     
 
   
    EXHIBITS 31






Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report includes certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").  Such forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of such words as “expects,” “plans,” “estimates,” “intend,” “might,” “may,” “could,” “will,” “feel,” “forecasts,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “believes” and words of similar expression.  Forward-looking statements may relate to, without limitation, our ability and the timing required to execute and carry out our plan of liquidation and dissolution, the timing and anticipated proceeds available for distribution, pending litigation involving us and  future  economic conditions and other developments and trends in the commercial real estate industry.   Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors, which could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from future results, performance or achievements.  These forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs, intentions and expectations.  These statements are not guarantees or indicative of future performance.  Important assumptions and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our other securities filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and involve inherent risks and uncertainties.  The forward-looking statements contained in this report are made only as of the date hereof.  We undertake no obligation to update or revise information contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

ITEM 1.
BUSINESS

General

Vestin Fund III, LLC was organized in April 2003 as a Nevada limited liability company for the purpose of investing in commercial real estate loans (hereafter referred to as “real estate loans”) and income-producing real property.  In this report, we refer to Vestin Fund III, LLC as “the Company,” “our Company,” the “Fund,” “we,” “us,” or “our”.

We commenced operations in February 2004.  Prior to March 2007, we invested in revenue-generating commercial real estate and loans secured by real estate through deeds of trust or mortgages (hereafter referred to collectively as “deeds of trust” and as defined in our Operating Agreement as “Mortgage Assets”).  On March 5, 2007, a majority of our members approved the Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement, which limited the Company’s investment objectives to investments in real estate loans.

At a special meeting of our members held on July 2, 2009, a majority of the members voted to approve the dissolution and winding up of the Fund, in accordance with the Plan of Complete Liquidation and Dissolution (the “Plan”) as set forth in Annex A of the Fund’s proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on May 11, 2009.  The Plan became effective upon its approval by the members on July 2, 2009.  As a result, we have commenced an orderly liquidation and we no longer invest in new real estate loans. We had anticipated that the liquidation would be substantially completed by the second half of 2014.  However, the orderly sale of each of our remaining assets will take longer to complete than we had anticipated.  As a result, we now do not expect to be able to complete the liquidation before the end of this year, and are targeting completion by the end of 2015.  The exact timing for completion of the liquidation will be impacted by real estate market conditions and other matters beyond our control.  In addition, other events and conditions may arise that may impact our ability and timing to complete the liquidation.  Thus, no assurances can be given that we will be able complete the liquidation within a particular date or by the anticipated time frame.


 
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Because the liquidation of the Fund was not imminent, as of December 31, 2013, the financial statements are presented assuming the Fund will continue as a going concern.  Pursuant to the Plan, we will make liquidating distributions to members as funds become available, subject to a reasonable reserve established to provide for payment of the Company’s ongoing expenses and contingent liabilities.  Our members no longer have the right to have their units redeemed by us and we no longer honor any outstanding redemption requests effective as of July 2, 2009.

On January 14, 2014, we made liquidation distributions to all Fund Members in the aggregate amount of approximately $0.3 million in accordance with the Plan.  This distribution follows liquidation distributions we made on January 26, 2010, April 8, 2010, September 17, 2010, May 25, 2011, and June 15, 2012,  in the aggregate amount of approximately $1.0 million, $0.9 million, $0.3 million, $0.3 million, and $0.4 million, respectively, in accordance with the Plan.  The amounts distributed to each Member of the Fund were calculated based upon the percentage ownership interest of such Member in the Fund.  See Note G – Members’ Equity in Part II, Item 8 Financial Statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We are not a mutual fund or an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, nor are we subject to any regulation thereunder.

Michael Shustek owns a significant majority of Vestin Mortgage, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, which is our manager (the “manager” or “Vestin Mortgage”). The business of brokerage and placement of real estate loans have been performed by affiliated or non-affiliated mortgage brokers, including Advant Mortgage, LLC (“MVP Mortgage”), a licensed Nevada mortgage broker, which is indirectly wholly owned by Michael V. Shustek.  Pursuant to our Operating Agreement and the Plan of Complete Liquidation and Dissolution approved by a majority of our members on July 2, 2009, our manager will continue to manage our operations during the liquidation process.  Consequently, the orderly liquidation of our assets and our operating results are dependent upon our manager’s ability and performance in managing our liquidation.

Vestin Mortgage is also the manager of Vestin Realty Mortgage I, Inc. (“VRM I”), as the successor by merger to Vestin Fund I, LLC, (“Fund I”) and Vestin Realty Mortgage II, Inc. (“VRM II”), as the successor by merger to Vestin Fund II, LLC, (“Fund II).  These entities have been formed to invest in real estate loans and other investments in real property.

Business Objectives

As a result of our members’ decision to liquidate the Company, we will not make any new loans and are in the process of winding up our affairs by pursuing remedies with respect to defaulted loans and preparing for sale/selling of our real estate held for sale.  As of December 31, 2013, we no longer have investments in real estate loans.  Below is a brief description of our prior business activities.

Employees

We have no employees.  Our manager has provided, and will continue to provide, most of the employees necessary to carry our plan of liquidation and dissolution, except as described below regarding Strategix Solutions, LLC.  As of December 31, 2013, the Vestin entities had a total of 6 full-time and no part-time employees.  Except as hereinafter noted, all employees are at-will employees, and none are covered by collective bargaining agreements.  John Alderfer, our former CFO, is a party to an employment, non-competition, confidentiality and consulting contract with Vestin Group, Inc., the parent company of our manager, through December 31, 2016.

During April 2009, we entered into an accounting services agreement with Strategix Solutions, LLC (“Strategix Solutions”), a Nevada limited liability company, for the provision of accounting and financial reporting services.  Strategix Solutions also provides accounting and financial reporting services to VRM I and VRM II.  The CFO of our manager and other members of our accounting staff are employees of Strategix Solutions.  Strategix Solutions is managed by LL Bradford and Company, LLC ("LL Bradford"), a certified public accounting firm that has provided non-audit accounting services to us.  The principal manager of LL Bradford was a former officer of our manager from April 1999 through January 1, 2005.  Strategix Solutions is owned by certain partners of LL Bradford, none of whom are currently or were previously officers of our manager.

 
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Available Information

Our Internet website address is http://www.vestinmortgage.com/Products/Product_FundIII.aspx.  Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports are available through the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval website (“EDGAR”)  at  http://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?action=getcompany&CIK=0001230634&owner=include, after such material is electronically filed with or furnished, pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, to the SEC.  Further, a copy of this annual report on Form 10-K is located at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549.  Information on the operations of the Public Reference Room can be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.  The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding our filings at www.sec.gov.  Information contained on our website does not constitute a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

PROPERTIES

Our manager shares office facilities in Las Vegas, Nevada through a sublease with its affiliate, Vestin Group.  In March, 2010, Vestin Group entered into a ten-year lease agreement for office facilities in Las Vegas, Nevada.

We previously owned an approximately 42,000 square foot office building in Las Vegas, Nevada, that was sold to an unrelated third party in November 2006.  This building was leased to the parent company of our Manager, Vestin Group and the lease agreement governing this property expires in August 2014.  For a discussion of litigation between Vestin Group and the building owner, see Note M - Legal Matters Involving The Manager in Part II, Item 8 Financial Statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Please refer to Note M - Legal Matters Involving The Manager and Note N - Legal Matters Involving The Company in Part II, Item 8 Financial Statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding legal proceedings, which discussion is incorporated herein by reference.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.
 
PART II

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

There is no established public trading market for the trading of units.

Holders

As of March 31, 2014, approximately 509 unit holders held 2,024,424 units in the Company.


 
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Liquidation Distribution Policy

On January 26, 2010, April 8, 2010, September 17, 2010, May 25, 2011, June 15, 2012, and January 14, 2014, we made liquidating distributions to all Fund Members, in the aggregate amount of approximately $1.0 million, $0.9 million, $0.3 million, $0.3 million, $0.4 million, and $0.3 million, respectively, in accordance with the Plan.  The amount distributed to each Member of the Fund was calculated based upon the percentage ownership interest of such Member in the Fund.  See Note G – Members’ Equity of Part II, Item 8 Financial Statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We intend to make liquidating distributions in accordance with the Plan as set forth in Annex A of the Fund’s proxy statement filed with the SEC on May 11, 2009.  We will distribute to our members the net proceeds we receive from the sale of our real estate held for sale, less a reasonable reserve established to provide for payment of the Company’s ongoing expenses and contingent liabilities.  A final liquidating distribution will be made after we have completed the winding up of our business operations and made appropriate provision for any remaining obligations.

We are targeting completion of the liquidation by the end of 2015.  The exact timing for completion of the liquidation will be impacted by real estate market conditions and other matters beyond our control.  In addition, other events and conditions may arise that may impact our ability and timing to complete the liquidation.  Thus, no assurances can be given that we will be able complete the liquidation within a particular date or by the anticipated time frame.  Because the liquidation of the Fund was not imminent, as of December 31, 2013, the financial statements are presented assuming the Fund will continue as a going concern.

There are a number of factors that could delay our anticipated timetable, including the following:

 
Delays in the sale of real estate held by us through foreclosures, which may take many years to complete due to the time required to resolve pending litigation and bankruptcy matters involving foreclosed properties and to identify suitable buyers and consummate the sale of such properties;

 
Delays in the disposition of other non-cash assets;

 
Lawsuits or other claims asserted by or against us;

 
Unanticipated legal, regulatory or administrative requirements; and

 
Delays in settling our remaining obligations.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

None.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

None.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

None.


 
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following is a financial review and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, and 2012.  This discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and accompanying notes and other detailed information regarding us appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  In light of the decision in July 2009 to liquidate the Company, our historical operating results should not be viewed as indicative of future operating results.  The following information contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Please see “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” above for a description of these risks and uncertainties.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

At a special meeting of our members held on July 2, 2009, a majority of the members voted to approve the dissolution and winding up of the Fund, in accordance with the Plan of Complete Liquidation and Dissolution (the “Plan”) as set forth in Annex A of the Fund’s proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on May 11, 2009.  The Plan became effective upon its approval by the members on July 2, 2009.  As a result, we have commenced an orderly liquidation and we no longer invest in new real estate loans.  Our historical operating results should not be viewed as indicative of future results as we implement the Plan. We had anticipated that the liquidation would be substantially completed by the second half of 2014.  However, the orderly sale of each of our remaining assets will take longer to complete than we had anticipated.  As a result, we now do not expect to be able to complete the liquidation before the end of this year, and are targeting completion by the end of 2015.  The exact timing for completion of the liquidation will be impacted by real estate market conditions and other matters beyond our control.  In addition, other events and conditions may arise that may impact our ability and timing to complete the liquidation.  Thus, no assurances can be given that we will be able complete the liquidation within a particular date or by the anticipated time frame.

Because the liquidation of the Fund was not imminent, as of December 31, 2013, the financial statements are presented assuming the Fund will continue as a going concern.

We currently have no outstanding loans and our future operations will be focused on disposition of two properties acquired through foreclosure.  In addition, we will attempt to convert our other non-cash assets into cash which may be distributed under the Plan.  Pursuant to the Plan, we will make liquidating distributions to members as funds become available, subject to a reasonable reserve established to provide for payment of the Company’s ongoing expenses and contract liabilities.  Our manager has established a reserve to cover our ongoing expenses and future obligations.  As of December 31, 2013, our cash was approximately $0.4 million.

On January 14, 2014, we made liquidation distributions to all Fund Members in the aggregate amount of approximately $0.3 million in accordance with the Plan.  This distribution follows liquidation distributions we made on January 26, 2010, April 8, 2010, September 17, 2010, May 25, 2011, and, June 15, 2012, and January 14, 2014, we made liquidating distributions to all Fund Members, in the aggregate amount of approximately $1.0 million, $0.9 million, $0.3 million, $0.3 million, and $0.4 million, and $0.3 million, respectively, in accordance with the Plan.  The amounts distributed to each Member of the Fund were calculated based upon the percentage ownership interest of such Member in the Fund.  See Note G –  Members’ Equity of the Notes to the Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 Financial Statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Under the terms of the Plan adopted by a majority of our members, our members no longer have the right to have their units redeemed by us and we no longer honor any outstanding redemption requests effective as of July 2, 2009.


 
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Prior to the approval of the Plan, our primary business objective was to generate income while preserving principal by investing in loans secured by real estate.  The loan underwriting standards utilized by our manager and Vestin Originations were less strict than those used by many institutional real estate lenders.  In addition, one of our competitive advantages was our ability to approve loan applications more quickly than many institutional lenders.  As a result, in certain cases, we made real estate loans that were riskier than real estate loans made by many institutional lenders such as commercial banks.  However, in return, we sought a higher interest rate and our manager took steps to mitigate the lending risks such as imposing a lower loan-to-value ratio.  While we may have assumed more risk than many institutional real estate lenders, in return, we sought to generate higher yields from our real estate loans.

We believe that the significant level of our non-performing assets is a direct result of the deterioration of the economy and credit markets.  As the economy weakened and credit became more difficult to obtain, many of our borrowers who develop and sell commercial real estate projects have been unable to complete their projects, obtain takeout financing or have been otherwise adversely impacted.  While the general economy has recovered from the 2008 – 2009 recession, commercial real estate values in our principal markets have not fully recovered. Our exposure to the negative developments in the credit markets and general economy has likely been increased by our business strategy, which, until the approval of the Plan, entailed more lenient underwriting standards and expedited loan approval procedures.  Moreover, real estate values in the principal markets in which we operate declined dramatically, which in many cases eroded the current value of the security underlying our loans.

SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL RESULTS

Comparison of Operating Results for the year ended December 31, 2013, to the year ended December 31, 2012.

Total Revenue:
 
2013
   
2012
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Interest income from investment in real estate loans
  $ --     $ 6,000     $ (6,000 )     (100 %)
Recovery of allowance for loan loss
    --       17,000       (17,000 )     (100 %)
Recovery of allowance for doubtful notes receivable
    553,000       22,000       531,000       2414 %
            Total
  $ 553,000     $ 45,000     $ 508,000       1129 %

Our revenue from interest income was historically dependent upon the balance of our investment in real estate loans and the interest earned on these loans.  Since May 2012, we have had no investments in real estate loans in our portfolio.  Accordingly, our future revenues will be derived primarily from the disposition of our remaining assets and income from properties held for sale.

Our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2013 consisted entirely of a non-cash gain realized upon the receipt of 61,714 shares of common stock of MVP REIT, Inc. (“MVP REIT”) in consideration of cancellation of certain unsecured notes guaranteed by SERE Holdings, LLC. (“SERE”)  The unsecured notes had previously been written off.  The value of the gain was based upon the price charged by MVP REIT for its shares in its ongoing public offering.  The managing member of SERE is also the principal manager of L.L. Bradford and was a former officer of our manager from April 1999 through January 2005.   For further information on this transaction, see Note H to our Financial Statements.  As we have liquidated all of our loans and/or foreclosed on the underlying properties, we do not expect any future interest income from loans.  During May 2012, we, VRM I and VRM II sold our portions of a fully reserved loan of $14.0 million, of which our portion was $0.2 million to a third party.  We received a payment of approximately $17,000.

 
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Total Operating Expenses:
 
2013
   
2012
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Provision for loan loss
  $ --     $ 46,000     $ (46,000 )     100 %
Professional fees
    111,000       170,000       (59,000 )     (35 %)
Consulting
    18,000       24,000       (6,000 )     (25 %)
Other
    11,000       18,000       (7,000 )     (39 %)
            Total
  $ 140,000     $ 258,000     $ (118,000 )     (46 %)

Operating expenses decreased as a result of a decrease in the provision for loan loss due to currently having no loans in our portfolio and by a decrease in professional fees due to a decrease in pending litigation and a reduction in accounting fees due to a change of auditors.

See Note J – Legal Matters Involving The Company of the Notes to the Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 Financial Statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Total Non-operating income:
 
2013
   
2012
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Gain on sale of marketable security- related party
  $ --     $ 29,000     $ (29,000 )     (100 %)
Distribution income
    8,000       --       8,000       100 %
Recovery from settlement with loan guarantor
    --       157,000       (157,000 )     (100 %)
            Total
  $ 8,000     $ 186,000     $ (178,000 )     (96 %)

In 2013 we received dividend income of approximately $8,000 for our shares in MVP REIT.  During January 2011, we, VRM I and VRM II were awarded unsecured claims up to $3.6 million from a bankruptcy settlement with a guarantor of certain loans. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement we received payment of approximately $0.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2012.  No similar transaction occurred in 2013.  The decrease in gain on sale of marketable securities is primarily due to the sale of our 114,117 shares of VRM II’s common stock to our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Shustek on June 11, 2012. No similar transaction occurred in 2013.

Total Discontinued Operations
 
2013
   
2012
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Net gain on sale of real estate held for sale
  $ 78,000     $ 3,000     $ 75,000       2500 %
Gain on sale of building
    --       50,000       (50,000 )     (100 %)
Write-down of real estate held for sale
    --       (302,000 )     (302,000 )     100 %
Income from equity method investee held for sale
    84,000       54,000       30,000       56 %
Expenses related to real estate held for sale
    (19,000 )     (60,000 )     41,000       68 %
            Total
  $ 143,000     $ (255,000 )   $ (206,000 )     81 %

During the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded net gains of $78,000 from settlement received on and sale of real estate held for sale, while during the same period in 2012, we recorded net gains of $3,000 on sale of real estate held for sale. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we recorded gain on sale of building of approximately $50,000, which was partial recognition of deferred income in connection with the sale of an office building located in Las Vegas, Nevada, deferred pending recovery of our letter of credit from Vestin Group and Michael Shustek.  In September 2012, we made distributions of approximately $50,000 to Mr. Shustek, which were assigned back to us as partial repayment of the letter of credit.  As a result, we recorded this recovery as revenue.  No such transaction occurred during the year ended December 31, 2013.  Increase in income from equity method investee is due to property acquired in second quarter 2012, eight months revenue was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2012, and a full years revenue was recorded during the same period in 2013.  The decrease in write-downs and expenses related to real estate held for sale is due to the stabilization of the markets where our real estate owned are located and a decrease in upkeep and litigation of the properties.

 
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For additional information see Note D – Real Estate Held for Sale, Note F – Related Party Transactions and Note E – Investment in Equity Method Investee Held for Sale of the Notes to the Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 Financial Statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Stated Unit Value Adjustment:  In accordance with Section 7.8 of our Operating Agreement, our manager reviewed the value of our assets during the three months ended December 31, 2013.  Based on this review the value of members’ capital accounts was adjusted from $1.00 per unit to $1.09 per unit, as of January 1, 2014.  The periodic review of the estimated net unit value includes an analysis of unrealized gains that our manager reasonably believes exist at the time of the review, but that cannot be added to net asset value under GAAP.

Redemptions:  At a special meeting of our members held on July 2, 2009, a majority of the members voted to approve the dissolution and winding up of the Fund, in accordance with the Plan as set forth in Annex A of the Fund’s proxy statement filed with the SEC on May 11, 2009.  The Plan became effective upon its approval by the members on July 2, 2009.  Our members no longer have the right to have their units redeemed by us and we no longer honor any outstanding redemption requests effective as of July 2, 2009.  As of July 2, 2009, the total redemptions made from inception were approximately $10.4 million.  For additional information regarding members redemptions, see Note G – Members’ Equity of the Notes to the Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 Financial Statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

CAPITAL AND LIQUIDITY

Liquidity is a measure of a company’s ability to meet potential cash requirements, including ongoing commitments to fund lending activities and general operating purposes.  As a result of the decision to liquidate the Company, we no longer invest in new loans.  Hence, subject to retaining sufficient funds to meet our obligations and conduct wind down operations, all available funds will be paid out to our members.  We do not anticipate the need for hiring any employees, acquiring fixed assets such as office equipment or furniture, or incurring material office expenses during the next twelve months because our manager will manage our affairs.

During the year ended December 31, 2013, net cash flows used from operating activities totaled approximately $0.3 million.  Operating cash flows were used for the payment of normal operating expenses such as accounting fees, legal bills and expenses related to real estate held for sale.  Cash flows provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2013 totaled approximately $0.3 million, in which $3,000 was from proceeds from a nonrefundable extension fee on real estate held for sale, $128,000 from proceeds from sale of real estate held for sale, $11,000 from proceeds from notes receivable and $202,000 from distributions from our investment in equity method investee.

At December 31, 2013, we had approximately $0.4 million in unrestricted cash and approximately $3.1 million in total assets.  We believe we have sufficient working capital to meet our operating needs during the next 12 months.

Investments in Real Estate Loans Secured by Real Estate Portfolio

As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had no investments in real estate loans.  In accordance with the Plan, we will no longer invest in new loans.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

As of December 31, 2013, we do not have any interests in off-balance sheet special purpose entities nor do we have any interests in non-exchange traded commodity contracts.


 
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Real Estate Held for Sale

Real estate held for sale and other real estate owned includes real estate acquired through foreclosure or deed in lieu and will be carried at the lower of the recorded amount, inclusive of any senior indebtedness, or the property’s estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, with fair value based on appraisals and knowledge of local market conditions.  The carrying values of real estate held for sale are assessed on a regular basis from updated appraisals, comparable sales values or purchase offers.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

See Note J – Recent Accounting Pronouncements of the Notes to the Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 Financial Statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


 
-9-




FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


 
-10-



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Members of
Vestin Fund III, LLC

We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Vestin Fund III, LLC (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2013, and the related statements of operations, members’ equity and other comprehensive income, and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Vestin Fund III, LLC as of December 31, 2013, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.


/s/ De Joya Griffith, LLC
Henderson, Nevada
March 20, 2014

To the Members of
Vestin Fund III, LLC

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Vestin Fund III, LLC (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related statements of operations, other comprehensive loss, members’ equity and other comprehensive loss, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2012. The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Vestin Fund III, LLC as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.


/s/ JLK Rosenberger, LLP

Irvine, California
March 28, 2013

 
-11-


FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

VESTIN FUND III, LLC
BALANCE SHEETS
 
   
December 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
ASSETS
 
 Assets            
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 409,000     $ 354,000  
Notes receivable, net of allowance of $327,000 at December 31, 2013 and $871,000 at December 31, 2012
    --       --  
Marketable securities – related party
    551,000       --  
Real estate held for sale
    249,000       300,000  
Investment in equity method investee held for sale
    985,000       1,103,000  
Due from related parties
    948,000       928,000  
Other assets
    5,000       2,000  
                 
Total assets
  $ 3,147,000     $ 2,687,000  
                 
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY
 
                 
Liabilities
               
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
  $ 6,000     $ 13,000  
Deferred income
    935,000       935,000  
Due to related parties
    --       97,000  
Total liabilities
    941,000       1,045,000  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
Members' equity
               
Members' units - authorized 10,000,000 units, 2,024,424 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012
    2,206,000       1,642,000  
                 
Total members' equity
    2,206,000       1,642,000  
                 
Total liabilities and members' equity
  $ 3,147,000     $ 2,687,000  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
-12-



VESTIN FUND III, LLC
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Revenues
           
Interest income from investment in real estate loans
  $ --     $ 6,000  
Gain related to pay off of real estate loan, including recovery of allowance for loan loss
    --       17,000  
Gain related to pay off of notes receivable, including recovery of allowance for notes receivable
    553,000       22,000  
Total revenues
    553,000       45,000  
                 
Operating expenses
               
Provision for loan losses
    --       46,000  
Professional fees
    111,000       170,000  
Consulting
    18,000       24,000  
Other
    11,000       18,000  
Total operating expenses
    140,000       258,000  
                 
Income (loss) from operations
    413,000       (213,000 )
                 
Non-operating income
Gain on sale of marketable securities- related party
    --       29,000  
Recovery from settlement with loan guarantor
    --       157,000  
Distribution income
    8,000          
Total non-operating income, net
    8,000       186,000  
                 
Discontinued Operations
               
Write-down of real estate held for sale
    --       (302,000 )
Gain on sale of building
    --       50,000  
Gain on sale of marketable securities – related party
    --       --  
Income from equity method investee held for sale
    84,000       54,000  
Net gain on sale of real estate held for sale
    78,000       3,000  
Expenses related to real estate held for sale
    (19,000 )     (60,000 )
Total income (loss) from discontinued operations
    143,000       (255,000 )
                 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 564,000     $ (282,000 )
                 
Net income (loss) allocated to members
  $ 564,000     $ (282,000 )
                 
 
Basic and diluted income (loss) per weighted average membership unit
           
   Continuing operations
  $ 0.21     $ (0.01 )
   Discontinued operations
  $ 0.07     $ (0.13 )
Total basic and diluted income (loss) per weighted average membership unit
  $ 0.28     $ (0.14 )
Dividends declared per membership unit
  $ --     $ --  
 
Weighted average membership units
    2,024,424       2,024,424  


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
-13-




VESTIN FUND III, LLC
 
STATEMENTS OF MEMBERS' EQUITY AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
 
   
   
   
Units
   
Amount
 
Members' equity at December 31, 2011
    2,024,424     $ 2,274,000  
                 
Comprehensive loss:
               
                 
Net loss
            (282,000 )
                 
Total comprehensive loss
            (282,000 )
                 
Distributions
            (350,000 )
                 
Members' equity at December 31, 2012
    2,024,424     $ 1,642,000  
                 
Comprehensive loss:
               
                 
Net income
            564,000  
                 
Total comprehensive loss
            564,000  
                 
Distributions
            --  
                 
Members' equity at December 31, 2013
    2,024,424     $ 2,206,000  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
-14-



VESTIN FUND III, LLC
 
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income (loss)
  $ 564,000     $ (282,000 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:
               
Provision for loan loss
    --       46,000  
Gain on sale of marketable securities – related party
    --       (29,000 )
Gain related to sale of real estate held for sale
    (78,000 )     (3,000 )
Gain related to recovery of allowance for loan loss
    --       (17,000 )
Recovery of allowance for doubtful notes receivable
    (553,000 )     (22,000 )
Dividend income
    (8,000 )     --  
Gain related to recovery of allowance from settlement with loan guarantor
    --       (157,000 )
Gain on sale of building
    --       (50,000 )
Write-downs on real estate held for sale
    --       302,000  
Income from equity method investee held for sale
    (84,000 )     (54,000 )
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    (7,000 )     (4,000 )
Due to/from related parties
    (117,000 )     161,000  
Deferred income
    --       (50,000 )
Other assets
    (3,000 )     --  
Net cash used in operating activities
  $ (286,000 )   $ (159,000 )
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Investment in real estate held for sale
    --       (20,000 )
Proceeds from loan payoff
    --       194,000  
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities – related party
    --       161,000  
Proceeds from settlement from loan guarantor
    --       157,000  
Proceeds related to sale of building
    --       50,000  
Proceeds from notes receivable
    11,000       37,000  
Proceeds related to real estate held for sale
    128,000       183,000  
Proceeds from distribution from investment in equity method investee
    202,000       --  
Proceeds from nonrefundable earnest money deposit on real estate held for sale
    3,000       --  
Net cash provided by investing activities
  $ 341,000     $ 762,000  
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Liquidating distributions, net of reinvestments
    --       (350,000 )
Net cash used by financing activities
  $ --     $ (350,000 )
NET CHANGE IN CASH
    55,000       253,000  
Cash, beginning of period
    354,000       101,000  
Cash, end of period
  $ 409,000     $ 354,000  
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
Write-off of interest receivable and related allowance
  $ --     $ 103,000  
Reclassify loan and related allowance to note receivable
  $ --     $ 622,000  
Shares received in settlement of notes receivable
  $ 542,000     $ --  
Investment in equity method investee – held for sale acquired through foreclosure, net of prior allowance
  $ --     $ 1,049,000  
Real estate held for sale acquired through foreclosure, net of prior allowance
  $ --     $ 167,000  


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
-15-



VESTIN FUND III, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2013

NOTE A — ORGANIZATION

Vestin Fund III, LLC was organized in April 2003 as a Nevada limited liability company for the purpose of investing in commercial real estate loans (hereafter referred to as “real estate loans”) and income-producing real property.  In this report, we refer to Vestin Fund III, LLC as “the Company,” “our Company,” the “Fund,” “we,” “us,” or “our”.

We commenced operations in February 2004.  Prior to March 2007, we invested in revenue-generating commercial real estate and loans secured by real estate through deeds of trust or mortgages (hereafter referred to collectively as “deeds of trust” and as defined in our Operating Agreement as “Mortgage Assets”).  On March 5, 2007, a majority of our members approved the Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement, which limited the Company’s investment objectives to investments in real estate loans.

At a special meeting of our members held on July 2, 2009, a majority of the members voted to approve the dissolution and winding up of the Fund, in accordance with the Plan of Complete Liquidation and Dissolution (the “Plan”) as set forth in Annex A of the Fund’s proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on May 11, 2009.  The Plan became effective upon its approval by the members on July 2, 2009.  As a result, we have commenced an orderly liquidation and we no longer invest in new real estate loans.  We had anticipated that the liquidation would be substantially completed by the second half of 2014.  However, the orderly sale of each of our remaining assets will take longer to complete than we had anticipated.  As a result, we now do not expect to be able to complete the liquidation before the end of this year, and are targeting completion by the end of 2015.  The exact timing for completion of the liquidation will be impacted by real estate market conditions and other matters beyond our control.  In addition, other events and conditions may arise that may impact our ability and timing to complete the liquidation.  Thus, no assurances can be given that we will be able complete the liquidation within a particular date or by the anticipated time frame.
 
 
Because the liquidation of the Fund was not imminent, as of December 31, 2013, the financial statements are presented assuming the Fund will continue as a going concern.  Pursuant to the Plan, we will make liquidating distributions to members as funds become available, subject to a reasonable reserve established to provide for payment of the Company’s ongoing expenses and contingent liabilities.  Our members no longer have the right to have their units redeemed by us and we no longer honor any outstanding redemption requests effective as of July 2, 2009.

On January 14, 2014, we made liquidation distributions to all Fund Members in the aggregate amount of approximately $0.3 million in accordance with the Plan.  This distribution follows liquidation distributions we made on January 26, 2010, April 8, 2010, September 17, 2010, May 25, 2011, and June 15, 2012,  in the aggregate amount of approximately $1.0 million, $0.9 million, $0.3 million, $0.3 million, and $0.4 million, respectively, in accordance with the Plan.  The amounts distributed to each Member of the Fund were calculated based upon the percentage ownership interest of such Member in the Fund.  See Note G – Members’ Equity in Part II, Item 8 Financial Statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We are not a mutual fund or an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, nor are we subject to any regulation thereunder.

Michael Shustek owns a significant majority of Vestin Mortgage, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, which is our manager (the “manager” or “Vestin Mortgage”). The business of brokerage and placement of real estate loans have been performed by affiliated or non-affiliated mortgage brokers, including Advant Mortgage, LLC (“MVP Mortgage”), a licensed Nevada mortgage broker, which is indirectly wholly owned by Michael V. Shustek.


 
-16-



Pursuant to our Operating Agreement and the Plan of Complete Liquidation and Dissolution approved by a majority of our members on July 2, 2009, our manager will continue to manage our operations during the liquidation process.  Consequently, the orderly liquidation of our assets and our operating results are dependent upon our manager’s ability and performance in managing our liquidation.

Vestin Mortgage is also the manager of Vestin Realty Mortgage I, Inc. (“VRM I”), as the successor by merger to Vestin Fund I, LLC, (“Fund I”) and Vestin Realty Mortgage II, Inc. (“VRM II”), as the successor by merger to Vestin Fund II, LLC, (“Fund II).  These entities have been formed to invest in real estate loans.

NOTE B — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).  In the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments considered necessary to give a fair presentation of operating results for the periods presented have been included.

Management Estimates

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.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing bank deposits, money market accounts, short-term certificates of deposit with original maturities of three months or less, and short-term instruments with a liquidation provision of one month or less.

Revenue Recognition

Interest is recognized as revenue on performing loans when earned according to the terms of the loans, using the effective interest method.  We do not accrue interest income on loans once they are determined to be non-performing.  A loan is non-performing when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement or when the payment of interest is 90 days past due.  Cash receipts will be allocated to interest income, except when such payments are specifically designated by the terms of the loan as principal reduction.  Interest is recognized on impaired loans on the cash basis method.

Deferred Revenue Recognition

Deferred income supports the amount of sales proceeds withheld on a sale of our building during November 2006, with which we were required to establish an irrevocable stand by letter of credit which was to expire August 31, 2014.  See Note F – Related Party Transactions.

Real Estate Held for Sale

Real estate held for sale includes real estate acquired through foreclosure and will be carried at the lower of the recorded amount, inclusive of any senior indebtedness, or the property's estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, with fair value based on appraisals and knowledge of local market conditions.  While pursuing foreclosure actions, we seek to identify potential purchasers of such property.  It is not our intent to invest in or to own real estate as a long-term investment.  We generally seek to sell properties acquired through foreclosure as quickly as circumstances permit.  The carrying values of real estate held for sale are assessed on a regular basis from updated appraisals, comparable sales values or purchase offers.

 
-17-



Management classifies real estate held for sale when the following criteria are met:

 
·
Management commits to a plan to sell the properties;

 
·
The property is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary;

 
·
An active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete a sale have been initiated;

 
·
The sale of the property is probable;

 
·
The property is being actively marketed for sale at a reasonable price; and

 
·
Withdrawal or significant modification of the sale is not likely.

Classification of Operating Results from Real Estate Held for Sale

Generally, operating results and cash flows from long-lived assets held for sale are to be classified as discontinued operations as a separately stated component of net income.  Our operations related to real estate held for sale are separately identified in the accompanying statements of operations.

Fair Value Disclosures

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e. “the exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  In determining fair value, the Company uses various valuation approaches, including quoted market prices and discounted cash flows.  The established hierarchy for inputs used, in measuring fair value, maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available.  Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources.  Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect a company’s judgment concerning the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available under the circumstances.  The fair value hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:

 
·
Level 1 – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments that the Company is able to access.  Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment.

 
·
Level 2 – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for instruments that are similar, or quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar instruments, and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.

 
·
Level 3 – Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement, which utilize the Company’s estimates and assumptions.

If the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability have significantly decreased, we will still evaluate our fair value estimate as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed sale) between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions.  In addition, since we are a public reporting company, we are required to make our fair value disclosures for interim reporting periods.


 
-18-



Net Income (Loss) Allocated to Members Per Weighted Average Membership Unit

Net income (loss) allocated to members per weighted average membership unit is computed by dividing net income (loss) calculated in accordance with GAAP by the weighted average number of membership units outstanding for the period.

Segments

We operate as one business segment.

Income Taxes

Limited liability companies (“LLCs”) are not liable for federal or state income taxes and, therefore, no provision for income taxes is made in the accompanying financial statements.  Rather, a proportionate share of the LLC’s income, deductions, credits and tax preference items are reported to the individual members for inclusion in their tax returns.

NOTE C — FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK

Financial instruments consist of cash, notes receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and due to/from related parties.  The carrying value of these instruments approximates their fair values due to their short-term nature.

Financial instruments with concentration of credit and market risk include cash, notes receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and due to/from related parties.

We maintain cash deposit accounts and certificates of deposit, which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits.  To date, we have not experienced any losses.  As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had approximately $159,000 and $104,000, respectively, in excess of the federally insured limits.

NOTE D — REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE

At December 31, 2013, we held two properties with a total carrying value of approximately $0.3 million, which were acquired through foreclosure and recorded as investments in REO.  Expenses incurred during the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 related to our REO totaled approximately $19,000 and $60,000, respectively.  Our REO is accounted for at the lower of cost or fair value less costs to sell with fair value based on appraisals and knowledge of local market conditions.  We seek to sell properties acquired through foreclosure as quickly as circumstances permit taking into account current economic conditions.

During December 2013, we, VRM I and VRM II sold a REO property to an unrelated third party for approximately $1.7 million, of which our portion was approximately $52,000.  A net gain of approximately $4,000 was recorded.

During December 2013, we, VRM I and VRM II sold a REO property to an unrelated third party for approximately $0.2 million, of which our portion was approximately $56,000.  This property is fully allowed for and a net gain was recorded for the full amount.

We seek to sell properties acquired through foreclosure as quickly as circumstances permit taking into account current economic conditions.

Beginning balance, January 1, 2013
  $ 300,000  
Proceeds on nonrefundable extension fee
    (3,000 )
Sales
    (48,000 )
Ending balance, December 31, 2013
  $ 249,000  


 
-19-



NOTE E – INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY METHOD INVESTEE HELD FOR SALE

During May 2012, we, VRM I and VRM II foreclosed on a loan with a balance of approximately $6.0 million, of which our portion was approximately $1.5 million. The property includes 23 cottage units in a retirement community located in Eugene, Oregon. The property includes operations, which will be reported as an asset held for sale from the date of this foreclosure. During May and December 2013 we, VRM I and VRM II received distributions in the amount of $797,000 of which our portion was $202,000.

We account for investments using the equity method of accounting if the investments give us the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the investees.  Significant influence is generally deemed to exist if we have an ownership interest in the voting stock of an incorporated investee of between 20% and 50%, although other factors, such as representation on an investee’s board of managers, specific voting and veto rights held by each investor and the effects of commercial arrangements, are considered in determining whether equity method accounting is appropriate. We record our respective interests in the losses or income of such investees within the equity-method investees held for sale category on our statements of operations for each period. The carrying amount of our equity-method investments held for sale is recorded on our balance sheets as investments in equity-method investees held for sale.

We evaluate our investments in the equity-method investees for impairment each quarter by comparing the carrying amount of each investment to its fair value. Because no active market exists for the investees’ limited liability company membership interests, we evaluate our investments in the equity-method investees for impairment based on our evaluation of the fair value of the equity-method investees’ net assets relative to their carrying values. If we were to determine that the carrying values of our investments in equity-method investees were greater than their fair values, we would write the investments down to their fair values.
 
Our acquisition of VREO XXV was accounted for in accordance with this standard and the Company has allocated the purchase price of VREO XXV based upon the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the fair value of the non-controlling interest measured at the acquisition date. The estimated fair value of VREO XXV at the time of the acquisition totaled $4.1 million.

We performed an allocation as of the foreclosure date as follows:

Cash
  $ 308,000  
Property and equipment
    3,841,000  
Current assets
    14,000  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    (23,000 )
         
     Net assets
  $ 4,140,000  

In addition, we estimated the fair value of the asset at $1.0 million, which is 25% of the total asset.

The following is a summary of the results of operations related to the investment in equity method investee held for sale for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
   
For The
Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
       
Revenue
  $ 686,000  
Expenses
    (356,000 )
Net Income
  $ 330,000  
% of ownership
    25 %
Equity method income
  $ 84,000  
 

   
For The Period from May 1, 2012 (foreclosure) through December 31, 2012
 
       
Revenue
  $ 435,000  
Expenses
    (220,000 )
         
Net Income
  $ 215,000  

 
-20-



NOTE F — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Transactions with the Manager

Our manager is entitled to receive from us a management (acquisition and advisory) fee up to 2.5% of the gross offering proceeds and up to 3% of our rental income.  No management fees were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.

As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, our manager owned 54,863 of our units. During the year ended December, 2012, we made liquidating distributions to our manager of approximately $9,000, in accordance with the Plan. This distribution was returned to the company as partial repayment of the letter of credit mentioned below.  There were no distributions in 2013.

In 2006, in connection with the sale of an office building located in Las Vegas, Nevada, we arranged for a $985,000 letter of credit in favor of the purchaser of the building (the “Purchaser”), which could be drawn upon by the Purchaser should Vestin Group default on its lease obligations and was supported by our restricted cash.  Vestin Group did not pay certain amounts allegedly due under its lease.  In 2009, $285,000 of the letter of credit was drawn by the Purchaser.  In November 2010, the Purchaser drew the final $700,000 from the letter of credit.  Vestin Group and Michael Shustek have provided us with a written agreement to fully indemnify and hold us harmless for any such withdrawals, including the full amount of the $985,000 drawn to date under the letter of credit.  Vestin Group’s obligation is to make us whole by no later than August 2014.  Mr. Shustek has assigned all future liquidating distributions for the 292,681 of our units which he holds directly and indirectly to the company to commence paying such obligation.  In June 2012, we made distributions of approximately $50,000 directly and indirectly to Mr. Shustek, which we have recorded as revenue and decreased the receivable discussed above.

As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had receivables from our manager totaling approximately $0.9 million, primarily related to the withdrawal of the letter of credit referred to above.
 
During May 2012, our manager received total consultation fees of approximately $17,000, related to the sale of a VRM I, VRM II and our REO property.
Transactions with Other Related Parties

As of December 31, 2013, we had a receivable from VRM II of approximately $20,000. As of December 31, 2012, we owed VRM II approximately $90,000.

As of December 31, 2012, we owed VRM I approximately $8,000.  As of December 31, 2013, we had no receivables or payables.

The net changes in the amounts due to/from related parties have been classified as operating activities on the accompanying statements of cash flows. These activities are primarily related to expenses being incurred from operations and maintenance of investments which are co-owned by related parties. These balances are satisfied in subsequent periods under terms consistent with the underlying vendor terms.

As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, inVestin Nevada Inc., a company wholly owned by our manager’s CEO, (“inVestin”), owned 34,856 of our membership units representing approximately 1.7% of our total membership units.  There were no distributions made during the year ended December 31, 2013.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, we made liquidating distributions to inVestin of approximately $6,000.  Distributions were returned to the company as partial repayment of the letter of credit mentioned above

As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, Shustek Investments, Inc., a company wholly owned by our manager’s CEO, owned 200,000 of our membership units representing approximately 9.9% of our total membership units.  There were no distributions during the year ended December 2013.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, we made liquidating distributions to Shustek Investments of approximately $35,000.  Distributions were returned to the company as partial repayment of letter of credit mentioned above.

As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, Mr. Shustek’s spouse owned 2,963 of our membership units, representing less than 1.0% of our total membership units.  There were no distributions during the year ended December 31, 2013. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we made liquidating distributions to Mr. Shustek’s spouse of approximately $400.

 
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See, also, Notes H and I regarding our interest in MVP REIT, an entity managed by a company which is majority-owned and controlled by Michael Shustek.

NOTE G — MEMBERS’ EQUITY

Allocations and Distributions

In accordance with our Operating Agreement, profits, gains and losses are to be credited to and charged against each member’s capital account in proportion to their respective capital accounts as of the close of business on the last day of each calendar month.

Distributions were paid monthly to members; however, on August 27, 2008, we suspended payment of distributions as a result of our current losses.

Contingency Reserve

In accordance with the Plan, we attempt to maintain a contingency reserve of approximately $300,000 for the payment of ongoing expenses, any contingent liabilities or to account for loan or other investment losses: however, the amount of the reserve may fluctuate based on cash expenditure requirements.  Our manager has the discretion to increase or decrease the amount of the reserve, but will endeavor to ensure that the reserve is adequate to pay our outstanding obligations.  The amount of the contingency reserve is based upon estimates and opinions of our manager or through consultation with an outside expert, if our manager determines that it is advisable to retain such expert.  In determining the size of the reserve, our manager reviewed among other things, the value of our non-performing assets and the likelihood of repayment, our estimated contingent liabilities and our estimated expenses, including without limitation, estimated professional, legal and accounting fees, rent, payroll and other taxes, miscellaneous office expenses, facilities costs and expenses accrued in our financial statements.

Value of Members’ Capital Accounts

In accordance with Section 7.8 of our Operating Agreement, our manager reviewed the value of our assets during the year ended December 31, 2013.  Based on this review, the value of members’ capital accounts was adjusted from $1.00 per unit to $1.09 per unit, as of January 1, 2014.  The change in valuation is primarily for tax and capital account purposes and does not reflect the change in the value of the units calculated in accordance with GAAP.  Accordingly, unit prices calculated under GAAP may be different than the adjusted price per unit.

Liquidating Distributions

On January 26, 2010, April 8, 2010, September 17, 2010, May 25, 2011, June 15, 2012, and January 14, 2014 we made liquidating distributions to all Fund Members, in the aggregate amount of approximately $1.0 million, $0.9 million, $0.3 million, $0.3 million, $0.4 million, and $0.3 million, respectively, in accordance with the Plan.  The amounts distributed to each Member of the Fund were calculated based upon the percentage ownership interest of such Member in the Fund. 

Redemption Limitation

In accordance with the Plan, our members no longer have the right to have their units redeemed by us and we no longer honor any outstanding redemption requests effective as of July 2, 2009.


 
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NOTE H — NOTES RECEIVABLE

As of November 30, 2010, we had five loans totaling approximately $19.0 million, of which our portion is approximately $0.9 million, before allowances totaling approximately $7.3 million, of which our portion was approximately $0.5 million, and were guaranteed by common guarantors. Pursuant to agreements entered into on March 16, 2009 and July 2, 2009, which modified these loans, three of these loans continued to be secured by real property and two became unsecured due to the permanent financing being obtained for less than the outstanding balance on the loans. On November 30, 2010, we entered into additional agreements to modify the terms related to these five loans in order to further enhance our investment. Pursuant to these additional agreements, we obtained an additional guarantor, interest in operating profits and aggregate sales proceeds of approximately $543,000 less operating profits previously received related to these properties. The new guarantor is the managing member of the borrowing entities who is also the principal manager of L.L. Bradford and was a former officer of our manager from April 1999 through January 2005.  As a result of releasing our deeds of trust we classified these loans as unsecured notes receivable for the same amount and recognized a full allowance on this balance.

During 2013, SERE, the loan guarantor whose managing member is also the principal manager of L.L. Bradford and was a former officer of our manager from April 1999 through January 2005,  entered into a purchase agreement with MVP REIT, Inc. (“MVP REIT”) to sell six office buildings associated with the unsecured notes receivables mentioned above.  Upon the closing of the sale of each office building, we terminated the unsecured note receivable and received from SERE MVP REIT shares of common stock which equate to the amount of our notes receivables pursuant to MVP REIT’s current offering.  We have recorded these shares as Marketable securities – related party on our balance sheet and recognized their receipt as a gain related to recovery of notes receivable previously written off on the consolidated statements of operations for the year ending December 31, 2013.

The following is a summary of the MVP REIT shares we have or will receive in consideration of cancelling the unsecured notes receivable:

 
Property Name
Date shares received
 
Approximate Receivable Balance
   
Price Per Share
   
Number of shares received
 
Wolfpack, LLC
August 2013
  $ 88,000       8.865       9,944  
Building C, LLC
August 2013
  $ 130,000       8.775       14,755  
Building A, LLC
September 2013
  $ 130,000       8.775       14,755  
Devonshire, LLC
September 2013
  $ 83,000       8.775       9,546  
SE Property, LLC
October 2013
  $ 39,000       8.775       4,396  
ExecuSuites, LLC
November 2013
  $ 73,000       8.775       8,318  

During February 2012, we, VRM I and VRM II received a payment in full satisfaction of an investment in real estate loan secured by a first deed of trust and a partial payment of an investment in real estate loan secured by a second deed of trust on the same real estate.  The remaining balance due on the second deed of trust was previously fully allowed for, of approximately $0.4 million was moved to notes receivable and remains fully allowed for.  As of December 31, 2013, the balance is approximately $0.3 million.

NOTE I — INVESTMENT IN MARKETABLE SECURITIES – RELATED PARTY

As of December 31, 2013, we owned 61,714 shares of common stock of MVP REIT, Inc. (“MVP REIT”), a non-traded REIT.  The shares were assigned to us by SERE, LLC in consideration of the cancellation of certain unsecured notes, as described in Note H above.  We recorded a gain of approximately $551,000 upon receipt of such shares and the shares are recorded on our balance sheet as Investment in related party valued at $551,000.  Such amount was determined based upon the offer price for such shares in MVP REIT’s pending public offering.

NOTE J — RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

No new accounting pronouncements have been defined that would materially impact our financial statements.


 
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NOTE K— LEGAL MATTERS INVOLVING THE MANAGER

[The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”), conducted an investigation of certain matters related to us, our manager, Vestin Capital, VRM I, and VRM II.  We fully cooperated during the course of the investigation.  On September 27, 2006, the investigation was resolved through the entry of an Administrative Order by the Commission (the “Order”).  Our manager, Vestin Mortgage and its Chief Executive Officer, Michael Shustek, as well as Vestin Capital (collectively, the “Respondents”), consented to the entry of the Order without admitting or denying the findings therein.

In the Order, the Commission found that the Respondents violated Sections 17(a)(2) and 17(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933 through the use of certain slide presentations in connection with the sale of our units and units in Fund II, the predecessor to VRM II.  The Respondents consented to the entry of a cease and desist order, the payment by Mr. Shustek of a fine of $100,000 and Mr. Shustek’s suspension from association with any broker or dealer for a period of six months, which expired in March 2007. In addition, the Respondents agreed to implement certain undertakings with respect to future sales of securities.  We are not a party to the Order.

In addition to the matters described above, our manager is involved in a number of other legal proceedings concerning matters arising in connection with the conduct of its business activities.  Our manager believes it has meritorious defenses to each of these actions and intends to defend them vigorously.  Our manager believes that it is not a party to any other pending legal or arbitration proceedings that would have a material adverse effect on our manager’s financial condition or results of operations or cash flows, although it is possible that the outcome of any such proceedings could have a material impact on the manager’s net income in any particular period.

NOTE L — LEGAL MATTERS INVOLVING THE COMPANY

From time to time, we may become involved in litigation in the ordinary course of business.  We do not believe that any pending legal proceedings are likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations or cash flows.  It is not possible to predict the outcome of any such proceedings.

NOTE M — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The following subsequent events have been evaluated through the date of this filing with the SEC.

On January 14, 2014, we made liquidating distributions to all Fund Members, in the aggregate amount of approximately $0.3 million in accordance with the Plan.  The amounts distributed to each Member of the Fund were calculated based upon the percentage ownership interest of such Member in the Fund. inVestin, Vestin Mortgage and Shustek Investments returned their entire distribution amounts to us in partial satisfaction of their outstanding obligations to us as described in this report above.

 
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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our manager, including our manager’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required financial disclosure.  In connection with the preparation of this Report on Form 10-K, our manager carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our manager’s CEO and CFO, as of December 31, 2013, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act.  Based upon our manager’s evaluation, our manager’s CEO and CFO concluded that, as of December 31, 2013, our disclosure controls and procedures are designed at a reasonable assurance level and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our manager’s CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues within our company have been or will be detected.  Even effective internal control over financial reporting can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation.  Furthermore, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting may vary over time.  Our manager, including our manager’s CEO and CFO, does not expect that our controls and procedures will prevent all errors.

The certifications of our manager’s CEO and CFO required under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act have been filed as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 to this report.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for our Company, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act.  Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of our Company; provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and that receipts and expenditures of our Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of our Company; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our Company's assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.  Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

 
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Management has conducted an assessment, including testing, of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013.  In making its assessment of internal control over financial reporting, management used the criteria in Internal Control -- Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).  Based on this assessment, management, with the participation of the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officers of the Manager, believes that, as of December 31, 2013, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

As required by Rule 13a-15(d) under the Exchange Act, our management, including our manager’s CEO and CFO, has evaluated our internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2013 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.  Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2013.

OTHER INFORMATION

None.
 

ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

We do not have a Board of Directors or any corporate officers.  We are managed by Vestin Mortgage, a privately held company which is majority owned by Vestin Group, Inc.  The powers, responsibilities and obligations of our manager are set forth in our Operating Agreement.  The CEO and CFO of Vestin Mortgage function as the equivalent of our CEO and CFO.

Michael Shustek is the principal executive of our manager.  Accordingly, we do not have an audit committee or anybody that functions as the equivalent of an audit committee.  Our units are not listed on any exchange and we are not required to have an audit committee which consists of independent directors and meets the other requirements of Section 10A(m) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules promulgated thereunder.

Our manager is responsible for overseeing management of the Company’s risks.

The following table sets forth the names, ages as of March 31, 2014 and positions of the individuals who serve as directors, executive officers and certain significant employees of Vestin Mortgage (our manager) or our affiliates:

Name
 
Age
 
Title
Michael V. Shustek
    55  
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
Tracee Gress (1)
    43  
Chief Financial Officer
Michael J. Whiteaker
    64  
Vice President of Regulatory Affairs
           

(1)               During April 2009, we entered into an accounting services agreement with Strategix Solutions, LLC (“Strategix Solutions”), a Nevada limited liability company, for the provision of accounting and financial reporting services.  Strategix Solutions also provides accounting and financial reporting services to VRM I and VRM II.  The CFO of our manager and other members of our accounting staff are employees of Strategix Solutions.  Strategix Solutions is managed by LL Bradford and Company, LLC ("LL Bradford"), a certified public accounting firm that has provided non-audit accounting services to us.  The principal manager of LL Bradford was a former officer of our manager from April 1999 through January 1, 2005.  Strategix Solutions is owned by certain partners of LL Bradford, none of whom are currently or were previously officers of our manager.  As of December 31, 2012, Strategix Solutions dedicates to us a total of three employees.


 
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Directors, Executive Officers and certain significant employees of Vestin Mortgage (our manager), Vestin Group, Vestin Originations or our affiliates

Michael V. Shustek has been a director of our manager and Chairman of the board of directors, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Vestin Group since April 1999.  In addition, Mr. Shustek has been a Director and the CEO of VRM I and VRM II since January 2006.  In February 2004, Mr. Shustek became the President of Vestin Group.  Mr. Shustek also serves on the loan committee of our manager and its affiliates.  In 2003, Mr. Shustek became the Chief Executive Officer of our manager.  In 1995, Mr. Shustek founded Del Mar Mortgage, and has been involved in various aspects of the real estate industry in Nevada since 1990.  In 1993, he founded Foreclosures of Nevada, Inc., a company specializing in non-judicial foreclosures.  In 1993, Mr. Shustek also started Shustek Investments, a company that originally specialized in property valuations for third-party lenders or investors.

In 1997, Mr. Shustek was involved in the initial founding of Nevada First Bank, with the largest initial capital base of any new state charter in Nevada’s history.  Mr. Shustek has co-authored two books, entitled “Trust Deed Investments,” on the topic of private mortgage lending, and “If I Can Do It, So Can You.”  Mr. Shustek is a guest lecturer at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he also has taught a course in Real Estate Law and Ethics.  Mr. Shustek received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.  See Note M Legal Matters Involving The Manager in Part II, Item 8 Financial Statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding legal matters involving our manager and Mr. Shustek.

Tracee Gress has acted as the equivalent of our Chief Financial Officer (CFO) since January 14, 2013.  In addition, Ms. Gress was appointed as the Chief Financial Officer of Vestin Realty Mortgage I, Inc. (“VRM I”) and Vestin Realty Mortgage II, Inc. (“VRM II”). Ms. Gress’ services are furnished to us pursuant to an accounting services agreement entered into by our manager and Strategix Solutions. Strategix Solutions is managed by LL Bradford, a certified public accounting firm, and provides accounting and financial reporting services on our behalf. Ms. Gress is a Certified Public Accountant and has worked for LL Bradford for approximately 5 years. Ms. Gress has audited various public and private companies.  Additionally, she has also acted as Chief Financial Officer for various private companies.  She received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Michael J. Whiteaker has been Vice President of Regulatory Affairs since May 1999.  Mr. Whiteaker is experienced in the banking and finance regulatory fields, having served with the State of Nevada, Financial Institution Division from 1982 to 1999 as its Supervisory Examiner, responsible for the financial and regulatory compliance audits of all financial institutions in Nevada.  Mr. Whiteaker has worked extensively on matters pertaining to both state and federal statutes, examination procedures, policy determination and credit administration for commercial and real estate loans.  From 1973 to 1982, Mr. Whiteaker was Assistant Vice President of Nevada National Bank, responsible for a variety of matters including loan review.  Mr. Whiteaker has previously served on the Nevada Association of Mortgage Brokers, Legislative Committee and is a past member of the State of Nevada, Mortgage Advisory Council.

Code of Ethics

As we do not have any executive officers we have not adopted a Code of Ethics.  However, our manager has adopted a Code of Ethics.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

We do not compensate any executive officers.  We are required to pay our manager a management (acquisition and advisory) fee and certain other fees in accordance with the terms of our Operating Agreement.  For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, no such fees were paid.  In addition, we may pay our manager or its affiliates for services rendered in selling properties acquired through foreclosure.  We also pay a fee to Strategix Solutions which is based upon the wages of the employees providing the services.


 
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Shown below is certain information as of March 31, 2014, with respect to beneficial ownership, as that term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), of number of membership units by the only persons or entities known to us to be a beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding membership units.  Unless otherwise noted, the percentage ownership is calculated based on 2,024,424 membership units as of March 31, 2014.

Name and Address of
Beneficial Owner
Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
 
Percent of Class
 
         
Michael V. Shustek
8880 West Sunset Rd, Ste 200
Las Vegas, NV 89118
Sole voting and investment power of 289,718 units & shared voting and investment power of 2,963 units held by his spouse
    14.5 %

The following table sets forth the total number and percentage of our membership units beneficially owned as of March 31, 2014 by:

 
·
our manager’s chief executive officer and other executive officers; and

 
·
all of our manager’s executive officers as a group.

Unless otherwise noted, the percentage ownership is calculated based on 2,024,424 units of our total outstanding membership units as of March 31, 2014.

     
Common Shares Beneficially Owned
 
Beneficial Owner
Address
 
Number
   
Percent
 
               
Michael V. Shustek (1)
8880 West Sunset Rd, Ste 200
Las Vegas, NV  89148
    292,682       14.5 %
All directors and executive officers of our manager as a group
      292,682       14.5 %

(1)
Includes 54,863 units held by our manager and 200,000 units held by Shustek Investments, 34,856 units held by inVestin and 2,963 units held by his spouse.  Mr. Shustek is the Principle Executive Officer.  Mr. Shustek is the sole owner, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Shustek Investments, Inc.  Mr. Shustek is the sole owner, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of inVestin Nevada, Inc.  Mr. Shustek has sole voting and investment power in all these units, except for the units held by his spouse.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Prior to July 2, 2009, we may have, from time to time, acquired or sold investments in real estate loans from or to our manager or other related parties pursuant to the terms of our Operating Agreement without a premium.  The primary purpose was to either free up capital to provide liquidity for various reasons, such as loan diversification, or place excess capital in investments to maximize the use of our capital.  Selling or buying loans allowed us to diversify our loan portfolio within these parameters.  Due to the short-term nature of the loans we made and the similarity of interest rates in loans we normally would invest in, the fair value of a loan typically approximated its carrying value.  Accordingly, discounts or premiums typically did not apply upon sales of loans and therefore, generally no gain or loss is recorded on these transactions, regardless of whether to a related or unrelated party.

 
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Please refer to Note H – Related Party Transactions in Part II, Item 8 Financial Statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for information regarding our related party transactions, which are incorporated herein by reference.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

During the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, De Joya Griffith, LP (“De Joya Griffith”) and JLK Rosenberger, LLP (“JLK”) services to us as follows:

   
De Joya Griffith December 31, 2013
   
JLK
December 31, 2012
 
Audit Fees
  $ 13,000     $ 55,000  
Audit Related Fees
  $ --     $ --  
Tax Fees
  $ --     $ --  
All Other Fees
  $ --     $ --  

De Joya Griffith and JLK did not perform any non-audit services for us in the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Our manager has direct responsibility to review and approve the engagement of the independent auditors to perform audit services or any permissible non-audit services.  All audit and non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditors must be approved in advance by our manager.  Our manager may not engage the independent auditors to perform specific non-audit services proscribed by law or regulation.  All services performed by independent auditors under engagements entered into on or after January 21, 2005, were approved by our manager pursuant to their pre-approval policy, and none was approved pursuant to the de minimis exception to the rules and regulations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Section 10A(i)(1)(B), on pre-approval.
 

ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

The following are filed as part of this Report:

(a) 1.  Financial Statements

The list of the financial statements contained herein are contained in Part II, Item 8 Financial Statements on this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
 
(a) 3.  Exhibits

Reference is made to the Exhibit Index appearing immediately after the signature page to this report for a list of exhibits filed as part of this report.

 
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Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
Vestin Fund III, LLC
 
By:
 
Vestin Mortgage, LLC., its sole Manager
       
 
By:
 
/s/ Michael V. Shustek
     
Michael V. Shustek
     
Chief Executive Officer and Sole Director of the Manager
     
(Principal Executive Officer of Manager)
       
 
By:
 
/s/ Tracee Gress
     
Tracee Gress
     
Chief Financial Officer of the Manager
     
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer of the Manager)

Date:  March 31, 2014


 
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Exhibit No.
 
Description of Exhibits
2.1(1)
 
Plan of Complete Liquidation and Dissolution
3.1(2)
 
Articles of Organization
3.2(3)
 
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Organization
3.3(4)
 
Amended and Restated Operating Agreement (included as Exhibit A to the prospectus)
4.4(5)
 
Distribution Reinvestment Plan
10.9(6)
 
Office lease agreement dated March 31, 2003 by and between Luke Properties, LLC and Vestin Group, Inc.
10.10(7)
 
Indemnification agreement dated March 25, 2009 by and between Vestin Group, Inc. and Vestin Fund III, LLC
10.11 (8)
 
Agreement between Strategix Solutions, LLC and Vestin Fund III, LLC for accounting services.
10.12 (9)
 
Plan of Complete Liquidation and Dissolution
10.13 (10)
 
Deed in Lieu
21.1*
 
List of Subsidiaries of Vestin Fund III, LLC
31.1*
 
Section 302 Certification of Michael V. Shustek
31.2*
 
Section 302 Certification of Tracee Gress
32*
 
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1350

(1)
 
Incorporated herein by reference to our Schedule 14A Definitive Proxy Statement filed on May 11, 2009 (File No. 000-51301)
(2)
 
Incorporated herein by reference to our Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Form S-11 Registration Statement filed on September 2, 2003 (File No. 333-105017)
(3)
 
Incorporated herein by reference to our Form 10-Q filed on August 16, 2004 (File No. 333-105017)
(4)
 
Incorporated herein by reference to our Schedule 14A Definitive Proxy Statement filed on January 29, 2007 (File No. 000-51301)
(5)
 
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of our Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to Form S-11 Registration Statement filed on April 28, 2006 (File No. 333-105017)
(6)
 
Incorporated herein by reference to our Form 10-KSB filed on March 30, 2005 (File No. 333-105017)
(7)
 
Incorporated herein by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 filed on March 27, 2009 (File No. 000-51301)
(8)
 
Incorporated herein by reference to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 14, 2009 (File No. 000-51301)
(9)
 
Incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement dated May 11, 2009 (File No. 000-51301)
(10)
 
Incorporated herein by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on May 16, 2012 (File No. 000-51301)
*
 
Filed concurrently herewith.

 
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