<PAGE>   1
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549



                                   FORM 10-Q



   [X]  QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
              ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997



                         Commission File Number 0-10503



                     CONTINENTAL MORTGAGE AND EQUITY TRUST         
             ------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)


        California                                               94-2738844     
--------------------------------                          ----------------------
(State or Other Jurisdiction of                              (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)                              Identification No.)


10670 North Central Expressway, Suite 300, Dallas, TX              75231
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)                         (Zip Code)

                                 (214) 692-4700         
             ------------------------------------------------------
                        (Registrant's Telephone Number,
                              Including Area Code)


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
                                              ---    ---

Shares of Beneficial Interest,
        no par value                                       4,025,970            
------------------------------               -----------------------------------
          (Class)                              (Outstanding at October 31, 1997)





                                       1
<PAGE>   2
                         PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION


ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have not been audited by
independent certified public accountants, but in the opinion of the management
of Continental Mortgage and Equity Trust (the "Trust"), all adjustments
(consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of
consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position and
consolidated cash flows at the dates and for the periods indicated, have been
included.

                     CONTINENTAL MORTGAGE AND EQUITY TRUST
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                September 30,        December 31,
                                                                     1997                 1996
                                                                --------------       --------------
                                                                         (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                             <C>              <C>
                          Assets
                          ------

Notes and interest receivable
  Performing.........................................           $        4,457       $        6,268
  Nonperforming, nonaccruing.........................                    1,626                2,287
                                                                --------------       --------------
                                                                         6,083                8,555

Less - allowance for estimated losses................                   (1,481)              (1,481)
                                                                --------------       --------------
                                                                         4,602                7,074

Foreclosed real estate held for sale, net of
  accumulated depreciation ($725 in 1997 and
  1996)..............................................                    5,738                5,738

Real estate held for sale, net of accumulated
  depreciation ($137 in 1997)........................                    8,982                  --

Real estate held for investment, net of accumulated
  depreciation ($19,317 in 1997 and $16,713 in 1996)                   247,182              214,460
Investment in marketable equity securities of
  affiliates, at market..............................                   12,202                6,192
Investments in partnerships..........................                    2,084                2,293
Cash and cash equivalents............................                      918                2,961
Other assets (including $283 in 1997 and $650 in
  1996 from affiliates)..............................                   14,890               11,292
                                                                --------------       --------------

                                                                $      296,598       $      250,010
                                                                ==============       ==============
</TABLE>





The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial
Statements.





                                       2
<PAGE>   3
                     CONTINENTAL MORTGAGE AND EQUITY TRUST
                    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - Continued

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              September 30,        December 31,
                                                                                   1997                 1996
                                                                             --------------       --------------
                                                                                   (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                                          <C>                  <C>
      Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
      ------------------------------------

Liabilities
Notes and interest payable..........................                         $      199,245       $      160,554
Other liabilities (including $1,360 in 1997 and
  $1,318 in 1996)...................................                                 10,192               10,273
                                                                             --------------       --------------
                                                                                    209,437              170,827
Commitments and contingencies

Shareholders' equity
Shares of Beneficial Interest, no par value;
  authorized shares, unlimited; issued and out-
  standing, 4,025,982 shares in 1997 and 4,026,376
  shares in 1996....................................                                  8,068                8,068
Paid-in capital.....................................                                257,159              257,159
Accumulated distributions in excess of accumulated
  earnings..........................................                               (188,963)            (190,931)
Net unrealized gains on marketable equity
  securities of affiliates..........................                                 10,897                4,887
                                                                             --------------       --------------
                                                                                     87,161               79,183
                                                                             --------------       --------------
                                                                             $      296,598       $      250,010
                                                                             ==============       ==============
</TABLE>





The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial
Statements.





                                       3
<PAGE>   4
                     CONTINENTAL MORTGAGE AND EQUITY TRUST
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  For the Three Months                     For the Nine Months
                                                  Ended September 30,                      Ended September 30, 
                                          ----------------------------------      ---------------------------------
                                               1997                1996                1997                1996
                                          --------------      --------------      ---------------     -------------
                                                                (dollars in thousands, except per share)
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Revenue
 Rentals.....................             $       14,425      $       11,435      $        40,630     $      33,205
 Interest....................                        263                 268                  729               821
                                          --------------      --------------      ---------------     -------------
                                                  14,688              11,703               41,359            34,026


Expenses
 Property operations.........                      8,445               7,188               23,576            20,091
 Interest....................                      4,350               3,254               12,245             9,317
 Depreciation................                      1,586               1,271                4,563             3,565
 Provision for losses........                         --                (884)                  --              (884)
 Advisory fee to affiliate...                        548                 449                1,552             1,300
 Net income fee to affiliate.                        (99)                 --                  287                --
 General and administrative..                        817                 461                2,219             1,400
                                          --------------      --------------      ---------------     -------------
                                                  15,647              11,739               44,442            34,789
                                          --------------      --------------      ---------------     -------------


(Loss) from operations.......                       (959)                (36)              (3,083)             (763)

Equity in income (loss) of
 partnerships................                        (17)                 21                   56               197
Gain (loss) on sale of real
 estate......................                       (245)              3,598                6,565             9,397
                                          --------------      --------------      ---------------     -------------

Income (loss) before
 extraordinary gain..........                     (1,221)              3,583                3,538             8,831
Extraordinary gain...........                         --                 149                   --               812
                                          --------------      --------------      ---------------     -------------

Net income (loss)............             $       (1,221)     $        3,732      $         3,538     $       9,643
                                          ==============      ==============      ===============     =============



Earnings per share
 Income (loss) before extra-
 ordinary gain...............             $         (.30)     $          .86      $           .88     $        2.08
 Extraordinary gain..........                         --                 .04                   --               .20
                                          --------------      --------------      ---------------     -------------
 Net income (loss)...........             $         (.30)     $          .90      $           .88     $        2.28
                                          ==============      ==============      ===============     =============


Weighted average shares of
 beneficial interest used in
 computing earnings per share                  4,025,985           4,184,086            4,026,061         4,243,754
                                          ==============      ==============      ===============     =============
</TABLE>



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial
Statements.





                                       4
<PAGE>   5
                     CONTINENTAL MORTGAGE AND EQUITY TRUST
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Accumulated     Unrealized
                                         Shares of                         Distributions    Gains on 
                                    Beneficial Interest                      in Excess of   Marketable  
                                  ----------------------      Paid-in       Accumulated      Equity     Shareholders'
                                    Shares       Amount       Capital         Earnings      Securities     Equity
                                  ---------     --------     ----------    --------------   ----------  -------------
                                                   (dollars in thousands, except per share)
<S>                               <C>           <C>          <C>            <C>             <C>          <C>
Balance, January 1,
  1997....................        4,026,376     $  8,068     $  257,159     $  (190,931)    $  4,887     $ 79,183

Fractional shares.........             (394)          --             --              --           --           --

Distributions ($.39                                
  per share)..............               --           --             --          (1,570)          --       (1,570)

Unrealized gains on
  marketable equity
  securities..............               --           --             --              --        6,010        6,010

Net income................               --           --             --           3,538           --        3,538
                                  ---------     --------     ----------     -----------     --------     --------
Balance, September 30,
  1997....................        4,025,982     $  8,068     $  257,159     $  (188,963)    $ 10,897     $ 87,161
                                  =========     ========     ==========     ===========     ========     ========
</TABLE>



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial
Statements.





                                       5
<PAGE>   6
                     CONTINENTAL MORTGAGE AND EQUITY TRUST
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              For the Nine Months
                                                               Ended September 30,   
                                                          -----------------------------
                                                             1997               1996 
                                                          ----------       ------------
                                                             (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                       <C>              <C>
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 Rents collected...................................       $   40,397       $     32,925
 Interest collected................................              784                462
 Interest paid.....................................          (11,343)            (8,270)
 Payments for property operations..................          (21,533)           (18,666)
 General and administrative expenses paid..........           (2,640)            (1,282)
 Advisory and net income fee paid to affiliate.....           (2,986)            (1,300)
 Distributions from partnerships' operating cash
     flow..........................................              228                844
 Other.............................................           (1,462)             2,581
                                                          ----------       ------------

     Net cash provided by operating activities.....            1,445              7,294


Cash Flows from Investing Activities
 Acquisition of real estate........................          (19,579)           (18,996)
 Real estate improvements..........................           (3,759)              (667)
 Funding of capital improvement escrow.............               --             (1,500)
 Proceeds from sale of real estate.................           14,388             14,673
 Funding of notes receivable.......................              (73)            (1,870)
 Collections on notes receivable...................            2,339              1,117
 Distributions from partnerships' investing
     activities....................................               36             10,720
 Deferred financing costs..........................             (525)            (1,961)
                                                          ----------       ------------

     Net cash provided by (used in) investing
       activities..................................           (7,173)             1,516


Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 Distributions to shareholders.....................           (1,570)            (3,241)
 Proceeds from notes payable.......................           28,105             28,427
 Payments on notes payable.........................          (22,850)           (21,943)
 Repurchase of shares of beneficial interest.......               --             (1,902)
                                                          ----------       ------------

     Net cash provided by financing activities.....            3,685              1,341
                                                          ----------       ------------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
 equivalents.......................................           (2,043)            10,151

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period.....            2,961              6,386
                                                          ----------       ------------

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period...........       $      918       $     16,537
                                                          ==========       ============
</TABLE>



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial
Statements.





                                       6
<PAGE>   7
                     CONTINENTAL MORTGAGE AND EQUITY TRUST
               CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - Continued




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       For the Nine Months
                                                                                       Ended September 30,   
                                                                                -------------------------------
                                                                                   1997                 1996 
                                                                                -----------          ----------
                                                                                    (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                                          <C>                  <C>
Reconciliation of net income to net cash
 provided by operating activities
Net income.........................................                          $        3,538       $        9,643
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to
     net cash provided by operating activities
 Depreciation.....................................                                    4,563                3,565
 Provision for losses.............................                                      -                   (884)
 Gain on sale of real estate......................                                   (6,565)              (9,397)
 Extraordinary gain...............................                                      -                   (812)
 (Increase) decrease in interest receivable.......                                      208                  (44)
 (Increase)/decrease in other assets..............                                     (495)               4,801
 Increase in other liabilities....................                                       24                  299
 (Decrease) in interest payable...................                                      -                   (524)
 Distributions from partnerships' operating cash
     flow...........................................                                    228                  844
 Equity in (income) of partnerships...............                                      (56)                (197)
                                                                             --------------       -------------- 

     Net cash provided by operating activities......                         $        1,445       $        7,294
                                                                             ==============       ==============



Noncash investing and financing activities

 Notes payable from acquisition of real estate....                           $        8,056       $        3,200

 Unrealized gain on marketable equity securities..                                    6,010                1,927

 Note receivable from sale of real estate.........                                       --                  750
</TABLE>





The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial
Statements.





                                       7
<PAGE>   8
                     CONTINENTAL MORTGAGE AND EQUITY TRUST
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial
information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation
S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes
required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial
statements.  Operating results for the nine month period ended September 30,
1997 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the
year ending December 31, 1997.  Dollar amounts in tables are in thousands.  For
further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes
thereto included in the Trust's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1996 ("1996 Form 10-K").

NOTE 2.  INVESTMENTS IN PARTNERSHIPS

The Trust's investments in equity method partnerships consisted of the
following at September 30, 1997:

<TABLE>
   <S>                                                    <C>
    Sacramento Nine ("SAC 9").............                $    163
    Indcon, L.P. ("Indcon")...............                   1,921
                                                          --------
                                                          $  2,084
                                                          ========
</TABLE>

The Trust and National Income Realty Trust ("NIRT") are partners in SAC 9, the
Trust having a 30% interest in the partnership's earnings, losses and
distributions.  The Trust and NIRT are also partners in Income Special
Associates ("ISA"), a joint venture partnership in which the Trust has a 60%
interest in earnings, losses and distributions.  ISA in turn owns a 100%
interest in Indcon.  The partnership agreements require the consent of both the
Trust and NIRT for any material changes in the operations of the partnerships'
properties, including sales, refinancings and changes in property management.
The Trust, as a noncontrolling partner, accounts for its investment in the
partnerships using the equity method.

In August 1997, Indcon sold one of its industrial warehouse properties for
$60,000 in cash, of which the Trust's equity share was $36,000.  Indcon
recognized a loss of $82,000 on the sale, of which the Trust's equity share was
$49,000.

The Trust has entered into a contract to acquire the 40% of Indcon that it does
not already own for $1.6 million in cash.


                     [THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]





                                       8
<PAGE>   9
                     CONTINENTAL MORTGAGE AND EQUITY TRUST
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)


NOTE 2.  INVESTMENTS IN PARTNERSHIPS (Continued)

Set forth below is summarized results of operations for the equity method
partnerships for the nine months ended September 30, 1997:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>
     Rents...................................       $  1,363
     Depreciation............................           (357)
     Property operations.....................           (390)
     Interest expense........................           (291)
     Loss on sale of real estate.............            (82)
                                                    -------- 
     Net income..............................       $    243
                                                    ========
</TABLE>

NOTE 3.  MORTGAGE NOTES RECEIVABLE

One of the Trust's notes receivable, with a principal balance of $1.4 million,
matured in November 1995.  In February 1997, the Trust received a payment of
$470,000 from the borrower, $305,000 being applied against accrued but unpaid
interest and $165,000 applied to reduce the principal balance of the note.  In
September 1997, the Trust received $1.4 million in full payment of principal
and all accrued but unpaid interest.

As more fully discussed in NOTE 5. "NOTES PAYABLE," ten of the Company's
mortgage notes receivable, with a combined principal balance, at the time, of
$2.8 million were pledged as additional collateral on a $4.0 million loan,
primarily secured by the AMOCO Building.  In June and August 1997,  two of the
mortgage notes receivable, with a combined principal balance of $291,000, were
paid in full.  Such payments were applied to reduce the mortgage note payable.

In June 1997, the Trust obtained financing in the amount of $1.4 million
secured by the mortgage note receivable secured by the Cypress Creek Office
Building in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  The financing bears interest at a
variable rate, currently 9.0% per annum, requires monthly principal and
interest payments of $14,126 and matures in June 2009.  The Trust paid a
mortgage brokerage and equity refinancing fee of $14,000 to Basic Capital
Management, Inc. ("BCM"), the Trust's advisor, based on the $1.4 million
financing.

In July 1997, the note receivable secured by the Garden Villas Apartments in
Phoenix, Arizona, matured.  The borrower did not make the required principal
payment at maturity.  The note is classified as nonperforming at September 30,
1997.  The Trust has instituted foreclosure proceedings and anticipates that it
will not incur a loss as the estimated value of the collateral property exceeds
the carrying value of the note.  This note receivable is pledged as additional
security for the AMOCO Building mortgage debt, as discussed above and in NOTE
5. "NOTES PAYABLE."

NOTE 4.  REAL ESTATE

In January 1997, the Trust purchased the Madison at Bear Creek Apartments, a
180 unit apartment complex in Houston, Texas, for $3.5





                                       9
<PAGE>   10
                     CONTINENTAL MORTGAGE AND EQUITY TRUST
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)


NOTE 4.  REAL ESTATE (Continued)

million.  The Trust paid $800,000 in cash and assumed the existing mortgage of
$2.7 million.  The mortgage bears interest at a variable rate, currently 9.29%
per annum, adjusted semi-annually, requires monthly payments of principal and
interest of $22,704, also adjusted semi-annually and matures in June 1999.  The
Trust paid a real estate brokerage commission of $125,000 to Carmel Realty,
Inc. ("Carmel Realty"), an affiliate of BCM, the Trust's advisor, and an
acquisition fee of $35,000 to BCM based on the $3.5 million purchase price of
the property.

In February 1997, the Trust purchased the Watters Road land, 103 acres of
undeveloped land on State Highway 121 in Collin County, Texas, for $1.7 million
in cash.  The Trust paid a real estate brokerage commission of $68,000 to
Carmel Realty and an acquisition fee of $17,000 to BCM based on the $1.7
million purchase price of the property.

Also in February 1997, the Trust purchased the Jefferson Building, a 71,877
square foot office building in Washington, D.C., for $13.2 million.  The Trust
paid $4.1 million in cash and obtained new mortgage financing of $9.1 million.
The mortgage bears interest at 8.0% per annum, requires monthly payments of
principal and interest of $70,000 and matures in March 1999.  The Trust paid a
real estate brokerage commission of $319,000 to Carmel Realty and a $132,000
acquisition fee to BCM based on the $13.2 million purchase price of the
property.

In April 1997, the Trust sold Tollhill West, a 159,546 square foot office
building in Dallas, Texas, for $14.8 million in cash.  The Trust received net
cash of $9.0 million after the payoff of $5.0 million in existing mortgage debt
and the payment of various closing costs associated with the sale.  The Trust
paid Carmel Realty a real estate brokerage commission of $244,000 based on the
$14.8 million sales price of the property.  The Trust recognized a gain on the
sale of $5.4 million.

Also in April 1997, the Trust purchased the OPUBCO land, 156 acres of
undeveloped land in Collin County, Texas, for $3.0 million.  In conjunction
with the purchase, the Trust obtained mortgage financing secured by the land
and by two other parcels of previously unencumbered land in the amount of $4.2
million.  The Trust received net cash of $1.2 million.  The mortgage bears
interest at 9.5% per annum, requires monthly payments of interest only and
matures in April 2000.  The Trust paid a real estate brokerage commission of
$109,000 to Carmel Realty and an acquisition fee of $30,000 to BCM based on the
$3.0 million purchase price of the land.

In May 1997, the Trust sold the 2626 Cole Building, a 119,632 square foot
office building in Dallas, Texas, for $11.0 million in cash.  The Trust
received net cash of $4.2 million after the payoff of $6.5 million in existing
mortgage debt and the payment of various closing costs associated with the
sale.  The Trust paid Carmel Realty a real estate





                                       10
<PAGE>   11
                     CONTINENTAL MORTGAGE AND EQUITY TRUST
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)


NOTE 4.  REAL ESTATE (Continued)

brokerage commission of $280,000 based on the $11.0 million sales price of the
property.  The Trust recognized a gain on the sale of $1.4 million.

Also in May 1997, the Trust purchased the Trails at Windfern, a 240 unit
apartment complex in Houston, Texas, for $4.2 million.  The Trust paid $769,000
in cash, assumed the existing mortgage of $3.2 million and the seller provided
purchase money financing of an additional $150,000.  The $3.2 million mortgage
bears interest at a variable rate, currently 9.0% per annum, adjusted annually,
requires monthly payments of principal and interest of $26,674 and matures in
January 1999.  The $150,000 purchase money financing bears interest at 8.0% per
annum, requires monthly payments of interest only and matures in May 2000.  The
Trust paid a real estate brokerage commission of $144,000 to Carmel Realty and
an acquisition fee of $42,000 to BCM based on the $4.2 million purchase price
of the property.

In June 1997, the Trust purchased the Bay Plaza Office Center, a 75,780 square
foot office building in Tampa, Florida, for $4.3 million.  The Trust paid $1.2
million in cash, assumed the existing mortgage of $2.1 million with the seller
providing purchase money financing of an additional $1.0 million.  The $2.1
million mortgage bears interest at 8.3% per annum, requires monthly payments of
principal and interest of $23,354 and matures in June 2009.  The $1.0 million
purchase money financing bears interest at 8.3% per annum, requires monthly
payments of principal and interest of $9,731 and matures in June 2002.  The
Trust paid a real estate brokerage commission of $148,000 to Carmel Realty and
an acquisition fee of $43,000 to BCM based on the $4.3 million purchase price
of the property.

Also in June 1997, the Trust purchased the Stacy Road land, 163 acres of
undeveloped land in Allen, Texas, for $2.5 million.  The Trust paid $800,000 in
cash and obtained new mortgage financing of $1.7 million.  The mortgage bears
interest at 9.5% per annum, requires monthly payments of interest only of
$14,000 and matures in April 2000.  The Trust paid a real estate brokerage
commission of $96,000 to Carmel Realty and an acquisition fee of $25,000 to BCM
based on the $2.5 million purchase price of the land.

In July 1997, the Trust purchased Durham Centre, a 207,171 square foot office
building in Durham, North Carolina, for $20.5 million.  The Trust paid $5.7
million in cash and obtained new mortgage financing of $14.8 million.  The
mortgage bears interest at 9.8% per annum, requires monthly payments of
principal and interest of $132,407 and matures in July 2000.  The loan is
recourse to the Trust.  The Trust paid a real estate brokerage commission of
$428,000 to Carmel Realty and an acquisition fee of $205,000 to BCM based on
the $20.5 million purchase price of the property.





                                       11
<PAGE>   12
                     CONTINENTAL MORTGAGE AND EQUITY TRUST
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)


NOTE 4.  REAL ESTATE (Continued)

In August 1997, the Trust purchased the McKinney 140 land, 140 acres of
undeveloped land in McKinney, Texas, for $2.6 million.  The Trust paid $898,000
in cash and obtained new mortgage financing of $1.7 million.  The mortgage
bears interest at 9.5% per annum, requires monthly payments of interest only of
$14,000 and matures in April 2000.  The Trust paid a real estate brokerage
commission of $98,000 to Carmel Realty and a $26,000 acquisition fee to BCM
based on the $2.6 million purchase price of the property.

Also in August 1997, the Trust sold Builders Square Shopping Center in St.
Paul, Minnesota, for $2.4 million in cash.  The Trust received net cash of $1.5
million after the payoff of $873,000 in existing mortgage debt and the payment
of various closing costs associated with the sale.  The Trust paid a real
estate brokerage commission of $92,000 to Carmel Realty based on the $2.4
million sales price of the property.  The Trust recognized a loss of $245,000
on the sale.

Further in August 1997, the Trust purchased the Eagle Rock Apartments, a 99
unit apartment complex in Los Angeles, California, for $4.4 million.  The Trust
paid $1.1 million in cash with the seller providing purchase money financing
for the remaining $3.3 million of the purchase price.  The mortgage bears
interest at 10.5% per annum, requires monthly payments of interest only and
matures in February 1998.  The Trust paid a real estate brokerage commission of
$51,000 to Carmel Realty and an acquisition fee of $44,000 to BCM based on the
$4.4 million purchase price of the property.

NOTE 5.  NOTES PAYABLE

In March 1997, the Trust obtained mortgage financing in the amount of $4.0
million secured by the previously unencumbered AMOCO Building, an office
building in New Orleans, Louisiana, and by ten mortgage notes receivable, with
a combined principal balance, at the time, of $2.8 million.  The Trust received
net cash of $3.8 million after payment of various closing costs associated with
the financing.  The mortgage bears interest at 9.0% per annum, requires monthly
payments of principal and interest of $35,989 and matures in March 1999.  The
Trust paid BCM a mortgage brokerage and equity refinancing fee of $40,000 based
on the $4.0 million mortgage.  As discussed in NOTE 3. "MORTGAGE NOTES
RECEIVABLE," two of the mortgage notes receivable, with a combined principal
balance of $291,000, were paid in full in June and August 1997.  Such payments
were remitted to the lender as a paydown of mortgage debt.

In April 1997, the Trust refinanced the mortgage debt secured by the Willo-Wick
Apartments in Pensacola, Florida in the amount of $3.3 million.  The Trust
received net cash of $311,000 after the payoff of $2.8 million in existing
mortgage debt and the payment of various closing costs associated with the
refinancing.  The new mortgage bears interest at 9.13% per annum, requires
monthly payments of principal and





                                       12
<PAGE>   13
                     CONTINENTAL MORTGAGE AND EQUITY TRUST
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)


NOTE 5.  NOTES PAYABLE (Continued)

interest of $27,988 and matures in May 2007.  The Trust paid BCM a mortgage
brokerage and equity refinancing fee of $33,000 on the new $3.3 million
mortgage.

In May 1997, the Trust modified and extended the mortgage secured by the Rio
Pinar Shopping Center in Orlando, Florida.  In conjunction with the
modification, the Trust made a principal reduction payment of $500,000.  The
modified and extended mortgage bears interest at 9.0% per annum, requires
monthly payments of principal and interest of $49,465 and has an extended
maturity of March 1999.  $1.0 million of the mortgage is recourse to the Trust.

In June 1997, the Trust refinanced the mortgage debt secured by the Northgate
Distribution Center in Marietta, Georgia in the amount of $4.7  million.  The
Trust received net cash of $1.4 million after the payoff  of $3.0 million in
existing mortgage debt, the funding of escrows and the payment of various
closing costs associated with the financing.  The new mortgage bears interest
at 8.82% per annum, requires monthly payments of principal and interest of
$38,947 and matures in July 2007.  The Trust paid BCM a mortgage brokerage and
equity financing fee of $47,000 based on the new $4.7 million mortgage.

Also in June 1997, the Trust refinanced the mortgage debt secured by the
Edgewood Apartments in Lansing, Illinois in the amount of $9.4 million.  The
Trust received net cash of $858,000 after the payoff of $8.0 million in
existing mortgage debt, the funding of escrows and the payment of various
closing costs associated with the refinancing.  The new mortgage bears interest
at 7.96% per annum, requires monthly payments of principal and interest of
$68,529 and matures in July 2007.  The Trust paid BCM a mortgage brokerage and
equity refinancing fee of $94,000 on the new $9.4 million mortgage.

In July 1997, the Trust refinanced the mortgage debt secured by the Heritage on
the River Apartments in Jacksonville, Florida in the amount of $8.0 million.
The Trust received net cash of $1.0 million after the payoff of $6.5 million in
existing mortgage debt, the funding of escrows and the payment of various
closing costs associated with the refinancing.  The new mortgage bears interest
at 8.125% per annum, requires monthly payments of principal and interest of
$59,400 and matures in August 2007.  The Trust paid BCM a mortgage brokerage
and equity refinancing fee of $80,000 on the new $8.0 million mortgage.

NOTE 6.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Trust is involved in various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of
business.  Management of the Trust is of the opinion that the outcome of these
lawsuits would have no material impact on the Trust's financial condition,
results of operations or liquidity.





                                       13
<PAGE>   14
                     CONTINENTAL MORTGAGE AND EQUITY TRUST
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)


NOTE 7.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

At September 30, 1997, the Northpoint Central Office Building in Houston, Texas
was under a firm contract for sale and was accordingly reclassified from real
estate held for investment to real estate held for sale.  In October 1997, the
Trust completed the sale for $11.0 million in cash.  The Trust received net
cash of $4.7 million after the payoff of $5.8 million in existing mortgage debt
and the payment of various closing costs associated with the sale. The Trust
paid a real estate brokerage commission of $285,000 to Carmel Realty based on
the $11.0 million sales price of the property.  The Trust will recognize a gain
on the sale of approximately $1.4 million.

In October 1997, the Trust purchased the Westgrove Air Plaza, a 78,326 square
foot combination aircraft hangar and office building in Addison, Texas, for
$2.4 million.  The Trust paid $1.2 million in cash and the seller provided
purchase money financing for the remaining $1.2 million of the purchase price.
The purchase money financing bears interest at a variable rate, currently
10.5%% per annum, requires monthly payments of interest only, currently $10,000
and matures in April 1998.  The Trust paid a real estate brokerage commission
of $91,000 to Carmel Realty and a $24,000 acquisition fee to BCM based on the
$2.4 million purchase price of the property.

Also in October 1997, the Trust purchased the Cypresstree Apartments, a 168
unit apartment complex in Houston, Texas, for $3.2 million.  The Trust paid
$550,000 in cash and the seller provided purchase money financing for the
remaining $2.6 million of the purchase price.  The purchase money financing
bears interest at 10.0% per annum, requires monthly payments of interest only
of $21,667 and matures in December 1998.  The Trust paid a real estate
brokerage commission of $114,500 to Carmel Realty and a $31,500 acquisition fee
to BCM based on the $3.2 million purchase price of the property.

                           --------------------------

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Introduction

Continental Mortgage and Equity Trust (the "Trust") was formed to invest in
real estate through acquisitions, leases and partnerships and in mortgage loans
on real estate, including first, wraparound and junior mortgage loans.  The
Trust was organized on August 27, 1980 and commenced operations on December 3,
1980.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents aggregated $918,000 at September 30, 1997, compared
with $3.0 million at December 31, 1996.  The principal reasons for the decrease
in cash are discussed in the paragraphs below.





                                       14
<PAGE>   15
ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources (Continued)

The Trust's principal sources of cash have been and will continue to be
property operations, proceeds from property sales, principal payments on
mortgage notes receivable and borrowings.  The Trust expects that net cash
provided by operating activities and from anticipated external sources, such as
property sales, financings and refinancings, will be sufficient to meet the
Trust's various cash needs, including, but not limited to, debt service
obligations, shareholder distributions and property maintenance and
improvements.

The Trust's cash flow from property operations (rents collected less payments
for expenses applicable to rental income) increased from $14.3 million in the
first nine months of 1996 to $18.9 million in the first nine months of 1997.
This net increase of $4.6 million is the result  of the Trust acquiring
eighteen additional income producing properties during 1996 and 1997.  The
increase due to increased rental and occupancy rates and lower operating
expenses at the Trust's apartment complexes and commercial properties was
offset by the sale of two office buildings and one shopping center in 1997 and
five apartment complexes in 1996.  The Trust's management believes that the
Trust's cash flow from property operations will continue to increase as the
Trust continues to benefit from the properties acquired in the last three
months of 1996 and first nine months of 1997.

In January 1997, the Trust purchased the Madison at Bear Creek Apartments, a
180 unit apartment complex in Houston, Texas, for $3.5 million.  The Trust paid
$800,000 in cash and assumed the existing mortgage of $2.7 million.

In February 1997, the Trust purchased the Watters Road land, 103 acres of
undeveloped land on State Highway 121 in Collin County, Texas, for $1.7 million
in cash.

Also in February 1997, the Trust purchased the Jefferson Building, a 71,877
square foot office building in Washington, D.C., for $13.2 million.  The Trust
paid $4.1 million in cash and obtained new mortgage financing of $9.1 million.

In March 1997, the Trust obtained mortgage financing, in the amount of $4.0
million, secured by the previously unencumbered AMOCO Building, an office
building in New Orleans, Louisiana, and by ten mortgage notes receivable with a
combined principal balance, at the time, of $2.8 million.  The Trust received
net cash of $3.8 million after payment of various closing costs associated with
the financing.  In June and August 1997, two of the mortgage notes receivables,
with a combined principal balance of $291,000, were paid in full.  Such
payments were remitted to the lender as a paydown on the mortgage debt.

In April 1997, the Trust sold Tollhill West, a 159,546 square foot office
building in Dallas, Texas, for $14.8 million in cash.  The Trust





                                       15
<PAGE>   16
ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources (Continued)

received net cash of $9.0 million after the payoff of $5.0 million in existing
mortgage debt and the payment of various closing costs associated with the
sale.

Also in April 1997, the Trust purchased the OPUBCO land, 156 acres of
undeveloped land in Collin County, Texas, for $3.0 million.  In conjunction
with the purchase, the Trust obtained mortgage financing secured by the land
and by two other parcels of previously unencumbered land in the amount of $4.2
million.  The Trust received net cash of $1.3 million.

Further in April 1997, the Trust refinanced the mortgage debt secured by the
Willo-Wick Apartments in Pensacola, Florida in the amount of $3.3 million.  The
Trust received net cash of $311,000 after the payoff of $2.8 million in
existing mortgage debt and the payment of various closing costs associated with
the refinancing.

In May 1997, the Trust sold the 2626 Cole Building, a 119,632 square foot
office building in Dallas, Texas.  The property was sold for $11.0 million in
cash.  The Trust received net cash of $4.2 million after the payoff of $6.5
million in existing mortgage debt and the payment of various closing costs
associated with the sale.

Also in May 1997, the Trust purchased the Trails at Windfern Apartments, a 240
unit apartment complex in Houston, Texas, for $4.2 million.  The Trust paid
$769,000 in cash, assumed the existing mortgage of $3.2 million and the seller
provided purchase money financing of an additional $150,000.

In June 1997, the Trust purchased the Bay Plaza Office Center, a 75,780 square
foot office building in Tampa, Florida, for $4.3 million.  The Trust paid $1.2
million in cash, assumed the existing mortgage of $2.1 million with the seller
providing purchase money financing of an additional $1.0 million.

Also in June 1997, the Trust purchased the Stacy Road land, 163 acres of
undeveloped land in Allen, Texas, for $2.5 million.  The Trust paid $800,000 in
cash and obtained new mortgage financing of $1.7 million.

Also in June 1997, the Trust obtained financing in the amount of $1.4 million
secured by the mortgage note receivable secured by the Cypress Creek Office
Building in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Further in June 1997, the Trust refinanced the mortgage debt secured by the
Northgate Distribution Center in Marietta, Georgia in the amount of $4.7
million.  The Trust received net cash of $1.4 million after the payoff of $3.0
million in existing mortgage debt, the funding of escrows and the payment of
various closing costs associated with the refinancing.





                                       16
<PAGE>   17
ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources (Continued)

Also in June 1997, the Trust refinanced the mortgage debt secured by the
Edgewood Apartments in Lansing, Illinois in the amount of $9.4 million.  The
Trust received net cash of $858,000 after the payoff of $8.0 million in
existing mortgage debt, the funding of escrows and the payment of various
closing costs associated with the refinancing.

In July 1997, the Trust purchased Durham Centre, a 207,171 square foot office
building in Durham, North Carolina, for $20.5 million.  The Trust paid $5.7
million in cash and obtained new mortgage financing of $14.8 million.

Also in July 1997, the Trust refinanced the mortgage debt secured by the
Heritage on the River Apartments in Jacksonville, Florida in the amount of $8.0
million.  The Trust received net cash of $1.0 million after the payoff of $6.5
million in existing mortgage debt, the funding of escrows and the payment of
various closing costs associated with the refinancing.

In August 1997, the Trust sold Builders Square Shopping Center in St. Paul,
Minnesota, for $2.4 million in cash.  The Trust received $1.5 million after the
payoff of $873,000 in existing mortgage debt and the payment of various closing
costs associated with the sale.

Also in August 1997, the Trust purchased the Eagle Rock Apartments, a 99 unit
apartment complex in Los Angeles, California, for $4.4 million.  The Trust paid
$1.1 million in cash with the seller providing purchase money financing of $3.3
million.

In September 1997, the Trust received payment in full of a mortgage note
receivable with a principal balance of $1.3 million.

In October 1997, the Trust sold Northpoint Central Office Building in Houston,
Texas, for $11.0 million.  The Trust received net cash of $4.7 million after
the payoff of $5.8 million in existing mortgage debt and the payment of various
closing costs associated with the sale.

Also in October 1997, the Trust purchased the Westgrove Air Plaza, a 78,326
square foot combination aircraft hangar and office building in Addison, Texas,
for $2.4 million.  The Trust paid $1.2 million in cash and the seller provided
purchase money financing of $1.2 million.

The Trust has entered into a contract to acquire the 40% of Indcon, L.P.
("Indcon"), a joint venture partnership, that it does not already own for $1.6
million in cash.

The Trust's Board of Trustees has authorized the Trust to repurchase a total of
1,465,000 of its shares of beneficial interest, of which  19,371 shares remain
to be purchased as of September 30, 1997.  Through September 30, 1997, the
Trust had repurchased 1,445,629 of its shares at a total cost to the Trust of
$7.7 million, none of which were purchased in the first nine months of 1997.





                                       17
<PAGE>   18
ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources (Continued)

In the first nine months of 1997, the Trust paid quarterly distributions of
$.39 per share or a total of $1.6 million.

The Trust's management reviews the carrying value of the Trust's mortgage notes
receivable and properties at least annually and whenever  events or a change in
circumstances indicate that impairment may exist.  Impairment is considered to
exist if, in the case of a property, the future cash flow from the property
(undiscounted and without interest) is less than the carrying amount of the
property.  For notes receivable impairment is considered to exist if it is
probable that all amounts due under the terms of the note will not be
collected.  In those instances where impairment is found to exist, a provision
for loss is recorded by a charge against earnings.  The Trust's mortgage note
receivable review includes an evaluation of the collateral property securing
such note.  The property review generally includes selective property
inspections, a review of the property's current rents compared to market rents,
a review of the property's expenses, a review of maintenance requirements, a
review of the property's cash flow, discussions with the manager of the
property and a review of properties in the surrounding area.

Results of Operations

For the nine months ended September 30, 1997, the Trust had net income of $3.5
million, including second quarter gains on sale of real estate of $6.8 million,
compared to net income of $9.6 million for the nine months ended September 30,
1996, which included gains on sale of real estate and extraordinary gains
totaling $10.2 million.  For the three months ended September 30, 1997, the
Trust had a net loss of $1.2 million including a $245,000 loss on sale of real
estate, compared to net income of $3.7 million for the three months ended
September 30, 1996, which included gains on sale of real estate and
extraordinary gains totaling $3.7 million.  Fluctuations in these and other
components of the Trust's revenues and expenses between the 1996 and 1997
periods are discussed below.

Rents increased from $11.4 million and $33.2 million for the three and nine
months ended September 30, 1996 to $14.4 million and $40.6 million for the
three and nine months ended September 30, 1997.  Of these increases, $1.5
million and $7.4 million is attributable to the acquisition of four apartment
complexes and eight commercial properties in 1996 and an additional $2.1
million and $3.4 million is attributable to the acquisition of three apartment
complexes and three commercial properties in 1997.  The remainder of the
increases are due to increased rental and occupancy rates at the Trust's
apartment complexes and commercial properties.  These increases are partially
offset by decreases of $675,000 and $3.4 million due to the sale of five
apartment complexes in 1996 and three commercial properties in 1997 and a
further decrease of $461,000 and $1.4 million is due to the loss of a property
to foreclosure in 1996.  Rents are expected to continue to increase due to the
properties acquired in 1996 and 1997.





                                       18
<PAGE>   19
ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Results of Operations (Continued)

Interest income was $268,000 and $821,000 for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 1996 compared to $263,000 and $729,000 for the three and nine
months ended September 30, 1997.  These decreases are due to decreases of
$81,000 and $146,000 in short-term investment income and decreases of $8,000
and $35,000 due to the payoff of a note receivable.  The decreases are
partially offset by a new loan funded in 1996 and to the payoff in September
1997 of a note receivable on which the Trust only recognized interest income as
cash was received.  Interest income in the remaining three months of 1997 is
expected to decrease due to the loan payoffs.

Property operating expenses increased from $7.2 million and $20.1 million for
the three and nine months ended September 30, 1996 to $8.4 million and $23.6
million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1997.  Of these
increases, $920,000 and $4.6 million is due to the acquisition of four
apartment complexes and eight commercial properties in 1996 and an additional
$976,000 and $1.6 million is due to the acquisition of three apartment
complexes and three commercial properties in 1997.  These increases are
partially offset by decreases of $457,000 and $2.1 million due to the sale of
five apartment complexes in 1996 and three commercial properties in 1997 and a
further decrease of $249,000 and $808,000 due to the loss of a property to
foreclosure in 1996.  Property operating expenses are expected to continue to
increase due to  the properties acquired in 1996 and 1997.

Interest expense increased from $3.3 million and $9.3 million for the three and
nine months ended September 30, 1996 to $4.4 million and $12.2 million for the
three and nine months ended September 30, 1997.  Of these increases, $1.3
million and $3.5 million is due to interest expense recorded on mortgages
secured by ten properties, encumbered by debt, acquired in 1996 and nine
properties, encumbered by debt, acquired in 1997.  An additional $21,000 and
$645,000 is due to interest expense recorded on borrowings in 1996 and 1997,
secured by mortgages on a previously unencumbered commercial property and by a
note receivable in 1997, two previously unencumbered apartment complexes and
two previously unencumbered commercial properties in 1996 and the refinancing
of four existing mortgages in 1997 and seven existing mortgages in 1996 where
the loan balance was increased.  These increases are partially offset by
decreases of $178,000 and $885,000 due to the sale of three apartment complexes
encumbered by debt in 1996 and three commercial properties in 1997 and a
further decrease of $165,000 and $495,000 due to the loss of a property to
foreclosure in 1996.  Interest expense is expected to increase in the remainder
of 1997, as a result of properties acquired or refinanced in 1996 and
properties acquired or refinanced in 1997.

Depreciation expense increased from $1.3 million and $3.6 million for the three
and nine months ended September 30, 1996 to $1.6 million and $4.6 million for
the three and nine months ended September 30, 1997.  These increases are due to
the acquisition of four apartment complexes and eight commercial properties in
1996 and three apartment complexes and three commercial properties in 1997,
partially offset by the sales





                                       19
<PAGE>   20
ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Results of Operations (Continued)

of three commercial properties in 1997 and five apartment complexes in 1996.
Depreciation is expected to increase during the remainder of 1997, as a result
of the properties acquired in 1996 and the properties acquired in the first
nine months of 1997.

A negative provision for losses of $884,000 was recognized in the three and
nine months ended September 30, 1996.  Such negative provision represents
accrued interest recorded on a mortgage between February 1995, the date the
Trust stopped making payments on the mortgage, and September 1996 when the
property was transferred to the lender.

Advisory fee to affiliate increased from $449,000 and $1.3 million for the
three and nine months ended September 30, 1996 to $548,000 and $1.6 million for
the three and nine months ended September 30, 1997.  This increase is due to an
increase in the Trust's gross assets, the basis for the advisory fee, as a
result of the acquisition of thirteen properties in 1996 and ten properties in
1997 partially offset by the sale of three commercial properties in 1997 and
five apartment complexes in 1996.  The advisory fee is expected to continue to
increase as the Trust makes additional property acquisitions.

A net income fee of $(99,000) and $287,000 was recorded by the Trust for the
three and nine months ended September 30, 1997 as a result of the gains
totaling $6.8 million from the sale of two commercial properties as discussed
below.  No such fee was recorded by the Trust in 1996.

General and administrative expenses increased from $461,000 and $1.4 million
for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1996 to $817,000 and $2.2
million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1997.  These
increases are primarily attributable to an increase in legal and professional
fees, directors and officers insurance premiums and Advisor cost
reimbursements.

The Trust's equity in earnings of partnerships was $21,000 and $197,000 for the
three and nine months ended September 30, 1996 as compared to a loss of $17,000
and income of $56,000 in the three and nine months ended September 30, 1997.
Included in equity earnings of partnerships for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 1997 is a $49,000 loss on sale of real estate, the Trust's equity
share of the loss recognized by Indcon on the sale of one of its industrial
warehouses.  Included in equity earnings of partnerships for the nine months
ended September 30, 1996 is a $370,000 gain on sale of real estate, the Trust's
equity share of the gain recognized by Indcon, on the sale of 27 of its
industrial warehouses.  Excluding such gain, the Trust's equity in earnings of
partnerships would have been a loss of $173,000 and income of $105,000 for the
nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1997.  This increase in equity in
earnings of partnerships is primarily due to improved performance by the
remaining joint venture partnerships' properties.  Equity in earnings of
partnerships is expected to be minimal for the remainder of 1997.





                                       20
<PAGE>   21
ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Results of Operations (Continued)

A loss of $245,000 was recognized in the three months ended September 30, 1997
on the sale of Builders Square Shopping Center.  See NOTE 4. "REAL ESTATE."
For the nine months ended September 30, 1997, the Trust recognized gains on the
sale of real estate of $5.4 million on the sale of Tollhill West Office
Building in April 1997 and $1.4 million on the sale of 2626 Cole Office
Building in May 1997.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 1996,
the Trust recognized gains on the sale of real estate of $378,000 on the sale
of Rivertree Apartments in February 1996, $5.4 million on the sale of Sunset
Towers Apartments in May 1996 and $3.6 million on the sale of Southgate
Apartments in August 1996.  See NOTE 4.  "REAL ESTATE."

In the three months ended September 30, 1996, the Trust recognized an
extraordinary gain of $149,000 representing an insurance settlement at  the
Rivertree Apartments which the Trust had sold in February 1996.  In the nine
months ended September 30, 1996, the Trust recognized an extraordinary gain of
$663,000, its equity share of an insurance settlement from a fire loss of one
of Indcon's industrial warehouses.  No such gains were recognized in 1997.

Tax Matters

As more fully discussed in the Trust's 1996 Form 10-K, the Trust has elected
and in the opinion of the Trust's management, qualified to be taxed as a Real
Estate Investment Trust ("REIT") as defined under Sections 856 through 860 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the "Code").  To continue to
qualify for federal taxation as  a REIT under the Code, the Trust is required
to hold at least 75% of the value of its total assets in real estate assets,
government securities and cash and cash equivalents at the close of each
quarter of each taxable year.  The Code also requires a REIT to distribute at
least 95% of its REIT taxable income plus 95% of its net income from
foreclosure property, as defined in Section 857 of the Code, on an annual basis
to shareholders.

Inflation

The effects of inflation on the Trust's operations are not quantifiable.
Revenues from property operations fluctuate proportionately with increases and
decreases in housing costs.  Fluctuations in the rate of inflation also affect
the sales values of properties and, correspondingly, the ultimate gains to be
realized by the Trust from property  sales.  To the extent that inflation
affects interest rates, the Trust's earnings from short-term investments and
the cost of new borrowings as well as its existing variable rate borrowings
will be affected.

Environmental Matters

Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and
regulations, the Trust may be potentially liable for removal or





                                       21
<PAGE>   22
ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Environmental Matters (Continued)

remediation costs, as well as certain other potential costs relating to
hazardous or toxic substances (including governmental fines and injuries to
persons and property) where property-level managers have arranged for the
removal, disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances.  In addition,
certain environmental laws impose liability for release of asbestos-containing
materials into the air, and third parties may seek recovery from the Trust for
personal injury associated with such materials.

The Trust's management is not aware of any environmental liability relating to
the above matters that would have a material adverse effect on the Trust's
business, assets or results of operations.

                           --------------------------

                          PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Olive Litigation.  In February 1990, the Trust, together with Income
Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc., National Income Realty Trust and
Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc., three real estate entities with, at
the time, the same officers, directors or trustees and advisor as the Trust,
entered into a settlement of a class and derivative action entitled Olive et
al. v. National Income Realty Trust et al. pending before the United States
District Court for the Northern District of California and relating to the
operation and management of each of the entities (the "Olive Litigation").  On
April 23, 1990, the court granted final approval of the terms of a Stipulation
of Settlement.

On May 4, 1994, the parties entered into a Modification of Stipulation of
Settlement dated April 27, 1994 (the "Olive Modification") that settled
subsequent claims of breaches of the settlement that were asserted by the
plaintiffs and that modified certain provisions of the April 1990 settlement.
The Olive Modification was preliminarily approved by the Court on July 1, 1994,
and final Court approval was entered on December 12, 1994.  The effective date
of the Olive Modification was January 11, 1995.

The Court retained jurisdiction to enforce the Modification, and during August
and September 1996, the Court held evidentiary hearings to assess  compliance
with the terms of the Modification by various parties.  The Court issued no
ruling or order with respect to the matters addressed at the hearings.

Separately, in 1996, legal counsel for the plaintiffs notified the Trust's
Board of Trustees that he intended to assert that certain actions taken by the
Board of Trustees breached the terms of the Olive Modification.  On January 27,
1997, the parties entered into an





                                       22
<PAGE>   23
ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS (Continued)

Amendment to the Modification, effective January 9, 1997 (the "Olive
Amendment"), which was submitted to the Court for approval on January 29, 1997.
The Olive Amendment provides for the settlement of all matters raised at the
evidentiary hearings and by plaintiffs' counsel in his notices to the Trust's
Board of Trustees.  On May 2, 1997, a hearing was held for the Court to
consider approval of the Olive Amendment.  As a result of the hearing, the
parties entered into a revised Olive Amendment.  The Court issued an order
approving the Olive Amendment on July 3, 1997.

The Olive Amendment provides for the addition of four new unaffiliated members
to the Trust's Board of Trustees and sets forth new requirements for the
approval of any transactions with certain affiliates until April 28, 1999.  In
addition, the Trust, IORI, TCI and their shareholders released the defendants
from any claims relating to the plaintiffs' allegations and matters which were
the subject of the evidentiary hearings.  The plaintiffs' allegations of any
breaches of the Modification shall be settled by mutual agreement of the
parties or, lacking such agreement, by an arbitration proceeding.

Under the Olive Amendment, all shares of the Trust owned by Gene E. Phillips or
any of his affiliates shall be voted at all shareholders' meetings held until
April 28, 1999 in favor of all new Board members added under the Olive
Amendment.  The Olive Amendment also requires that, until April 28, 1999, all
shares of the Trust owned by Gene E. Phillips or his affiliates in excess of
forty percent (40%) of the Trust's outstanding shares shall be voted pro rata
to the votes cast by all non-affiliated shareholders of the Trust.

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

On October 25, 1996, the Trust's Board of Trustees approved a proposal to
convert the Trust from a California business trust into a Nevada corporation.
The Trust's Board of Trustees believes that the change from a California
business trust to a Nevada corporation will afford the Trust greater legal
certainty in matters of corporate governance and indemnification and therefore
greater predictability in the conduct of its business as a corporation under
Nevada law.  The Trust has filed a Proxy Statement/Prospectus with the
Securities and Exchange Commission providing for a special meeting of the
Trust's shareholders.  At such meeting the Trust's shareholders will vote on
this proposal. Approval requires the vote of a majority of the Trust's
outstanding shares of beneficial interest.  As of October 31, 1997 the Trust's
advisor and its affiliates held shares representing approximately 54.4% of the
Trust's outstanding shares.  Under the Olive Amendment (see Part II, ITEM 1.
"LEGAL PROCEEDINGS") the Trust's advisor and its affiliates have discretionary
authority to vote their shares on this matter, up to 40% of the Trust's shares
outstanding.  Any shares owned in excess of 40% of the Trust's outstanding
shares, must be voted pro rata with the votes cast by all nonaffiliated
shareholders of the Trust.

Also, pursuant to the Olive Amendment, the proposal will not be presented to
the Trust's shareholders until the four new unaffiliated Board members have
been seated and the Board reapproves the proposal.





                                       23
<PAGE>   24
ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION (Continued)

Accordingly, a date for the special meeting of the Trust's shareholders to vote
on the incorporation proposal has not been set.

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) Exhibits:

Exhibit
Number             Description                        

 27.0          Financial Data Schedule

(b) Reports on Form 8-K as follows:

    A Current Report on Form 8-K, dated July 18, 1997, was filed with respect
    to Item 2. "Acquisition and Disposition of Assets," and Item 7. "Financial
    Statements and Exhibits," which reports the acquisition of the Durham
    Centre Office Building and the McKinney 140 land.

    A Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 18, 1997, was filed with respect
    to Item 2. "Acquisition and Disposition of Assets," and Item 7. "Financial
    Statements and Exhibits," which reports the acquisition of Eagle Rock
    Apartments.





                                       24
<PAGE>   25
                                 SIGNATURE PAGE


Pursuant to the requirements 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.


                                      CONTINENTAL MORTGAGE AND EQUITY TRUST





Date:    November  5, 1997            By: /s/ Randall M. Paulson         
     -------------------------           -----------------------------------
                                         Randall M. Paulson
                                         President





Date:    November  5, 1997            By: /s/ Thomas A. Holland          
     -------------------------           -----------------------------------
                                         Thomas A. Holland
                                         Executive Vice President and
                                         Chief Financial Officer
                                         (Principal Financial and
                                         Accounting Officer)





                                       25
<PAGE>   26
                     CONTINENTAL MORTGAGE AND EQUITY TRUST

                                  EXHIBITS TO
                         QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

                  For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1997



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit                                                                Page
Number                    Description                                 Number
-------     -----------------------------------------                 ------
 <S>        <C>                                                       <C>
 27.0       Financial Data Schedule.                                  27
</TABLE>





                                       26