Private Lending Isn’t a Loophole for Bad Credit: We solve for distressed properties—not distressed borrowers.
- Erik Roth
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The Myth of “Credit Doesn’t Matter” and “Private lenders don’t care about credit.”
I hear it constantly. It’s the rallying cry of every investor with a 520 score and a dream. But
here’s the truth:
Private lending isn’t a loophole for bad credit. It’s a workaround for bad properties.
Banks reject deals because the house is too ugly, too risky, or too unconventional. That’s where private lenders step in.
But if you think we’re also here to overlook your financial chaos, think again.
�� Credit Is a Reflection of Character
When a lender doesn’t know you personally, your credit tells the story:
Do you honor your obligations?
Do you manage your finances with discipline?
Do you ghost creditors when things get tough?
Even when buying a house with cash, sellers and agents will ask for your credit. Why? Because credit is a proxy for trust. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about patterns, reliability, and how you treat commitments.
��️ What Private Lending Is a Loophole For
Private money solves for:
Properties that can’t qualify for traditional financing.
Deals that need speed and flexibility.
Borrowers with a solid plan and skin in the game.
We’re not here to rescue borrowers from their own bad habits. We’re here to fund smart investors who know how to execute.
�� What I Look For as a Private Lender
Credit score matters—not just the number, but the story behind it.
Collections, judgments, and defaults are red flags.
Medical debt or one-off mistakes? I’ll listen. But chronic late payments? That’s a
pattern.
I want borrowers who treat obligations seriously. Because I do.
�� How to Improve Before You Apply
Here’s a quick checklist to help you prep your credit before approaching a private lender:
✅ Borrower Credit Prep Checklist
☐ Pull your credit report from all three bureaus
☐ Dispute any errors or outdated items
☐ Pay down revolving debt to improve utilization
☐ Avoid new credit inquiries for 30–60 days
☐ Resolve any outstanding collections
☐ Write a short explanation for any major blemishes
☐ Show recent momentum—on-time payments, reduced balances, etc.
�� Final Thought: Respect the Relationship
Private lending is built on trust, transparency, and shared goals. If you want me to take a risk on your deal, show me you take your obligations seriously.
Because I’m not just investing in the property—I’m investing in you.



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