🏗️ What Private Lenders Really Look For in a Fix-and-Flip Deal: A Playbook for New Investors Gaining Credibility

Private lending isn’t just about money—it’s about trust, execution, and clarity. If you're new to fix-and-flip investing, this guide will help you present deals that get funded and build a reputation that opens doors.

Rule #1: Keep It Cookie Cutter (At First)

- Stick to simple cosmetic rehabs with clear comps

- Avoid structural issues, zoning variances, or creative exit strategies

- Your first 4–5 deals should be boring, predictable, and profitable

“Credibility is earned through clean execution—not cleverness.”

What Lenders Actually Want to See

1. Exit Strategy

- Are you flipping, wholesaling, or BRRRR-ing?

- Is the resale price supported by comps?

- Do you have a buyer lined up or a listing agent ready?

2. Sponsor Credibility

- Have you done deals before?

- If not, do you have a mentor, contractor, or agent backing you?

- Are you personally invested (skin in the game)?

3. Deal Fundamentals

- Purchase price vs ARV

- Rehab budget and timeline

- Margin after all costs (lenders want to see a buffer)

4. Title & Lien Position

- Is the title clean?

- Will the lender be in 1st or 2nd position?

- Are there any existing liens, judgments, or UCC filings?

 Checklist to: “Getting Funded Fast”

- Property address

- Purchase price

- ARV and comps

- Rehab budget

- Exit strategy

- Requested loan amount

- Timeline to close

Final Advice

Don’t try to get tricky until you’ve earned the right. Once you’ve completed 4–5 clean deals, lenders will start leaning in. Until then, keep it simple, keep it honest, and keep it moving.