Newbie in CT, Need Help Getting Started

[Matthew Lee]

Hi Everyone,
My name is Matt and I’m completely new to the real estate game. My girlfriend and I have been looking at properties around our area (New Haven County). I got preapproved for an investment property mortgage, but then we started to learn about hard money/third party lenders. We’re trying to put offers in on some properties but we’re being asked to provide preapprovals even for private lenders. Are we missing something here? I feel like every time we make any progress we take one step forward and it’s three steps back. 

Really looking forward to some input and any help would be appreciated. 

Thank you