What Do I Need to Have Ready Before I Begin Searching for Investors?

[Paul Derks]

A business partner and I are working together to start investing in distressed properties with the goal of eventually flipping and renting apartments. We have decent credit, plenty of ambition, and really don't like our day jobs, but we don't have the cash to get us started. Before I start going around asking for money, what would you recommend I have prepared to show potential investors that will prove to them we are a serious investment? Then, once I have that information/proposal/etc. prepared, how should I approach investors? Thank you for your time, Paul

[Jonathan Greene]

Quote from @Paul Derks:

Quote from @Jonathan Greene:

Unfortunately, nothing about this sounds good. Take a step back and look at what you are saying and asking. You have no experience, you don't like your day jobs so want a way out, you don't have any money to start, but you want someone to invest in your business? Why would someone give you any money and more so, why would you take someone you know's money when you have no experience, no game plan, and a misplaced idea to buy distressed which is the hardest thing to buy and salvage for new investors?

I appreciate your comment. This isn’t me asking for money. I’m currently reading books, learning about markets, and gaining a great deal of knowledge in the property investment “game”. This is a question that is asking what investors are looking for, as far as a proposal, presentation, information, etc, so that when I am ready to go, I have all the correct details and information investors are looking for.

I only mention we hate our day jobs because we have plenty of ambition to see this through, not because we want an “out”. We have chosen distressed properties because of our past experiences and are comfortable examining properties that need help.

You said "Before I start going around asking for money" so it has to do with a presentation for money which means you will be asking for money, but I understand what you are saying. What investors want is a track record. It doesn't matter how you present something if you don't have verified experience to bank on. Would you lend money to someone with no track record in a business?

If you do have prior history from this statement - "because of our past experiences and are comfortable examining properties that need help" - then that is what they will want data on.