Looking to do my 1st rehab and I need help.

Looking to do my 1st rehab and I need help.

Member since 2025 · 2 posts · 4 votes

Hi, My name is Ray and I came across a good deal on a single family home with acreage in OK that basically needs drywall and flooring to complete. Since this is my first rehab I'm having trouble finding money/investor to do the project. I will be doing the rehab/finishing the home. I have an LLC and I've had 5+ Primary residences that I've done work on over he last 30+ years. I am an electrician by trade for 34+ years. The purchase price plus rehab costs is less than half of the ARV (Approx. $550k). Any advice and help is appreciated.

3Reply
129 views

Most Popular Reply

Lender · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2009 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
11mo

You’re answering your own question, @Raymond Diaz.

Though there are fix and flip lenders who will lend to newbies, most want to see a history of successful fix and flip experience. Doing work on five primary homes and having an impressive electrical background is great, but it doesn’t mean you know how to flip a house. Sorry.  I know you probably disagree.

The other issue is your deal, which will raise eyebrows. Everyone is entitled to the occasional deal of a lifetime, and you're no exception. With no flipping experience, a realtor who isn't helpful, and no interest at $400k for a $550k ARV for over a year, something seems suspicious (possibly a rural property?). For your own safety and to convince a lender, don't buy this property until you can clearly explain why. A good lender doesn't want you to lose money any more than they do.

Given the competitive nature of the industry, there are many lenders now who will lend to newbies. Keep looking and you’ll find some. Make sure you have a good explanation of why this is a legitimate deal (for your own benefit), and don’t try to oversell your experience.

Best of luck to you, Raymond.

See this reply in the discussion

5 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Jaycee GreenePro Member
    Real Estate Consultant · St. Louis MSA · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 727 votes
    11mo
    Quote from @Raymond Diaz:

    Hi, My name is Ray and I came across a good deal on a single family home with acreage in OK that basically needs drywall and flooring to complete. Since this is my first rehab I'm having trouble finding money/investor to do the project. I will be doing the rehab/finishing the home. I have an LLC and I've had 5+ Primary residences that I've done work on over he last 30+ years. I am an electrician by trade for 34+ years. The purchase price plus rehab costs is less than half of the ARV (Approx. $550k). Any advice and help is appreciated.

    Hey @Raymond Diaz, welcome to the BP Forum! Why are they selling it to you so low?

    • Member since 2025 · 2 posts · 4 votes
      11mo
      Quote from @Jaycee Greene:
      Quote from @Raymond Diaz:

      Hi, My name is Ray and I came across a good deal on a single family home with acreage in OK that basically needs drywall and flooring to complete. Since this is my first rehab I'm having trouble finding money/investor to do the project. I will be doing the rehab/finishing the home. I have an LLC and I've had 5+ Primary residences that I've done work on over he last 30+ years. I am an electrician by trade for 34+ years. The purchase price plus rehab costs is less than half of the ARV (Approx. $550k). Any advice and help is appreciated.

      Hey @Raymond Diaz, welcome to the BP Forum! Why are they selling it to you so low?

      The Million Dollar question. The realtor wasn't very helpful when I asked the same thing. From what I can surmise they just want out. They built the house in anticipation of moving and then decided not to. They have been trying to sell the house for over $400k with no interest for over a year and then finally divided some of the acreage off and sold it separately. 
  • Lender · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2009 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    11mo

    You’re answering your own question, @Raymond Diaz.

    Though there are fix and flip lenders who will lend to newbies, most want to see a history of successful fix and flip experience. Doing work on five primary homes and having an impressive electrical background is great, but it doesn’t mean you know how to flip a house. Sorry.  I know you probably disagree.

    The other issue is your deal, which will raise eyebrows. Everyone is entitled to the occasional deal of a lifetime, and you're no exception. With no flipping experience, a realtor who isn't helpful, and no interest at $400k for a $550k ARV for over a year, something seems suspicious (possibly a rural property?). For your own safety and to convince a lender, don't buy this property until you can clearly explain why. A good lender doesn't want you to lose money any more than they do.

    Given the competitive nature of the industry, there are many lenders now who will lend to newbies. Keep looking and you’ll find some. Make sure you have a good explanation of why this is a legitimate deal (for your own benefit), and don’t try to oversell your experience.

    Best of luck to you, Raymond.

  • Specialist · Member since 2025 · 483 posts · 270 votes
    11mo

    Ray, lean on your trade credibility and keep financing simple. For a first rehab, line up three options in parallel: 1) a rehab or bridge loan quote that funds a big chunk of purchase plus repairs, 2) private money using a credibility-first deck with your electrician background, scope, timeline, ARV range, and clear payback, and 3) a small HELOC or line of credit as your contingency to cover draws and surprises. Keep your ask tight by finishing drywall/floors only, build a photo-updates cadence for lenders, and have two exits ready: refi to a DSCR rental if it rents well, or list retail if appraisal lands high enough. You've got the skill; package it cleanly and the money follows.

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.