What are your methods to finding Private money lenders?

What are your methods to finding Private money lenders?

Fallon GilbertPro Member
Member since 2022 · 58 posts · 16 votes

Hi all!

I feel like I'm a fish out of water here a bit. I know that there are tons of different types of lenders but I believe for my case I would need a private money lender or hard money lender. To my knowledge, hard money lenders only do shorter terms? Not really sure.

Another issue I'm finding is the amount of money - the deals I do are typically about $30,000 and it seems like not many people are willing to lend on such a small amount. Does anyone know why?

I have, what I think, are good deals, and other properties that are owned free and clear which can be used as collateral. Does anyone know someone that would lend on this amount? Would love to have a conversation!


Here are two of my properties that I put into the bigger pockets calculator. Thanks in advance!

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Flipper/Rehabber · Bloomfield CT · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 409 votes
1y

The minimum for most lenders is $75k. The effort to underwrite a deal is the same regardless of amount lent

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  • Flipper/Rehabber · Bloomfield CT · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 409 votes
    1y

    The minimum for most lenders is $75k. The effort to underwrite a deal is the same regardless of amount lent

    • Fallon GilbertPro Member
      OP
      Member since 2022 · 58 posts · 16 votes
      1y

      @James McGovern I under stand, which is why in my case I would probably want a private money lender. Just not sure where to find them.

    • Flipper/Rehabber · Bloomfield CT · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 409 votes
      1y

      @Fallon Gilbert you did not indicate where you are at. Finding private money is not difficult, it will feel like random wandering around till it happens 

    • Flipper/Rehabber · Bloomfield CT · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 409 votes
      11mo

      @Fallon Gilbert you can find many of them ion LinkedIn 

  • Flipper/Rehabber · Bloomfield CT · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 409 votes
    1y
    I have found the two private lenders I use via LinkedIn
  • Elias HalvorsonBusiness Member
    HI · Member since 2024 · 225 posts · 130 votes
    1y

    Id go there, or just do a personal loan(s) from a place like sofi or a local credit union. The fees associated with small $$ DSRCs like this are pretty substantial, and the rates are not much lower than a personal loan would be. 

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  • Chris SeveneyBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes
    1y
    Quote from @Fallon Gilbert:

    Hi all!

    I feel like I'm a fish out of water here a bit. I know that there are tons of different types of lenders but I believe for my case I would need a private money lender or hard money lender. To my knowledge, hard money lenders only do shorter terms? Not really sure.

    Another issue I'm finding is the amount of money - the deals I do are typically about $30,000 and it seems like not many people are willing to lend on such a small amount. Does anyone know why?

    I have, what I think, are good deals, and other properties that are owned free and clear which can be used as collateral. Does anyone know someone that would lend on this amount? Would love to have a conversation!


    Here are two of my properties that I put into the bigger pockets calculator. Thanks in advance!


     why not sell some of those other properties to pay for new acquisitions?

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  • Investor · Coppell, TX · Member since 2018 · 311 posts · 166 votes
    1y

    @Fallon Gilbert I raise private money in a variety of ways using systematic tools and strategies. One of my main ways of raising private money is doing free online educational workshops. I do this in partnerships with SDIRA custodians/administrators. 

    Another way is by creating my own PMLs. Because of my systems, many "want to be" PMLs approach me and I do private money lending crash course for them. They then invest with me.

    And yes, you can absolutely borrow $30K from PMLs. Feel free to DM if you have any questions...

  • Lender · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2025 · 40 posts · 17 votes
    1y

    You're right—many lenders shy away from smaller deals like $30K because the time, legal costs, and underwriting effort are nearly the same as a $200K loan, but with much less return. That said, if you have strong equity and clear exit strategies, there are private lenders who may still be open to it—especially if you're open to cross-collateralizing or creative terms.

    • Jay HinrichsBusiness Member
      Real Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
      1y
      Quote from @Account Closed:

      You're right—many lenders shy away from smaller deals like $30K because the time, legal costs, and underwriting effort are nearly the same as a $200K loan, but with much less return. That said, if you have strong equity and clear exit strategies, there are private lenders who may still be open to it—especially if you're open to cross-collateralizing or creative terms.


      those props if they are in a major city are squarely in the HOOD /  HIGH RISK or some small 5k pop town in fly over country.. just not worth the effort.. Now I have made a living personally funding low balance deals like these.. its my specialty but very picky on who I do it with and markets I will do it in.  AND your going to pay as much for a 30k loan as you will for a 100k loans lenders Private or HML need to make at least 3 to 5k in fees up front to stay in bizz.. how can you charge 2 points on 30k thats a whopping 600.00 bucks who is gong to do that.  NOT ME>
  • Lender · Lake Havasu City, AZ · Member since 2024 · 700 posts · 285 votes
    1y

    Well, I can speak on recent experience...

    $30k is not worth going to court for...

    Best of luck but not many people are willing to lend that little of an amount.

  • Katy, TX · Member since 2023 · 3 posts · 3 votes
    1y

    I would suggest you find some networking events in your area or online.  You can look on Meetups and Eventbrite.

    A lot of private lending is about relationships, and meeting someone is person is a great way to start building those relationships.

  • Member since 2021 · 3 posts · 1 vote
    1y

    What LTV is the $30,000 at? What type of term are you looking for?

  • Erik EstradaBusiness Member
    Lender · Member since 2022 · 6k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    The issue is the exit strategy. How will you pay back the private lender? Through sale or refinance? Refinancing will be tough unless the property can appraise for $75k or more, which is the sweet spot for a few lenders. 

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  • Jake YuskaitisBusiness Member
    Lender · New Jersey, USA · Member since 2022 · 254 posts · 67 votes
    1y

    i know a bunch of private money lenders that can cover basically anything at this point. Over the years most have come from LinkedIn. A few from google.

  • Lender · Irvine, CA · Member since 2025 · 27 posts · 8 votes
    1y

    Thanks for laying that out — it makes a lot of sense when you break it down by fees and effort. I can see how a $30K loan still requires the same underwriting, docs, and servicing as a $100K+ loan, but the points don’t cover the lender’s time or business overhead.

    Sounds like the only way smaller balance loans make sense is either:

    • A niche lender who already specializes in them, or

    • Structuring the deal so there’s a flat minimum fee, not just points.

    Appreciate the insight — that helps me understand why most private lenders pass on these.

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