Which one comes first? Securing a hard Money Lender or the deal

[Sal Messina]

Hi All, 

This is my first post to BP so bare with me. I've been listening for about a year and have read 3 or 4 of the "classic" real estate books. With all of this information I'm still a little fuzy on the timing between finding a deal and securing a hard money lender. Should one come before the other? I personally feel like a relationship should be established before asking random investors for money but that is my initial thought. 

[Tom S.]

@Sal Messina  Usually the deal first, but you should certainly call around now to different lenders in your area and see what their criteria is. That way once you do secure a deal, you already have the required paperwork, downpayment, reserves, etc all set to go.

Welcome to BP!

- Tom