How to use a million dollar line of credit…

How to use a million dollar line of credit…

David B.Pro Member
Member since 2022 · 77 posts · 56 votes

Hi everyone! 

I’m looking for advice/strategies on how to use a 950k line of credit that is provided to me through my bank. This is due to the assets they currently manage in my behalf. 

I’d really like to utilize this money effectively to purchase real estate and build more wealth, but I’m relatively new to the game and not sure what strategies I should implement to grow while protecting myself.

Couple things to consider about the credit line -

1. The line of credit is subject to fluctuation should the market go crazy. It could drop if I took a heavy loss in the market. That said, I’ve been mostly cash throughout this stock market tumble and instead have been buying the dip. Thus far I’ve suffered minimal losses. However, I would never want to be over leveraged and forced intro a recall cuz I loaded the whole credit line while the market tanked. I would consider being heavily leveraged for a short time however, if I had an appropriate exit strategy. Otherwise I think not blowing out credit line is wise. 

2. The rate on my credit line is fairly low - about 3.75 percent annually. Very cheap money. However it’s not fixed. Could go up… although I doubt anything like what we’ve seen In RE. 

3. I’m predominantly looking for cash flow, however I’m trying to stay in great areas that I think are still (relatively) appreciating. 

I’ve considered buying quality buy and hold assets with the line, but with current market conditions that’s a little nerve racking. I’d like to have a firmer exit strategy. However, I do have this idea that if I bought - say - 3 assets using the credit line, that I could potentially sell 1 to cover the down payment of the other 2 down the line. Or refinance. 

Brrrr is also a good option, although I don’t have experience doing it. Same with flipping, which seems high risk at the moment. 

Or perhaps I just hold off on using the credit line, and if the RE market takes a drastic shift I maintain my credit to purchase some awesome assets on the downslope. 

Anyways - I'm certain there’s a way to be using this credit to be building more wealth. Im just not sure what the best way is given this market. Would really love any thoughts/ advice from more experienced investors on the forum. 

Thanks all!

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Joe VilleneuvePro Member
Plymouth, MI · Member since 2013 · 13k+ posts · 19k+ votes
4y

This is easy.  You have the start of free money for you in a very short period of time.  Here are the steps you need to take:

1 - Lend all the money out short term at 10% interest (minimum) with a 6 month payback. Lend them out in small packages between $20k to $50k. These would be called "bridge loans". Base any interest you charge on whatever the fluctuation you're charged on your LOC. You'll be making money (cash flow) on the spread between the interest charged to you and the interest you charge out.

2 - As the bridge loans are paid off, continue to lend out the principle that is paid back to you, and...the cash flow (spread) that is paid to you as well.  This increases the dollars you lend, and the speed at which you gain profits (cash flow).

3 - Repeat this until the profit portion equals the original LOC amount.

4 - Payoff the LOC, and take the accumulated profits (free money) and ...????

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  • Joe VilleneuvePro Member
    Plymouth, MI · Member since 2013 · 13k+ posts · 19k+ votes
    4y

    This is easy.  You have the start of free money for you in a very short period of time.  Here are the steps you need to take:

    1 - Lend all the money out short term at 10% interest (minimum) with a 6 month payback. Lend them out in small packages between $20k to $50k. These would be called "bridge loans". Base any interest you charge on whatever the fluctuation you're charged on your LOC. You'll be making money (cash flow) on the spread between the interest charged to you and the interest you charge out.

    2 - As the bridge loans are paid off, continue to lend out the principle that is paid back to you, and...the cash flow (spread) that is paid to you as well.  This increases the dollars you lend, and the speed at which you gain profits (cash flow).

    3 - Repeat this until the profit portion equals the original LOC amount.

    4 - Payoff the LOC, and take the accumulated profits (free money) and ...????

  • Member since 2019 · 7k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    4y

    buy I saving bonds at 9%, the rest of money invest at accredited-investor-only debt/mortgage/construction/bridge funds without leverage (hence safer) like Joe mentioned before. There're few funds that 'never lose investor money'.

  • Contractor · Scottsdale, AZ · Member since 2010 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    4y
    Quote from @Joe Villeneuve:

    This is easy.  You have the start of free money for you in a very short period of time.  Here are the steps you need to take:

    1 - Lend all the money out short term at 10% interest (minimum) with a 6 month payback. Lend them out in small packages between $20k to $50k. These would be called "bridge loans". Base any interest you charge on whatever the fluctuation you're charged on your LOC. You'll be making money (cash flow) on the spread between the interest charged to you and the interest you charge out.

    2 - As the bridge loans are paid off, continue to lend out the principle that is paid back to you, and...the cash flow (spread) that is paid to you as well.  This increases the dollars you lend, and the speed at which you gain profits (cash flow).

    3 - Repeat this until the profit portion equals the original LOC amount.

    4 - Payoff the LOC, and take the accumulated profits (free money) and ...????


    I like the sound of this strategy, but where do you find qualified borrowers to lend the money to short term? And who does the underwriting of those borrowers? Who do you hire for paperwork (term sheet, note, mortgage, etc)?

  • Joe VilleneuvePro Member
    Plymouth, MI · Member since 2013 · 13k+ posts · 19k+ votes
    4y
    Quote from @Scott E.:
    Quote from @Joe Villeneuve:

    This is easy.  You have the start of free money for you in a very short period of time.  Here are the steps you need to take:

    1 - Lend all the money out short term at 10% interest (minimum) with a 6 month payback. Lend them out in small packages between $20k to $50k. These would be called "bridge loans". Base any interest you charge on whatever the fluctuation you're charged on your LOC. You'll be making money (cash flow) on the spread between the interest charged to you and the interest you charge out.

    2 - As the bridge loans are paid off, continue to lend out the principle that is paid back to you, and...the cash flow (spread) that is paid to you as well.  This increases the dollars you lend, and the speed at which you gain profits (cash flow).

    3 - Repeat this until the profit portion equals the original LOC amount.

    4 - Payoff the LOC, and take the accumulated profits (free money) and ...????


    I like the sound of this strategy, but where do you find qualified borrowers to lend the money to short term? And who does the underwriting of those borrowers? Who do you hire for paperwork (term sheet, note, mortgage, etc)?

    Borrowers can be found at any REIC, on any discussion group/website on REI.  Title companies can handle the underwriting and paperwork.
  • Flipper/Rehabber · Kansas City, MO · Member since 2011 · 2k+ posts · 712 votes
    4y

    Wow this would be an amazing REIA meeting topic - 3 different investors each who have a million dollar line of credit, what would you do with it.

  • David B.Pro Member
    OP
    Member since 2022 · 77 posts · 56 votes
    4y
    Quote from @Joe Villeneuve:

    This is easy.  You have the start of free money for you in a very short period of time.  Here are the steps you need to take:

    1 - Lend all the money out short term at 10% interest (minimum) with a 6 month payback. Lend them out in small packages between $20k to $50k. These would be called "bridge loans". Base any interest you charge on whatever the fluctuation you're charged on your LOC. You'll be making money (cash flow) on the spread between the interest charged to you and the interest you charge out.

    2 - As the bridge loans are paid off, continue to lend out the principle that is paid back to you, and...the cash flow (spread) that is paid to you as well.  This increases the dollars you lend, and the speed at which you gain profits (cash flow).

    3 - Repeat this until the profit portion equals the original LOC amount.

    4 - Payoff the LOC, and take the accumulated profits (free money) and ...????


     Joe - fantastic advice. I'd considered getting into lending but frankly am uneducated as to the steps I would take (which you've kindly given some pointers on). Some follow up questions if you don't mind...

    1. So given that you've suggested lending, I'm assuming you wouldn't necessary use the credit line to actually purchase real estate? Too risky? Perhaps the profits could be saved up to invest in real estate instead. 


    2. When you say "borrowers can be found at any REIC" does that stand for Real Estate Investing Company? Would I simply contact these companies and offer lending to them? What other potential strategies for finding borrowers are there?


    3. How high do you think I could (or should) reasonably charge interest on the loan? 10-12 percent roughly? Seems like I'm trying to make 7% over the interested charged to me on my LOC.

    4. Do you mind explaining how a title company would do the underwriting/paperwork? Would I simply contact them and bring them the borrower and have them write it up (for a fee?) 


    5. What happens when/if a loan goes into default? Am I able to collateralize against anything? A house for instance? not sure what standard practice would be. 

    Appreciate the thoughts Joe. Treat me like a newbie here... I'm very interested in this strategy but need a little more understanding. 

    Best

  • Joe VilleneuvePro Member
    Plymouth, MI · Member since 2013 · 13k+ posts · 19k+ votes
    4y
    Quote from @David B.:
    Quote from @Joe Villeneuve:

    This is easy.  You have the start of free money for you in a very short period of time.  Here are the steps you need to take:

    1 - Lend all the money out short term at 10% interest (minimum) with a 6 month payback. Lend them out in small packages between $20k to $50k. These would be called "bridge loans". Base any interest you charge on whatever the fluctuation you're charged on your LOC. You'll be making money (cash flow) on the spread between the interest charged to you and the interest you charge out.

    2 - As the bridge loans are paid off, continue to lend out the principle that is paid back to you, and...the cash flow (spread) that is paid to you as well.  This increases the dollars you lend, and the speed at which you gain profits (cash flow).

    3 - Repeat this until the profit portion equals the original LOC amount.

    4 - Payoff the LOC, and take the accumulated profits (free money) and ...????


     Joe - fantastic advice. I'd considered getting into lending but frankly am uneducated as to the steps I would take (which you've kindly given some pointers on). Some follow up questions if you don't mind...

    1. So given that you've suggested lending, I'm assuming you wouldn't necessary use the credit line to actually purchase real estate? Too risky? Perhaps the profits could be saved up to invest in real estate instead. 


    2. When you say "borrowers can be found at any REIC" does that stand for Real Estate Investing Company? Would I simply contact these companies and offer lending to them? What other potential strategies for finding borrowers are there?


    3. How high do you think I could (or should) reasonably charge interest on the loan? 10-12 percent roughly? Seems like I'm trying to make 7% over the interested charged to me on my LOC.

    4. Do you mind explaining how a title company would do the underwriting/paperwork? Would I simply contact them and bring them the borrower and have them write it up (for a fee?) 


    5. What happens when/if a loan goes into default? Am I able to collateralize against anything? A house for instance? not sure what standard practice would be. 

    Appreciate the thoughts Joe. Treat me like a newbie here... I'm very interested in this strategy but need a little more understanding. 

    Best

    1 - Credit lines are fickle, and the rates are unstable.  Better use is for fast payback.
    2 - REIC = Real Estate Investment Club....filled with real estate investors, and pretty much everything they use.
    3 - Yes.
    4 - Easier to answer direct from the title company of choice.  Interview them as far as what they can handle and their fees.
    5 - Put an intent to lien on the property at signing.  This gives you the right to put a lien on the property if there is a default.
  • David B.Pro Member
    OP
    Member since 2022 · 77 posts · 56 votes
    4y
    Quote from @Joe Villeneuve:
    Quote from @David B.:
    Quote from @Joe Villeneuve:

    This is easy.  You have the start of free money for you in a very short period of time.  Here are the steps you need to take:

    1 - Lend all the money out short term at 10% interest (minimum) with a 6 month payback. Lend them out in small packages between $20k to $50k. These would be called "bridge loans". Base any interest you charge on whatever the fluctuation you're charged on your LOC. You'll be making money (cash flow) on the spread between the interest charged to you and the interest you charge out.

    2 - As the bridge loans are paid off, continue to lend out the principle that is paid back to you, and...the cash flow (spread) that is paid to you as well.  This increases the dollars you lend, and the speed at which you gain profits (cash flow).

    3 - Repeat this until the profit portion equals the original LOC amount.

    4 - Payoff the LOC, and take the accumulated profits (free money) and ...????


     Joe - fantastic advice. I'd considered getting into lending but frankly am uneducated as to the steps I would take (which you've kindly given some pointers on). Some follow up questions if you don't mind...

    1. So given that you've suggested lending, I'm assuming you wouldn't necessary use the credit line to actually purchase real estate? Too risky? Perhaps the profits could be saved up to invest in real estate instead. 


    2. When you say "borrowers can be found at any REIC" does that stand for Real Estate Investing Company? Would I simply contact these companies and offer lending to them? What other potential strategies for finding borrowers are there?


    3. How high do you think I could (or should) reasonably charge interest on the loan? 10-12 percent roughly? Seems like I'm trying to make 7% over the interested charged to me on my LOC.

    4. Do you mind explaining how a title company would do the underwriting/paperwork? Would I simply contact them and bring them the borrower and have them write it up (for a fee?) 


    5. What happens when/if a loan goes into default? Am I able to collateralize against anything? A house for instance? not sure what standard practice would be. 

    Appreciate the thoughts Joe. Treat me like a newbie here... I'm very interested in this strategy but need a little more understanding. 

    Best

    1 - Credit lines are fickle, and the rates are unstable.  Better use is for fast payback.
    2 - REIC = Real Estate Investment Club....filled with real estate investors, and pretty much everything they use.
    3 - Yes.
    4 - Easier to answer direct from the title company of choice.  Interview them as far as what they can handle and their fees.
    5 - Put an intent to lien on the property at signing.  This gives you the right to put a lien on the property if there is a default.

     Last question - do I need to create a separate business for this? Licensing? Anything like that? Or can I simply reach out to title companies, join real estate clubs, and begin sourcing borrowers?

  • Joe VilleneuvePro Member
    Plymouth, MI · Member since 2013 · 13k+ posts · 19k+ votes
    4y

    Yes

  • Don KonipolBusiness Member
    Investor · The Woodlands TX / Avon, CT · Member since 2009 · 6k+ posts · 10k+ votes
    4y
    Quote from @Carlos Ptriawan:

    buy I saving bonds at 9%, the rest of money invest at accredited-investor-only debt/mortgage/construction/bridge funds without leverage (hence safer) like Joe mentioned before. There're few funds that 'never lose investor money'.

    Unfortunately, you are restricted to purchasing only $20,000 of I bonds annualy
    Private Mortgage Financing Partners, LLC
  • Investor · Park City, UT · Member since 2016 · 46 posts · 15 votes
    4y

    @Joe Villeneuve  I have thought about this idea as I too have the exact same situation as the OP with same $$ amount of line. The thing holding me back is I foresee a lot of defaulting in the coming 6 months (and obviously, longer) and then wld one be left with an asset that is now lower than the amount they owed to you?  I’m prob missing something though.. granted, you have made some interest spread over that time frame but it may not equate to the amount the asset has devalued over said time? Obviously not as informed as u,,, and cld be way off here. 

  • Joe VilleneuvePro Member
    Plymouth, MI · Member since 2013 · 13k+ posts · 19k+ votes
    4y
    Quote from @Kate Weinberg:

    @Joe Villeneuve  I have thought about this idea as I too have the exact same situation as the OP with same $$ amount of line. The thing holding me back is I foresee a lot of defaulting in the coming 6 months (and obviously, longer) and then wld one be left with an asset that is now lower than the amount they owed to you?  I’m prob missing something though.. granted, you have made some interest spread over that time frame but it may not equate to the amount the asset has devalued over said time? Obviously not as informed as u,,, and cld be way off here. 

    No collateral, but the risk to the lender is almost non-existent.  You just have to understand what risk is, how it works, an how to control it in this situation.  PM me if you want to find out why/how.
  • John WilliamsBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Clarksville, TN · Member since 2018 · 443 posts · 210 votes
    4y

    Have you ever considered getting into private money lending? I am in a similar situation and I have been able to leverage lines of credit in the form of lending. You get to keep the margin on the interest and any points/fees you charge. Additionally, the terms on these loans can be as short as you'd like (6-12 months), which serves as a hedge against fluctuating rates. 

    You can partner with someone to find you clients to lend to or you can source the clients yourself (depending on how passive/active you'd like to get). 

    I hope that helps! Feel free to reach out if you'd like to bounce some ideas!

    Rent My Home - Property Management4.8209 Reviews
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