How do I become a “cash buyer” for flips?

I'm interested in flipping SFH but the only snag is that I will need funding....likely from a HML or PML. When people refer to "cash buyer" are they talking about someone who literally has the entire purchase price + reno budget in their savings account?......Or does it mean anyone who can access funding quicker than a traditional mortgage loan?

If a cash buyer is simply someone who can access funding through, should I go and apply for a hml/pml BEFORE I come across a deal?...Or do I find a deal first, then apply for funding?

I’m just thinking that if I come across a good deal that I have to act quickly on, and I have to wait to get hml/pml funds, I might lose out. Especially for a seller who wants to close fast.