All Forum Posts by: Frank Ellis

Hi Vaknin, great question. I work in lending and see a lot of lender packages come across my desk.

What usually helps the most is keeping it simple at the first stage, an executive summary with the property basics, pro forma, rent roll if available, and a short note on borrower background. Most lenders will focus first on property-level metrics like DSCR, LTV, and comps, then dive deeper into borrower track record and financials once there's initial interest.

Full spreadsheets and detailed assumptions are good to have ready, but I wouldn’t lead with those unless specifically requested. A clear, high-level package that shows you’ve thought through the deal tends to make the best first impression.

Frank

Hi Charlene, I hear you on this. I just joined BiggerPockets myself and I work in lending, so I’ve seen the same thing with people expecting 100 percent financing right out of the gate. Real estate definitely takes some skin in the game and realistic expectations, and I think a lot of the “guru” content out there sets people up with the wrong idea.

@Terrance Hill 

Thanks Terrance, I appreciate the welcome! Right now I’m here mainly to connect and learn more about the industry as a whole from different perspectives. I think having conversations with investors, agents, and other professionals gives me a much better understanding of how financing fits into the bigger picture.

I’d definitely like to stay connected and hear more about your experiences too.

Frank

Hey Kyle, good question! I just joined BiggerPockets too and have been following a lot of these posts to get more insights!

I keep hearing Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Charlotte come up for rentals since they’re affordable and have steady demand. Basit’s point about having a local edge is spot on too.

Are you looking more for cash flow plays or appreciation markets?

Hey Paige, welcome to the community!

I just joined BiggerPockets as well. I’m Frank, a loan processor with a background in commercial real estate. Always good to meet someone who’s working closely with investors down in Florida, that’s such an active market.

I’d love to stay connected and hear more about the types of projects you’re seeing investors go after in Palm Beach County. Always interesting to compare notes across different markets.

Wishing you all the best!

Hi all!

I’m Frank Ellis, a Real Estate Loan Processor focused on commercial real estate. Before this, I spent a few years at ValleyStar Credit Union and First Horizon Bank building my experience in lending.

Outside of work, I serve as Treasurer for Greater Bassett Area Community Inc., and when I get downtime you’ll usually find me fishing on Portsmouth or Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks.

I try to live by transparency, honesty, and diligence and I’m excited to connect, learn, and contribute here on BiggerPockets.

Very glad to connect!