All Forum Posts by: Stanley Yeldell

Hi Patrick,
Sounds like you're in a strong position to leverage that equity. I've connected with a few investors who've found solid HELOC terms through both local credit unions and niche lenders that cater to flippers. If you want, I can share what's been working well for others and point you toward some options to compare.

Rafael—sounds like you've put in a lot of work on the condo! With Florida's updated condo laws, many traditional lenders are stricter on financing. You might consider a DSCR rental loan or even a private money refi if the property cash flows well—those options are often more flexible on the condo association's status. Could help get you out from under that high credit card interest.

Hey Raul—great move thinking about house hacking! If you have decent equity and your credit's in a good place, refinancing to a conventional loan could help you remove PMI and potentially lower your monthly costs, boosting ROI. That said, if your FHA rate is low, weigh the savings vs. costs carefully. Renting a room should still help your cash flow either way.

Hey Demetrius — good question, and you’re not the only one in this spot!

If you're looking to rent out your current VA-financed home and use your VA loan again, but don't have enough equity for a conventional refinance, here are a few potential options:

1. DSCR Loan

Yes, a DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan could be a viable option if your rental income can cover the mortgage. It's asset-based, so your personal income isn't the key qualifier—just make sure the rental cash flows.

2. Non-QM Investment Loan

Similar to DSCR, some lenders offer investor loans that don't require traditional income verification. These can be more flexible than conventional refis.

3. HELOC or Second Mortgage

Depending on your current loan terms and lender policies, you might be able to pull equity with a HELOC or second lien to help with the down payment on your next home—though this can affect your DTI (debt-to-income).

4. Partial VA Entitlement Use

If your current loan hasn't used up your full VA entitlement and you qualify, you may be able to purchase another home using your remaining VA benefit. The exact amount depends on your county loan limits.

Hey Fallon — totally valid concern, and you’re not alone in that fear. A few solid ways to find buyers for seller-financed or contract-for-deed deals:

Facebook groups (especially local REI and rent-to-own groups),

Craigslist in the housing section,

Bandit signs in the neighborhood where the property is located,

Zillow FSBO listings, posting with keywords like "owner financing available," and

Your own website or landing page to build a buyer’s list over time.

You can also work with mortgage brokers who get denied applicants—they might have clients perfect for seller finance. Some will take referral fees, others won’t, but it's worth having the conversation. Let me know if you want help writing a sample post or building a list strategy

Hey Kaylin — you're thinking creatively, which is a great start. Using a HELOC to fund the gap or monthly carry on a hard money flip can work if you're disciplined with timelines and budgets. Just be cautious: you're leveraging your primary residence, so make sure the flip numbers are solid (conservative ARV, tight rehab plan, exit strategy). I'd recommend working with a lender who understands your goals and can help structure a deal that minimizes risk. Happy to connect if you want to chat through it!

Hi Kim — yes, private money can absolutely be used to purchase properties at auction or post-foreclosure, as long as you have a solid plan and the numbers make sense. Many investors use PML for these exact situations because it's fast and flexible. If you’re serious about bidding, make sure you understand the auction terms and timeline. Happy to answer questions or point you in the right direction if needed!

Hey Stefen — as a private lender, I've seen similar STR deals get done by bringing in a capital partner for the down payment in exchange for equity or a preferred return. Since the deal already cash flows, that could be attractive to the right partner. If the numbers really work, structure and creativity can often fill the funding gap. Happy to take a look if you want a second set of eyes!

Hey investors,

Whether you're just starting out or you've done a few deals, I wanted to share some hard-earned lessons I’ve learned from raising private money for real estate flips and rentals. Hopefully this helps someone avoid a few bumps along the way:

1. People Invest in You Before They Invest in the Deal
Early on, I thought I just needed a good deal to get funding. But what really moves the needle is trust. People want to know you’re honest, responsive, and won’t ghost them if things go sideways. Always lead with integrity, even when it means walking away from a deal.

2. Overcommunicate During the Process
When someone trusts you with their capital, the worst thing you can do is go silent. Even if everything is going fine, send updates. “No news” is still news. It builds confidence—and keeps doors open for future funding.

3. Be Clear on Exit Strategy and Timeline
Don’t overpromise. Be transparent about what could happen, how long it might take, and what the risk looks like. Private lenders aren’t scared of risk; they’re scared of surprises.

🔥 Pro Tip: Build a "funding packet" with your past deals, your contractor team, and sample numbers—even if you're early. It shows you're serious.

Would love to hear from others in the community:

👉 What’s your biggest lesson from working with private money lenders (either as a borrower or lender)?

Let’s help each other avoid the rookie mistakes 🙌

Since JV's off the table, here are a couple creative options that may help bridge small gaps or make sub-$30K deals financeable:

✅ Seller-held seconds or wrap financing: If you're buying on land contract anyway, sometimes layering a wrap or second note from the seller can create leverage or stretch timelines.

✅ Cross-collateralization: Some private lenders will let you use equity in a performing deal as collateral for a new loan — it reduces risk for them and can fund the full amount.

✅ Note hypothecation: If you own performing land contracts, you may be able to borrow against the income stream — some private lenders or IRAs love paper backed by real estate.

✅ Lease option-to-finance: Short-term lease-option agreements that convert to financing within 12 months can give you time to season deals before taking a DSCR loan.

Since JV's off the table, here are a couple creative options that may help bridge small gaps or make sub-$30K deals financeable:

✅ Seller-held seconds or wrap financing: If you're buying on land contract anyway, sometimes layering a wrap or second note from the seller can create leverage or stretch timelines.

✅ Cross-collateralization: Some private lenders will let you use equity in a performing deal as collateral for a new loan — it reduces risk for them and can fund the full amount.

✅ Note hypothecation: If you own performing land contracts, you may be able to borrow against the income stream — some private lenders or IRAs love paper backed by real estate.

✅ Lease option-to-finance: Short-term lease-option agreements that convert to financing within 12 months can give you time to season deals before taking a DSCR loan.