If refinancing is tricky with your current bank, you might explore portfolio or private lenders who consider your full track record and rehabs, or a cash-out refi elsewhere to free up funds for the next project.

Great for scaling.Lastly, many private lenders will record a second lien behind your low-rate loan as long as the DSCR is strong.

PE often wants scale, track record, and systems; many first deals pencil faster with private lenders or JV partners you already know.

Some lenders absolutely require interior access, but there are lenders who can work off exterior condition, past MLS data, public records, and conservative assumptions, especially when access isn’t legally permitted yet

Then plan your refinance early by talking to DSCR or conventional lenders so you know what they’ll require once you’re ready to pull cash out.Keep detailed records of your rehab and expenses so the refinance goes smoothly.

There isn’t one “best” source since it depends on your market and strategy.A lot of investors seem to mix things like driving for dollars, networking with agents, and using public records or skip tracing for motivated sellers.Consistency usually matters more than the platform.

If you set it up and manage it right, you could be deducting anywhere from $10K–$25K per year against your household income.That said, the IRS has been paying more attention to short-term rental deductions, so keeping records of your wife’s hours and tasks is key.

The main drawback is limited track record—the sponsors started in 2019 and have less than 10 years of direct real estate experience, with backgrounds in non-RE fields prior.Based on this, my current criteria for sponsors I’d consider investing with are:Focus on 1–2 regionsFocus on one asset classHave 10+ years of direct real estate investing experiencePrimarily dedicated to running investments (vs. running podcasts/courses/events)Appropriate amount of capital raised / projects going on in a given year.My question to the community:Are these the right criteria to evaluate sponsors, or am I missing key factors?

A record low. 

Investors should be familiar with the process and procedure and better yet...complete the application (even if it cannot be submitted until recording) prior to the expiration of their due diligence period.