PadSplit’s legal stance is that they don't guarantee payouts for damages, even if they collected fees to manage that member.

Has upfront fees for "legal, underwriting, inspections etc.

A few questions that go a long way are:• What’s the real cost once you include points, fees, and any extensions• How quickly they can close and what they need from you to keep things moving• Whether they’re open to a seller carryback or subordinate financing• What the exit path looks like and if they’re comfortable with you refinancing into DSCR or bank debt later• What their process is if the appraisal comes in lower than expectedMost people forget to ask these and end up stressed later.

Deals in my market have been trash lately, but I’m trying to scale the right way without forcing anything.If you were in my position today, would you:(A) keep stacking cash and wait for softer deals,(B) pull equity and buy now, or(C) use your “listing-agent/low-contingency” strategy to grab deals even in a tight market?

Quote from @Robert Street: When looking at foreclosure or sheriff-sale deals, I’ve found that the biggest challenge isn’t finding opportunities — it’s deciding which ones are actually worth the risk.With limited or no interior access, unclear occupancy, and incomplete lien info, I’ve been focusing more on early screening rather than trying to force numbers.Some things I’ve been paying closer attention to:• Clear case posture (judgment entered, lender type)• Simpler defendant stacks vs complex ones• ARV ranges instead of single comp-driven numbers• Assuming worst-case rehab unless proven otherwise• Treating unknowns as real costs, not rounding errorsI’m curious how others here approach early-stage foreclosure analysis:What usually makes you pass quickly versus dig deeper on a sheriff-sale deal?

From what I’ve seen working with experienced investors, the choice between private money vs. hard money usually comes down to a few very specific, commonly used criteria.Experienced investors usually weigh a mix of speed, certainty, and structure, and the right choice often depends on the deal’s timeline and complexity.Hard Money tends to win when:Speed to close is criticalThe borrower needs higher leverage or a more structured rehab draw processThe deal requires a lender who is used to assessing value and risk quicklyThere’s a need for predictable underwriting and a clear, repeatable processPrivate Money is often preferred when:Flexibility matters more than structureBorrowers want lower fees or a more relationship-based arrangementThe deal doesn’t require renovations or complicated funding mechanicsThe investor has long-standing trust with the lenderMost seasoned investors tell us they choose based on certainty of execution—who can reliably close fast, fund clean, and stay consistent from one deal to the next.

Bond/note stacking has been a great additional fuel source to the strategy & increases cash flow. 

For a first deal, I’d strongly suggest either:A lighter rehab with more margin, orPartnering locally to share risk and oversightThe deal isn’t crazy—but the risk stack is high, and first deals should be forgiving.

If you would like to contact me visit my website at https://capital-stack-realty.com/

Quote from @Frank Sichelle:For example, Rise48 has made the statement on one of their capital calls that if you contribute additional funds, the new funds will not only be in a priority position in the capital stack (which is normal) but they will also move the initial capital of those who contribute additional funds to also be in a priority position above the initial capital of those who do not contribute.