It’s not just about finding good properties —it’s about how you fund them.The structure of your capital stack determines how fast (and safely) you can grow.Here’s a simple breakdown 👇🔹 Senior Debt: Cheapest capital, but limits flexibility.🔹 Mezzanine Financing: Bridges the gap between debt & equity — adds leverage without giving up control.🔹 Preferred Equity: Fixed return for investors, keeps ownership in your hands.🔹 Common Equity: Where the upside lives — and the risk.The secret?

But once you subdivide the lot and develop or sell the new back units, those are likely treated as separate properties for tax purposes—and they won’t qualify for the same exclusion.

When it comes to structuring a deal, most developers focus on the capital gap — but lenders focus on readiness.Over the last few years, I’ve noticed that deals move faster (and get better terms) when the borrower has a clean due diligence stack ready before approaching mezzanine or bridge lenders.Here’s a quick checklist we use internally before structuring mezzanine capital between $1M–$100M+ :✅ Updated project financials✅ Detailed pro forma with realistic DSCR assumptions✅ Rent roll or trailing 12-month P&L✅ Capital stack breakdown showing senior + subordinate layers✅ Clear exit or refinance planHaving these ready builds lender confidence and speeds up funding timelines.💡 Curious — for those of you who’ve raised mezzanine or bridge capital recently:What’s one document or metric lenders focused on the most during your due diligence?

"Developer" STEEVE RAYMOND who solicits investors on this website was exposed on the Chicago ABC News relating to numerous just FRAUD LAWSUITS filed against him by Chicago attorney Ana McNamara, Esq. for taking investor money for supposed building "Rehabs" BELOW IS THE LINK TO THE STORY:McNamara Legal McNamara Legal | Chicago IL

The development is over 50 units all being sold to investors as rentals.

For investors using DSCR loans, I’m curious about your preferred minimum DSCR.
Do you stick to 1.1, 1.2, etc.?
What ratio gives you peace of mind in today’s rental market?

If you want development/investing, stack experience now: join a local sponsor or GC, underwrite 1–2 deals a week, walk sites, and learn entitlements and capital stacks.

How safe it is compared to LP/east lakeview?

1.2% is fairly safe for underwriting.  

He then sold to a developer who put lots in and built homes..