Yet good sponsors are still closing — by engineering smarter capital stacks, not waiting for rates to fall.Here are 3 structures we’re seeing work right now 👇1️⃣ Senior + Mezzanine LayerWhen banks stop at 65–70% LTC, adding a mezzanine layer pushes leverage up to ~85%.It’s structured debt — not equity — letting sponsors close gaps without dilution.2️⃣ Preferred Equity Replacing MezzWith mezz pricing tightening, many sponsors are pivoting to preferred equity — same position in the stack, but with more flexible terms and upside participation.Often used when senior lenders won’t allow a true mezz note.3️⃣ Bridge with a Construction TailBridge lenders are extending into stabilization periods, giving developers time to lease up or season cash flow before refinancing into perm debt.That flexibility can make or break timelines right now.🧩 Why this matters:Capital creativity is the difference between paused and closed deals.The capital stack isn’t fixed — it’s engineered.💬 Question for the group:What’s the most creative capital stack you’ve closed (or seen) in this market?

That’s a solid point — buying with deeper discounts definitely adds a layer of protection in this market.

--> If the numbers work as a short-term rental, a long-term rental, a flip, a BRRRR, (and so on) you’ve built in layers of protection.

Brokers, builders, wholesalers, direct mail, agent networks, MLS automation, and off-market data tools layered together.• Debt discipline.

From what I understand, only licensed brokers can legally list those rentals and enter into contracts with property owners, which adds another layer to consider. 

@Mani SundaresanHey Mani, great questions, sheriff sales in Cuyahoga can definitely offer solid opportunities, but they come with layers to navigate.

Even though you should be exempted from some of the requirements, you still want to follow them for extra layers of protection. 

Totally agree — deal-finding and analysis tools are crowded.But what’s still wide open is the decision intelligence layer — helping small investors and their agents turn property data into confident, strategy-aware investment decisions.My agent still sends his clients static listings each week — no automated metrics, no personalized analysis, no decision guidance.

Don’t let “software setup” eat your hustle time.My advice: keep it simple, master one channel, then layer others.

Syndications add layers of complexity (securities laws, investor relations, underwriting larger loans), which can be tougher while working full time.