Re: how do i plan on structuring my investments to give me that flexibility, still a work in progress!

@Aaron ShinnWith $50k and the ability to save $3,500/month, you have options, especially in Midwest markets, where starter duplexes, single-families, and light rehab projects still cash flow well, your capital can cover down payment, closing, and minor rehab, the key is to define your approach, run numbers conservatively, and have a small starter team of agent, lender, and property manager to evaluate deals confidently, what type of property are you leaning toward, single-family or small multifamily?

Has this changed how you evaluate rental properties or scale your portfolio?

I’m refining my due-diligence criteria and realized everyone weighs borrower traits differently.Some prioritize credit score, others payment history, employment stability, or equity position.Curious what traits matter most to you when evaluating a borrower behind a note.

For your first flip, you must fully understand and budget for this potential issue.Red Flags ChecklistFor the General Contractor (GC):Delayed Quotes: Significant or repeated delays in providing you with bids and quotes.Poor Communication: Lack of responsiveness or reliable communication.Unreliable References: References that are difficult to contact, overly vague, or seem fabricated.Contractor & Project ManagementPre-Vetted GCs: Have a small list of multiple General Contractors ready to go before you need them.Active Oversight: Commit to visiting the property frequently—at least once a day, if necessary—to monitor progress and preempt issues.Financial & Deal FocusThe Deal-Killer: Be aware that the biggest hurdle in acquiring a property is often the seller's unrealistic price expectation.Conservative Estimation: You must be very conservative with your repair and renovation estimates.Don't Solely Rely on Others: Do not rely only on your contractor's estimates.Collaborate and Verify: Collect as much information as possible from your entire team to form your own final, conservative budget.Realtor Expertise: Your realtor should be a key part of your team, and they must be knowledgeable about the house-flipping business and local construction costs, (hands-on experience).Next StepsThe comment you made at the end of your original note is important and likely requires its own, separate discussion thread to give it the attention it deserves!

When I'm evaluating MF opportunities, I’m focused on:• Rent demand, job growth, and the local supply pipeline• Expense ratios compared to market norms• Break-even occupancy and how conservative the underwriting is• How the deal performs under downside scenarios (flat rents, higher expenses, cap rate expansion)Multifamily is predictable.

A lot of people underestimate how fast online trust is formed.Before a seller or buyer even talks to you, they’re quietly evaluating your digital presence in a few seconds.Here’s where most people lose them:Slow-loading pagesUnclear headline (what market you work, what deals you do)No clear next stepNo reviews, deal examples, or credibility signalsInconsistent profiles across platformsNothing here requires fancy marketing, it’s mostly clarity, speed, and consistency.Those small digital details make someone feel,“Okay… this person looks organized and legit.”And in this market, that comfort goes a long way.

You will still need cash for a down payment and to kick off renovations, though — most hard/private money is reimbursement-based, so you front the initial work and get paid back as you progress. 

Certain criteria needs to be met by the borrower and the collateral as a litmus test to even be evaluated for terms:Borrower - NET Worth of at least 120% of the proposed loan amountBorrower - Reserves of at least 9 months PITIA after down payment and feesBorrower - Direct experience with similar property type for at least 5 years (some exceptions are made for 3 years of experience or if mixed with 1-4, CRE properties)Collateral - 90% Occupancy with 90% Rent Collection for the past 3 months, preferably 6 months. 

From the syndicators prospective, they should not be handling investors savings unless they have sufficient experience and knowledge to be able to evaluate how the investment will react to different economic environments, and be able to minimize loses in those difficult times.