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?

Solid underwriting and borrower vetting become your new “property management.”

HOwever now I see what you saying everyone who you met at meet ups that wanted to borrow from you  you felt were broke.. well maybe so.. folks have to start somewhere right. ??

It was met with widespread doubt, as critics argue it benefits big banks at the cost of the borrower.

Rural doesn’t scare lenders, over-optimistic borrowers do.Bottom line: the deal might be fine, you just need the right type of lender.

When a borrower takes a loan with interest, they effectively become a steady source of income "Cash Cow" for the financial institution.

Think Phoenix, Austin, Tampa, Las Vegas. . .the same markets that overheated during the pandemic surge.For borrowers with low down payments and rapid appreciation expectations, a 3–5% dip in value can erase equity fast.Negative equity isn’t a nationwide story, it’s a localized one.

Insurance protects you, the borrower, too.What is the problem with having a buyer named on the policy?

It might take a couple extra conversations, but there are lenders out there with more reasonable language, especially for repeat borrowers.

We use a servicer who is licensed in the state the property is located and we have the borrower pay the servicing fee if they can.