Here’s our current reality: We’re not physically in the US, so we can’t personally oversee renovations or react instantly on-siteWe don’t qualify for conventional financing and rely on hard money lenders (around $13K all-in per deal, including interest + origination)We’re not present in REIA meetups or local investor communities, where wholesalers, contractors, and key operators naturally connectBecause we’re remote, we can’t confidently “self-manage” or optimize rehab costs the way a local investor can  Because of this, we feel we need larger spreads to justify a flip.

Quote from @D Kimberly: I’m under contract on a value-add commercial property with strong in-place cash flow and a clear refinance path.First-position financing is in process, but I’m evaluating different capital stack structures to optimize speed and flexibility at closing.Specifically, I’m curious how experienced operators here have structured:• Temporary equity partners vs. preferred equity• Short-term bridge capital prior to stabilization• Buy-out provisions post-refinanceFor those who’ve executed similar transactions, what structures have you found most efficient and lender-friendly?

As I start future projects — what would you optimize next?

When a large percentage of capital is tied up, the cost of a delayed or failed refi isn’t just higher interest — it’s missed acquisitions, forced timing, or taking suboptimal terms just to get liquidity back.I’ve been seeing more borrowers optimize for certainty and speed on the refi, then re-optimize on the next cycle once capital is freed.

For further complex tax codes that are important to understand, review Section 1250 and 1245.Cost segregation offers many unique benefits including optimizing cash flow, deferring taxes and improving asset management.

Avoid over-improving, instead optimize for strategy, not emotion.

For a first rental, something that’s easy to manage and resilient tends to beat trying to optimize returns right away.

The property is currently rented out to tenants and I have put a property manager in charge.. looking for any advice on whether this is an optimal approach for a single house portfolio or if I should manage myself for the time being.

For a first house hack, I’ve found it helpful to prioritize downside protection and livability over trying to optimize appreciation right away. 

The book has many great tips on how to harden/optimize your property for section 8, how to pass the inspection, deal with section 8 and screening tenants.