But then there are others… the ones who slow everything down, tack on unexpected application fees or processing costs, or just have terrible communication that leaves you guessing and stressed out.I’m curious  which lenders have you worked with and had a bad encounter?

It can go okay if the deal is smooth, but generally a bad idea with no upside.

Out of state BRRRRs and flips are a really, really bad idea for a new investor.

If you have the extra cash and can still save for another property then paying down the principal to hit the 20% is not a bad idea.

A couple of other things I’ve found valuable to look at are:Track record through cycles (how they’ve managed deals in both good and bad markets).Transparency and reporting (how proactive they are with communication, especially when things aren’t going perfectly).Alignment of interests (skin in the game, fee structure, co-investment).In my experience, those have been big predictors of how well a sponsor actually delivers in the long run.

Bad idea?

The DSCR and Cap Rate both look strong — even if expenses came in higher, you’d still have good breathing room.

MoFin clearly couldn’t accept the criticism and retaliated by publicly disclosing my personal information— all because I left a bad review. 

It gives you more breathing room if the transition between homes takes longer than expected, and it doesn’t tie up your current property quite the same way a HELOC does.If you’re confident your home will sell soon and you’re comfortable with the short-term risk, the HELOC is fine.

Raleigh–Durham Market Update October 2025Hey everyone, here with your Raleigh–Durham October market breakdown — this month’s data tells a clear story: inventory is building, sellers are negotiating, and buyers and investors finally have a chance to catch their breath.