Which comes first the team or the financing?

[Julius L Evans]

Hello BP experts. I am BRAND new to this industry and I like it so far. I have watched hours of videos and webinars and I am continuing to learn. Isn't it funny how you can hear something or watch it on YouTube and think you have it all figured out. Well, that was me, but I know now that I must ask pointed questions before I proceed. That's what brings me here.   

My wife asked isn't it better to get the money lined up before getting together a contracting/rehab team? I told her that everything I have heard says get the team together first. That way, when I have a deal, the team is ready to go. I don't think we will have a problem with financing. I have money and I have solid credit, so I think we will go to banks for smaller loans and to hard money lenders for larger deals - (which I intend to stay away from for now because we are so new), but I did see a six unit that is fully occupied and I'm going to run an analysis as soon as I finish typing this question. 

My question to you is, in your opinion, which comes first, the team or lining up the money? I figure you have to have a property or a deal on which the lenders can make a decision before you line up any money. Second, what are your reservations, if you have any, about using hard money lenders? Is that a risk we should stay away from or is it the only way to get bigger deals - and remember, we are in Hagerstown, MD. 

Thank you for entertaining my question.