When do I contact the Hard Money Lender?

[Account Closed]

I have purchased and started reading J. Scott's "The Book on Flipping Houses" and for my situation a HML may be the route to go. I think I missed something really simple. When do you first pick up the phone to talk to an HML. Once I have the contract (if buying from motivated seller)? It doesn't seem like buying at auction is feasible with this particular type of financing, but even if I get an agent and find a listing that says with preferred lender's approval I am fuzzy on what happens first? Make the offer then look for the financing? This will be my first time and I just don't want to make an offer, then call up an HML for the first time and be able to find financing. With conventional loans I know you can get pre approved, so I am wondering when dealing with HML's do I bring a "potential" deal without making an offer first so I can be assured I have financing once I make the offer?