Making an offer on property

[Teri Kelsey]

Hi, I am new to biggerpockets and to real estate investing. I tried to make an offer on a house and the real estate agent said I needed to get a pre-approved letter from a lender to even be able to put an offer in. Being that I didn't have much money for a down payment.  I wasn't able to make an offer. Is this a normal reguirement ?  If it is, how am I suppose to finance with private lenders or hard money lenders?  Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks