HML Process - funds first, or contract?

[Syd Frey]

We have a property in sight, and are thinking of using a Hard Money Lender for the first time. In general, is it better to get pre-approved with a specific lender before making an offer on a property? I would assume so, but I've reached out to a couple who's first questions were if the house was already under contract... So that confused me; is that a thing that we would jump on making an offer and *then* go secure an HML?