Secure Financing First or Find Property first?

[Dave P.]

I have a goal this year of securing a 5-9 unit property in the Central MA area. i currently own a 3 unit and relatively new as an investor but am motivated. I am a member of 3 real estate meetup groups and listen to BP podcast when I can in order to raise my real estate IQ. I am slowly learning about creative financing. I have been reading Brandon Turner's book about the subject. i am trying to forge relationships with those who are willing to to do a deal with me and I'm learning how to speak to others about such a deal ie. lending me money with returned money and interest to them. 

Here's my question, do I find my ideal property first and then secure financing or is it the other way around? I think common sense says get the financing in order but I have also heard otherwise. Feedback is appreciated.     

[Brandon Ingegneri]

I think that you should be actively looking for deals and ways of financing.  Having said that, there is no point in lining up firm financing when you don't have a deal on the books.  Keep the irons in the fire on both ends, that way you aren't coming out of left field when its time to pull the trigger.  Lay the ground work.