Which comes first, cash or deal?

[Vern M.]

So, I've been managing the maintenance and rehabbing of properties for other people for many years. I am used to dealing with several move ins, move outs, emergency repairs while still dealing with the operations of homes and buildings simultaneously. But I see that I may be over analyizing my next steps. I have 3 properties that I am interested in pursuing in applying the BRRR strategy to. They are in my target area, type and will rent nicely enough. 2 of them I need to contact the seller in order to visit and estimate my rehab costs. My question is," should I first start talking to a hard money lender, work towards a deal on one of the properties, then move to buy? or should I start/secure a deal first?"