Insight from Lenders On Novice Investors

[Eric Giovannucci]

Lenders, as you know getting started is quite difficult in this investing strategy, especially if you are young, have limited funds, and all you can hold on too is you're credit and your savings of 20k or so. So I am reaching out to the lenders of the community for some insight.

When attempting to fund your deals in the beginning, what is the best way to start a relationship with a lender? Having no experience is obviously a downfall. However, what are you looking for in a novice investor to prove his/her worthiness enough to earn your trust and confidence so as to build a relationship to be able to lend on deals? 

I am not necessarily looking for anyone to loan me money at this point in time, but I want to ensure that I can build a relationship so that I feel confident when I have a deal in my hand, that I can act quickly, close, rehab, and move on to the next.

Also, seeing as how I am attempting to invest in Norcal, more specifically the Bay Area, the prices are much higher, is this going to present an unavoidable obstacle with a lender when attempting to obtain almost 100% financing?

[Bill Gulley]

Speaking as a lender and what happens with newbies;

1. The try to sell me the deal, too much pitch and no logical backup.

2. Over estimate value

3. Under estimate expenses, fail to think of contingencies

4. Are determined they can do work they have no experience in, they expect me to trust their word instead of proven ability to fix my collateral.....get a contractor!

5. Pro forma income is too liberal, no market comps or research shown

6. Insufficient funds for the down payment or no skin

7. No knowledge of LTV, CLTV, debt ratios or DCR of project.....wastes time!

8. Lack of general business knowledge some had very poor partnership arrangements

9. Not that familiar area, market, competition that showed in 2,3,5,7 and 8

10. Tried to hide inabilities, lack of knowledge or came across as untruthful which showed them the way out!

That's pretty much my top ten from having newbies sit in front of me asking for money.

It's why I stress the basics before strategies too.

Very good question too, BTW! :)