I've found the deal ! What is my next step ?

[Andrew Reeve]

After searching through multiple deals, and running numbers I have come to a conclusion of the maximum available offer that I would we willing to purchase the property for. What is the next step that I should take ? When I told my agent that I would be willing to make an offer, before we can proceed he obviously needs proof of funds. But if my strategy is to use a private/hard money lender for the deal. What is the correct next step to take? Do I send the PDF to a private lender and then ask them for a bank statement if they approve of the deal to send to the agent ? Or is there another way of going about providing "proof of funds" to the agent ? I'm still learning as I go. Feedback is greatly appreciated! Thanks