What do "Private Lenders" look for in return?

[Isabel Ortiz-Gelder]

I'm looking to find a private money lender to help fund my first deal. I have the credit, the time, and the drive to find a great deal in Philadelphia, but don't have the capital. 

I'm wondering what most private lenders/capital partners are looking for in return for funding down payment, closing costs, and potentially minimal rehab on a property, if I were to present them a great deal. Are most lenders looking for high interest, or 50/50 on a cash flowing property? What would that deal have to look like for them to feel secure in their investment? 

[Jeff Cichocki]

I can only speak for myself... But to me there are really 2 massively important things in a deal to look at.

1. Is it really a good deal? How did you get your numbers? How accurate are your estimates? Etc. if it's not a good deal, nothing else matters.

2. Are you capable of doing the deal? Do you have the skills and leadership required to run & manage the project to completion in a timely fashion. If you're not... Do you have a mentor/coach/partner (one that will be on sight with you - not some national guru who can't see what you see). Do they have the capability to get you through the project?

If the answer to either or both of the above questions is no, then nothing else matters. You can have a perfect credit score, gobs of cash in the bank, a great job, etc. None of it matters if it's not a good deal and you can't get it across the finish line. I know this is text, so please don't interpret this as harsh. It's not meant to be. It's just to point out what the most important aspect of the deal and you are. If you can solve those two things, the money is easy.

The reason that these two questions are the most important to me is that I've never had an investor (new or seasoned) think to themselves that they were going to lose money in the deal. Good lenders think about losing money. You have to relieve that concern. Show us how we'll be paid back if things go wrong.

There are lots of hard money & private lenders out there. Show them how and why this is a good deal, why they will make money with you and how you'll take care of them and it's not usually a problem.

I only lend in Wisconsin or I'd offer to help. But, I hope at least my insight helps you get what you need easier.