How'd you finance your first flip?

[Nathan Lesko]

I am starting out on real estate investing and am looking for my first deal for a fix and flip. To see what options there are I am wondering what you did to finance your first flip. Was it a hard money loan, were you able to save and use your own cash, finance through a traditional loan? What enabled you to take that first step into rehabbing?

For me I believe the best option is to use our home equity to pay for the repairs, loan interests, closings and holding costs . Then use a hard money lender to finance the purchase of the property. Any suggestions, tips and appreciated. The Arizona market seems very competitive, but I'm ready to take that next step.