Should I try and find a hard money lender before the home or..?

[Alexia Mizell]

Should I find the home I am wanting to flip before I apply for a loan with a hard money lender or should I apply for a loan first? I've been interested in REI for a while but am just starting to make the first moves. Thanks for any advice!

[Michael Hassell]

Id recommend you be on speaking terms with several and have a couple in mind that will like your deal (pre approval would be great).  ive made the mistake of thinking I had funding only to have my single hard money guy waffle....choices and options are part of what makes RE investing fun....so build relationships and keep your options open.