Rehab draws with a HML

[Kevin Mcilnay]

Okay, I'm having a hard time understanding how draws work with a rehab loan from a hard money lender.  The way I understand it is:  I have to pay for the work initially.  Then I apply for a draw and provide invoices. They inspect the work, then they reimburse me with money I have to pay back to them anyway??  If I could afford to pay for the rehab myself, why would I need a hard money lender in the first place?  None of this is making sense to me right now.  Any help is appreciated.