BRRRR and Hard Money Lending

[Brian Stinnett]

Hey BP people!

I am in the process of relocating to Northwest Indiana into my first house-hack and I want to start BRRRR investing in that area as soon as I get settled in. Most of my uncertainty is around the hard money lending process. If anyone that has used a hard money lender for this purpose can help clarify a few things, I'd greatly appreciate it!

-Is there some type of pre-approval process similar to a conventional loan? Or do I need to have a property under contract before reaching out to a hard money lender?

-How soon can I expect to receive funds from them? I'd love to offer a quick close for distressed sellers, and I'd hate to jerk sellers around making a cash offer before I have the funds and then something go wrong. 

-Can you tell me some typical terms you have experienced? Interest rate, repayment period, etc.  

I have been learning a ton from you all! Thank you for any insight you can offer.