Newbie Hard Money question

[Anthony Tabor]

I have a question regarding hard money lending which may seem pretty basic but I haven't seen any discussion on it, and even read BP's no or low money down book, with no luck.  Question is: If I have identified a property/properties that are good buy and hold investments, should I put an offer in and then ask for a hard money loan, or just show the property and numbers I am interested in to the lender, and then try to get the offer accepted?

I have been preapproved for a loan, and have some money saved for a down payment but I would be dipping into saving and rainy day funds that I would rather protect. I own my current house and have equity but not enough to warrant a HELOC. Any advice in this arena would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!