All Forum Posts by: Emanuel Stafilidis

This is one of the most rational, experience-based breakdowns of seller financing I’ve read on here.
At Capable Capital, we use a nearly identical strategy, but scaled across dozens of moderately priced homes instead of retail centers or special-use buildings.
We buy for cash, then sell the property on terms. Often at a premium price with 2–10% above-market interest rates, just like you mentioned.
Why do this because becoming the lender, not the landlord, changes everything:
No repairs
No tenants
No property management
No capex surprises
Just a predictable stream of monthly payments that is secured by the same real estate we used to flip or hold as rentals. Except now we earn like a bank, not a landlord.
We’ve consistently seen 15–30% price increases compared to cash sales, with 14%+ returns passed to our capital partners.
This isn’t theory. It’s happening every month in our business.
And the kicker? The buyers love it. They're usually investors themselves, grateful for a fair structure that doesn’t require bank approval.
Creative financing isn’t just a tool to “salvage” deals. Used right, it’s a strategy for multiplying equity, increasing control and creating real win-wins in a tight credit environment.
Thanks for sharing this. It’s the kind of insight Private Investors and the real estate community needs more of.

Hi Federico, @Federico Gutierrez

I purchased 2 in Cleveland, the first in Brooklyn and the second in Parma. I have not visited yet but fortunately I can't give you any horror stories from Cleveland as all has gone pretty well so far.

It is an uphill battle for financing but we have a profitable real estate enterprise in the USA so it is not impossible. We don't get traditional financing like a resident but there are many options available that are acceptable and allow us to successfully progress.

At this stage it will be flip but we may keep it as a rental for a few months or years. Just depends how it works out and the market at the time of completion.

Hi All,

I am looking for an independent inspector to provide interim reports on our rehab in Parma. The report will be used as a check on the contractor as I am out of state and to claim from our financier.

Please contact me if you are able to provide the service.

Thanks

Emanuel

I need an appraisal done for a financier. My property is in Old Brooklyn Cleveland OH. If you can provide the service or know someone who can then please contact me.

Thanks and Regards

Emanuel

Hi Janie

I have a Fix-N Flip loan with Lima One and just last week applied for a Rental 30 loan and was advised they can't help me. I went with them originally because of the ability to move from a short term loan to a long term loan but now no longer.

I would suggest you talk to Peak Asset Lending as they have helped me on another property. They just may help you with yours.

All the best.

I use Bill at MSRE. He has served me well so far.

I will message you his details.

Hi Tony,

I have 2 single family homes in the Cleveland area. The first is a 3/2 in Old Brookly and the other is a 3/2 in Parma.

I purchased the first for $39k, rehabbed it for approx $40k and rent it for $1,097p/m.

I purchased the second for $31k, rehab is currently happening and will cost approx $80k. I hope to rent this for $1,500p/m.

When I have the Parma property rented then I will start looking for my third property which will be a multi-family. Location is still to be decided but I am happy with West Cleveland at this stage.

I have a really good realtor that is looking after me in the area. This is really important as I am out of town. Huh, I am really out of town. Sydney Australia is 9,500 miles from Cleveland OH and 17 hours ahead in time. The realtor helps manage the contractor. I use an independent inspection agent and an a separate managing agent. I am happy to pass on these contacts if you like, just PM me.

I have previously used Bill Forrest of MSRE Home Inspection Services. PM me for the contact details if you like.

I found him to be good, reliable and cost effective.

All the best.

I live in Sydney Australia and have recently purchased 2 houses in Cleveland Ohio. The plan is to implement the BRRRR strategy, however I am stuck on the Refinance section as lenders in the USA are very risk averse.

Are other foreigners having the same issues?

How have you overcome any financing issues as a non US citizen or resident?