All Forum Posts by: John ONeill

Hey everyone,

With so many lenders and brokers in the market, choosing the right one can make or break a deal. The wrong lender can slow you down, cost you money, or even derail your entire investment. On the other hand, the right funding partner can help you scale and move quickly on great opportunities.

I’d love to hear from the community—how do you go about selecting the best lender or broker for your deals? What’s worked well for you, and what lessons have you learned the hard way?

Some key factors I always consider:

• Loan Type & Terms – Does the lender offer competitive rates and terms that fit your investment strategy?

• Speed & Reliability – Do they actually close on time, or do they create last-minute headaches?

• Reputation & Reviews – How do you verify a lender or broker’s credibility? What red flags do you look for?

• Fees & Hidden Costs – Have you ever encountered unexpected fees or unclear terms? How do you avoid them?

• Communication & Support – Are they responsive and transparent, or do they disappear when issues come up?

For those who have worked with hard money lenders, private lenders, or brokers—what’s the best advice you’d give to someone looking for the right funding partner?

Contractors play such a huge role in real estate projects. Whether it’s sprucing up a property with a few renovations or doing a full-scale flip, a good contractor can make all the difference. But here’s the big question: what really makes a contractor stand out? 🤔

Here are a few qualities that, in my experience, separate the good ones from the great ones:

1. Clear Communication

A great contractor is easy to talk to and keeps you in the loop. They’re upfront about timelines, costs, and any hiccups that might pop up. Nobody likes being left in the dark when you’ve got money and time on the line!

2. Reliable and Consistent

They show up when they say they will, stick to the schedule, and follow through on their promises. If something needs tweaking, they handle it without making a fuss or dodging calls.

3. Eye for Detail

It’s all about the little things. A great contractor takes pride in their work, whether it’s making sure tiles are perfectly aligned or that the trim looks just right.

4. Problem Solver

Let’s be real—no project ever goes 100% according to plan. The best contractors don’t just throw their hands up when issues arise; they come up with solutions and keep the project moving forward.

5. Fair Pricing

They’re not the cheapest, but they’re honest and transparent about costs. You get what you pay for, and a great contractor makes sure the value matches the price.

6. Good with Their Crew

On bigger jobs, a contractor is basically the team captain. A great one knows how to manage their crew, keep things on track, and make sure everyone is working together smoothly.

What Do You Think?

That’s just my two cents, but I’d love to hear what you think!

• What qualities do YOU look for in a contractor?
• Got a story about an awesome contractor you worked with—or maybe one that didn’t quite cut it?

Let’s swap some stories and tips in the comments. I’m curious to hear your thoughts!

Fix-and-flip investing has been a tried-and-true way to make money in real estate for years, and honestly, it’s still one of the best strategies out there in 2025. If you’re an investor (or thinking about becoming one), here’s why fix-and-flip might be the move you need to make this year:

1. Fast Profits, No Long Waits

Unlike buy-and-hold strategies that require you to sit on a property for years to see significant returns, a fix-and-flip can often be completed in a matter of months. That means you get your money back faster and can roll it into your next deal sooner.

2. Buyers LOVE Move-In-Ready Homes

Let’s face it—most homebuyers these days don’t want to deal with renovations. They’re looking for turnkey homes with all the bells and whistles, and that’s where you come in. When you flip a property with modern updates, it’s a lot easier to sell quickly—and usually for a higher price.

3. You’re in the Driver’s Seat

One of the coolest things about fix-and-flip is how much control you have over the outcome. From choosing the property to deciding what upgrades to make, your decisions directly impact your profit. Plus, there’s something satisfying about transforming an outdated home into something beautiful.

4. It Works in Almost Any Market

Whether it’s a buyer’s market or a seller’s market, there’s always an angle with fix-and-flip. In hot markets, you can sell for top dollar. In slower markets, you can pick up properties at a discount and still profit. It’s a versatile strategy if you know your local market well.

5. Great for Learning the Ropes

If you’re just starting out in real estate, fix-and-flip is a great way to learn. You’ll get hands-on experience with everything—finding deals, managing renovations, analyzing numbers—and you’ll build your confidence along the way.

Pro Tip: Build Your Dream Team

Flipping houses is not a solo sport. Success often comes down to having the right team in your corner—contractors, real estate agents, and, of course, funding partners. If you’ve got reliable funding, you’ll be ready to jump on opportunities when they come up.

What Do You Think?

Sure, fix-and-flip isn’t without its challenges (hello, surprise plumbing issues), but if you plan ahead and stay on top of your numbers, it’s one of the most rewarding strategies out there.

So, what’s your take? Have you tried flipping before, or are you considering it? Let’s talk about what’s worked for you, what hasn’t, and how you’re approaching 2025!

Getting Started with House Flipping in a New State

1. Research the Market:
It's essential to comprehend the local real estate market before you start flipping residences. In the new state where you intend to invest, research real estate valuations, trends, and neighborhoods. Understanding the market enables you to spot good bargains and steer clear of potential loss-making regions. To guarantee compliance, also acquaint yourself with zoning rules and municipal restrictions.

2. Budget Wisely:
Make sure your budget accounts for the purchase price, the cost of the renovations, and any additional charges involved in flipping a house. It is imperative to have a cash reserve for unforeseen circumstances, such as unanticipated maintenance or fluctuations in the market. Maintaining a financial track record for your project is facilitated by effective budgeting.

3. Choose the Right Property:
When choosing a house to flip, search for properties in desirable neighborhoods that need structural or cosmetic improvements. The best properties are those that have room to grow and only require minor maintenance. To properly evaluate the condition and determine the cost of renovations, always have a professional inspection done before making a purchase.

4. Manage Renovations:
Make sure you thoroughly plan out any renovations you do. Pay attention to improvements that provide the highest return on investment, such remodeling the kitchen and bathroom. If you're not conducting the work yourself, contract with reputable and competent companies. To ensure timely completion and maximize the value of the property, effective management of the renovations is essential.

5. Handle Legalities:
Make sure you have all the permits required for the task you intend to perform. It is imperative that you take this action to prevent fines and legal issues. Obtain the necessary insurance as well to guard against any hazards or damages that may arise throughout the renovation process.

6. Learn and Network:
Learn as much as you can about house flipping by using online resources, books, or courses. Making connections with nearby real estate experts might yield insightful information and beneficial chances. Keeping in touch with people in the field might help you keep updated and perhaps lead to profitable collaborations.

By thoroughly researching, budgeting wisely, and managing your projects carefully, you can successfully flip houses even in a new state. Just be prepared for a learning curve and stay adaptable to new challenges. Cheers to your exciting new path! -John

I thought it would be fun to start a thread where we can share our craziest fix-and-flip stories, biggest "oops" moments, and the golden nuggets of wisdom we've picked up along the way. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just thinking about your first flip, let’s laugh, learn, and maybe even cry together! 😂

What’s the most unexpected thing that happened during one of your flips?

And for those who are still thinking about getting into the flipping game—ask away! No question is too silly, trust me, I’ve asked them all. 🙈

Looking forward to hearing your stories, tips, and maybe even some horror stories (because let’s be real, we’ve all got a few). Let the flipping fun begin! 🛠️✨

Tell us about your most surprise or hilarious experiences, and whether the journey was worth the excitement!

Is there a structured template you could give that is intended for real estate funding strategies?

Share and discuss innovative strategies that have transformed your real estate investing approach.

Come talk about your worries and success stories about private money lending, as well as to share your experiences and ask questions!