Question is should I pay off the down payment loan (7/1 ARM) early or put that money into savings and just refinance the ARM at end of the term?

I would not want to escrow money for this.

Use Private money to acquire and then refi into long term debt

Thank you very much.Yes, the HELOC lender was fine being in 3rd position, and all of the necessary disclosures regarding the lien were made to them.Ultimately, the HELOC money will be used for home repairs, not for paying off credit cards.

I got my first “career” job a year ago, but quickly realized that trading time for money wasn’t going to be enough if I wanted to create wealth while living in California.

To summarize, I am fully equipped, licensed, and knowledgeable to handle all aspects of the actual repair, however my ignorance lies within the funding (hard money) and the business aspects of home flipping. 

Hi Ambrea,To get into fix and flips, I started by focusing on a few key steps that helped me find success:Educate Yourself: Learn the market, analyze property values, and understand rehab costs.Build a Network: Connect with real estate agents, contractors, and lenders.Secure Financing: Consider hard money or private loans for quick capital.Find the Right Property: Look for undervalued homes in growing areas.Create a Detailed Plan: Budget carefully and have a clear timeline for renovations.What worked best for me was staying disciplined with my numbers and always having a solid team in place.

@Frank JakubiecIf you can make the numbers work hard money is a great tool if you are flipping properties or doing a BRRRR deal

I know sellers who find a buyer with a track record and the seller does seller financing so there isn't a big capital gains issue (plus they're making money on interest). 

Hi Kevin,To get into fix and flips, I started by focusing on a few key steps that helped me find success:Educate Yourself: Learn the market, analyze property values, and understand rehab costs.Build a Network: Connect with real estate agents, contractors, and lenders.Secure Financing: Consider hard money or private loans for quick capital.Find the Right Property: Look for undervalued homes in growing areas.Create a Detailed Plan: Budget carefully and have a clear timeline for renovations.What worked best for me was staying disciplined with my numbers and always having a solid team in place.