In addition to this, the deposit gives you access to the following:a.Advanced Deal Analysis Software – enter the purchase price, rehab costs and After Repair Value and we’ll give you a comprehensive break down including costs, net profit, and potential cash to close.b.Access to Proof of Funds – 24/7c.Contracts and Checklistsd.Additional Tools & Resources to help you avoid common pit falls in evaluating, rehabbing, negotiating and reselling the property.e.Your first evaluation is covered with the deposit.f.If the needed funding is more than 70% but it’s still a profitable deal, we’ll work with you to potentially wholesale the property and still make money on the deal.g.The remaining $1850 is rebated back to you once you resale your first property.8.Just like every other Hard Money Lender, one of the biggest challenges is helping new investors get dialed in on establishing accurate After Repair Values.

That said, the volume has dropped off considerably from its peak in my market 2 years ago while other sectors of construction have picked up for us which essentially allows us to be much more selective in what work we accept.

Values essentially double every 10-15 years on Oahu. 

Or is this essentially the same thing as a construction loan?

No debate there.Then you mention "gouging," which generally refers to taking advantage of a supply/demand imbalance to essentially coerce someone into paying more than what's considered fair. 

I have “Flip Calculator” that you can download from my web page and use it as presentation tool.

I'm always happy to help point you in the right direction for resources or tools on BiggerPockets that can help you with your REI goals!

I'm always happy to help point you in the right direction for resources or tools on BiggerPockets that can help you with your REI goals!

Some leverage works as a tool, too much and the slightest hiccup can bring the whole thing crashing down.

It essentially just asks for a "person" to be exempt from license and QM rules if they sell their own property with financing.