After three months we will be able to cash out refi .75 and pull out all of our upfront money less about $4.5k pending final appraisal.

But if someone needs money to deal with an immediate, major problem, then you're providing, if nothing else, an additional option that they can choose or refuse.

"or "how would you like to make x% return on your money, beats a gic right?"

You have to find the money somewhere if you want it that badly.

No outside money necessary.

Starting as close to where your experience lies as possible will save time money and headaches.

To my knowledge, most flippers use hard money loans as they are often buying distressed properties that will not meet the requirements of a conventional lender.

Do something else/invest the money instead. 

As a real estate investor, it’s crucial that you understand when and how to utilize bonus depreciation and 1031 exchanges in order to lessen your tax burden, keeping more money in your pocket.

Giving tons of small amounts of money out to people during covid looked good at the time, but caused all this inflation.