The First-Time Investor's Guide to Financing Your First Deal
Everything you need to know before financing your first deal — down payment expectations, credit and documentation basics, LLC vs. personal name, and how the loan process actually works.
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- Built for first-time investors
- Real answers, not sales pitches
Investor financing, explained simply
No jargon, no fine print. Here's what actually changes when you finance an investment property instead of a home you'll live in.
Down Payment Expectations
Owner-occupied loans can go as low as 3-5% down. Investment property loans are different — plan on roughly 15-25% down (sometimes less with the right program), since lenders view rentals and flips as higher risk.
Credit & Documentation Basics
Traditional mortgages lean heavily on your credit score, tax returns, and W-2s. Private and DSCR loans put more weight on the deal itself, so first-time investors often qualify with far less paperwork than a conventional loan.
LLC vs. Personal Name
Most investors buy in an LLC to separate personal and business liability, simplify bookkeeping across properties, and keep financing options open as their portfolio grows. You can usually close in an LLC on your very first deal.
Estimate the profit on your first deal
Plug in real numbers from a property you're considering. This is a planning estimate — send me the deal for exact terms.
- Total Project Cost$0
- Cash Invested (Down Payment)$0
- Estimated Financing Cost$0
- Est. Selling & Closing Costs (~8% ARV)$0
Estimates only — actual profit depends on final loan terms, rehab overruns, and market conditions. Send me your deal and I'll run the exact numbers.
Send Me This DealWhat happens after you apply
No black box. Here's exactly what to expect from the moment you reach out to the day you close.
- 1
Tell Us About Your Deal
Share the property, purchase price, and your investment goals.
- 2
Get Matched to a Loan Program
We recommend Fix & Flip, DSCR, or Ground Up Construction based on your deal.
- 3
Get Pre-Qualified
Receive indicative terms, typically within 24-48 hours.
- 4
Submit Documentation
Provide the basic paperwork for underwriting — no red tape.
- 5
Close & Fund
Close on your timeline and get funded to move forward.
You don't need experience to get started
I had never done a deal before, and Jake walked me through every number before I made an offer. Closed my first flip in 9 days.
I didn't think I could qualify without two years of tax returns. The DSCR loan got approved off the rental income alone.
Getting pre-qualified before I even had a property under contract gave me the confidence to make a real offer.
Questions first-time investors ask
What's the minimum credit score to get started?
It depends on the program. Fix & flip and DSCR loans are generally more flexible than a conventional mortgage — many first-time investors qualify in the mid-600s. Send me your situation and I'll tell you exactly where you stand.
Do I need an LLC to get financing?
No — you can close your first deal in your personal name. That said, most investors move to an LLC quickly for liability protection and to keep financing flexible as they buy more properties. We can walk you through setting one up if you don't have one yet.
How much cash do I actually need to start?
Plan on roughly 15-25% of the purchase price plus rehab costs and reserves, though the exact number depends on the loan program. Run your numbers through the calculator above, or send me the deal and I'll give you the exact figure.
How fast can I close on my first deal?
Fix & flip and bridge loans can close in as little as 7-14 days once we have title and insurance. DSCR loans typically take 3-4 weeks. If you have a deadline, tell us up front and we'll build the timeline around it.
Ready to Run the Numbers on a Real Deal?
Send me the property you're looking at and I'll tell you what it's worth, what it costs to fund, and whether I'd do it — usually within one business day.