Once you've found an investment property you're interested in, it's time to make a plan for funding.
While traditional funding routes may be an option for you, PropStream can also help you find creative funding sources within the application.
Did you know there are a variety of homeowners in our system who may be interested in lending to you?
Here are the homeowners we recommend targeting and the search formulas that will help you find them:
Cash buyers are often investors themselves.
If a cash buyer is looking for their next investment, you may be able to convince them to fund your project.
To find cash buyers in PropStream, use the “Cash Buyers” Quick List.
If a landlord owns multiple properties, this can signify a higher net worth, AKA additional capital to lend on a new property investment.
To find Landlords With Multiple Properties:
Use our “Linked Property” feature or input a custom number of properties in your search.
"Free & Clear" property status means the owner has paid their mortgage off.
Without a mortgage, a homeowner may be able to act as a funding source for your investment.
To find Free & Clear properties, use our “Free & Clear” Quick List.
Tip: Once you've found a funding lead, all you have to do is reach out using PropStream's marketing tools. |
Landlords are in the business of buying properties they can profit from by renting to tenants.
They may have additional capital to fund your investment.
To find Landlords:
Combine the Non-Owner Occupied + Multiple Linked Properties filters.High equity may signal that the homeowner has a higher net worth.
Homeowners with high equity may have the funds available to support a real estate investment.
To find Homeowners with High Equity:
Use the "High Equity" Quick List or enter a custom Estimated Equity (under the Valuation & Equity Info dropdown).
Flippers specialize in buying and selling real estate repeatedly for a profit.
If an experienced Flipper has enough capital, they may be willing to lend on your investment if they see the potential.
To find Flippers in PropStream, use our “Flippers” Quick List.
If you need to find a creative funding source, consider joining the PropStream User Community on Facebook!
The group has over 4,000 members, and one of them may be the best funding source for your unique needs. We strongly recommend doing your due diligence on any potential funding lead if you use this route.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at some common funding options for real estate investors:
What is a traditional lender?
A traditional lender is a bank, credit union, or other financial institution that works primarily with long-term loans at lower interest rates.
They’re typically much stricter with loan terms and who can qualify for a loan.
If you plan on holding onto an investment property long-term and you can work with the down payment (typically 15-20%), credit, and income requirements, you may find the traditional lending route is a good fit.
What is a hard money lender?
Hard money lenders are business owners using raised capital to lend short-term loans with higher interest rates.
Working with a hard money lender is especially helpful for fix and flip loans as flippers typically list the property within 24 months of purchasing. This route may also appeal to investors with lower credit scores as hard money lenders have looser credit score requirements.
What is a private lender
Private lenders are individuals (not businesses) who offer large sums of money in hopes of an ROI (return on investment).
Since a private lender operates as an individual, the loan terms can be more flexible than they may be with a traditional or hard money loan.
The lender may be willing to work with investors who cannot secure funding through a bank or other financial institution if they see potential in the investment.
Many IRA accounts are structured as “self-directed IRAs.” This means that the custodian of a self-directed IRA can pull from their account to invest as they’d like. You may also be able to use 50% of your 401k value to invest in real estate by taking a loan out against it.
For example, if you have $100,000 worth of value in your 401k, you may be able to take out a loan for $50,000 to fund an investment property.
Important Note: Not every IRA or 401k savings account is eligible for loan withdrawal. Before attempting to withdraw from these accounts for a real estate purchase, speak with your provider, research the necessary IRS laws, and consult with a tax professional.If an investor cannot get financing from a financial institution, seller carry-back financing is also an option in some situations.
With this type of contract, the buyer gets their mortgage through the seller, creating more flexibility for the down payment, appraisal process, and closing costs. The seller and buyer can work together to find an agreement that works for both parties.
With seller carry-back financing, the deal typically closes quicker than other financing options, sometimes in as little as one week.
Subject-to is a creative financing option that allows an investor to use the existing financing for a property by taking over the mortgage loan.
Terms of this financing option can vary, and a down payment is typically required.
Subject-to can be confusing for beginners; therefore, we recommend extensive knowledge of real estate contracts if you plan to explore this financing option.
Based on your personal and professional situation, you may qualify for grants or programs that help you fund a property investment.
These grants and programs can be available on a state or federal level.
If you can pay in cash, you may find this to be the easiest and quickest funding method.
With financing, the process can take longer, potentially causing you to miss out on deals while you’re waiting for your next step. A cash sale also allows you to make decisions quickly without worrying about paying interest.