First-time investors
Fix and flip and hard money loans for first-time investors
No track record yet? You can still finance your first flip: 75% of the price with 680+ credit, up to 90% with 740+, and 100% of a light or moderate rehab. Here is what the first deal looks like.
- Up to 90% of the price with 740+ credit (75% from 680)
- 100% of a rehab up to $100,000
- Licensed agents and contractors start one level up
Got it. Thank you.
We’ll review your deal and call you back. If it’s urgent, call 310-654-1577.
First flip terms
- Experience needed
- None
- Credit score
- 680+
- Purchase price financed
- 75%–90% 75% under 720 · 80% at 720–739 · 90% at 740+ (higher rate)
- Rehab financed
- 100%, up to $100,000
- Rehab size
- Light or moderate up to 50% of the price
- Loan vs. after-repair value
- 70% max
- Term
- 12 months, interest only
- Prepayment penalty
- None
Program maximums for a first fix and flip on a 1–4 unit investment property. Not a commitment to lend. Program guidelines current as of November 2026.
Can a beginner get a fix and flip loan?
Yes. The loan is sized on the deal first: the price, the rehab budget and what the house will sell for. On a first flip the program keeps the project manageable: a light or moderate renovation of up to $100,000, in the area where you live, with a projected return of at least 30% on your cash.
Real estate agents, brokers and licensed contractors are treated as experienced: they start one level up, which means more leverage and a bigger renovation from the first deal.
What the first deal looks like
An example with 720–739 credit:
| Example first flip | Amount |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | $300,000 |
| Rehab budget | $60,000 |
| After-repair value (ARV) | $480,000 |
| 80% of the purchase, funded at closing | $240,000 |
| 100% of the rehab, released in draws | $60,000 |
| Total loan | $300,000 |
| ARV check: 70% of $480,000 | $336,000, so the loan fits |
| Your cash to close | $60,000 + closing costs and one month of interest reserve |
Illustration only.
What changes as you gain experience
Each completed project in the last three years moves you up.
| Projects in 3 years | Price financed | Heavy rehab | Additions, ADUs |
|---|---|---|---|
| None (first flip) | 75%–90% | — | — |
| 1–2 | 80%–90% | 75% | — |
| 3–4 | 85%–90% | 80%–85% | 80%, no ADUs |
| 5+ | 90% | 85%–90% | 85% |
Your first-deal checklist
- An LLC or corporation (you can set one up before closing)
- 680+ credit
- A purchase contract on a house in the area where you live
- A scope of work and budget, plus a general contractor agreement if asked
- Cash for the down payment, closing costs and one month of interest reserve
Other ways to start
Want to start with a rental instead? DSCR loans have no experience requirement: leverage depends on credit, up to 80% LTV with 700+. A finished, renovated house can also be financed with a bridge loan with no experience and 680+ credit. Ground-up construction comes later: it needs completed builds.
First flips aren’t available in Florida, and a few counties, including the Houston, Austin and San Antonio areas, also ask for experience. We confirm what applies to your property when we review the deal.
First-time investor questions
Can I get a fix and flip loan with no experience?
Yes, with 680+ credit and a light or moderate rehab of up to $100,000.
Can I get a first flip loan with no money down?
No. Plan on 10% to 25% of the price plus closing costs; the rehab is financed at 100%.
What credit score do I need for my first flip?
680. With three or more completed projects, the minimum is 660.
Does my real estate or contractor license help?
Yes. Licensed agents, brokers and contractors start one level up the experience scale.
What return does the first flip need to show?
A projected return of at least 30% on your cash in the deal, after closing, holding and selling costs.
Where can I do my first flip?
In the area where you live, in any of our states except Florida. A few counties also ask for experience; we confirm this when we review the deal.
Do I need an LLC or corporation?
Yes. Your LLC or corporation is the borrower, and you can form the entity before closing.
Other loan programs
Found your first deal?
Send the address, price, rehab budget and what it will sell for. You’ll hear how much the loan covers and how much cash you need.