Key takeaways
- Conventional: cheapest, strict, capped.
- DSCR: scalable, premium rate.
- Commercial: $1M+, relationship.
- Hard money: speed, cost.
- Match product to deal stage.
Core concepts
Decision matrix
Property count, deal stage, capital available.
Default choice
Conventional first, DSCR after #4–5.
Specialty
Hard money for value-add; commercial for 5+ units.
Step-by-step framework
- 1Map every property to right product.
- 2Refinance mismatches.
- 3Plan future acquisitions to product.
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Common mistakes to avoid
- Wrong product wastes capital.
Frequently asked questions
How to choose?
Decision matrix above.
Switch products?
Yes — refi when right.
Best for scale?
DSCR + portfolio.
Best for flip?
Hard money + LOC.
Action checklist
- ☐Property mapped to product.
- ☐Refi plan for mismatches.
- ☐Future plan documented.
More from Real Estate Financing
Real Estate Financing Best Practices
Match loan term to hold period, optimize APR not rate, and plan the refinance ladder.
Common Financing Mistakes
Wrong product, wrong term, wrong lender — financing errors are expensive and slow to fix.
Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Financing
First loan — pre-approval, document prep, and product selection for new investors.
Advanced Real Estate Financing
Portfolio loans, blanket mortgages, lines of credit, and private capital — scaling beyond conventional.
Financing Resource Center
Mortgage calculator, comparison tools, and lender directories for capital stack decisions.
Conventional Investor Loans
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac investor loans — cheapest rate, strictest qualification, capped at 10.