Fix & Flip Loan Requirements: What Lenders Really Want

If you’re planning a fix and flip project, knowing what lenders actually care about can save you time—and get you funded faster. Unlike banks, hard money lenders focus less on your personal financials and more on the deal itself.

What Lenders Prioritize

Hard money lenders want to know:

• Is the property a good investment?
• Can you execute the renovation plan?
• Do you have a clear exit strategy?

If the numbers work, your experience and credit score matter less.

 What You’ll Need to Apply

Here’s what most lenders require:

• Purchase contract
• Scope of work (with budget)
• ARV comps
• LLC docs (if applicable)
• Recent bank statement
• ID and contact info

No tax returns. No W-2s. No income verification. Just a strong deal and a plan.

 Property Types That Qualify

Hard money loans typically cover:

• Single-family homes
• Townhouses
• Small multi-family (2–4 units)
• Auction and REO properties

The property must be non-owner occupied and have clear value-add potential.

 First-Time Flippers Welcome

You don’t need a long track record. First-time investors can qualify if they show:

• A realistic renovation timeline
• Conservative ARV estimates
• A solid resale or refinance strategy

HardMoneyMan.com LLC works with new and seasoned investors nationwide.

 Internal Resources

Explore our Fix & Flip Loans page for full program details.

 Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Fix & Flip Loans for first-time flippers. 

Visit our Charlotte Fix & Flip page for regional terms.

Check out our Full fix and flip FAQ page

Ken has been a hard money lender for over 25 years. He has funded over 25k deals for investors in that time. Ken specializes in fix and flips, ground up spec construction and 30 year DSCR loans.