Funding Path Comparison

See the eight common funding lanes side by side, choose a primary and a backup for deal one, and walk into your first lender conversation prepared.

How to use this: Read the lanes, compare up to three, fill the decision worksheet, then print the script for your next call.

Part 1 · The eight funding lanes

Tap a lane to see when it is usually strongest and what to ask.

The funding lanes below are a conversation starter, not a loan recommendation or an offer of credit. Availability, terms and eligibility are decided by each provider and change often. Re-quote everything before you make an offer.

Usually strongest when: You have stable documented income, acceptable debt profile, required cash and reserves
Main questions to answer: What income and debt rules apply? What down payment and reserves are required?
Usually strongest when: The property has strong verifiable rent and the program fits your borrower/property profile
Main questions to answer: How is DSCR calculated? What rent source, LTV, reserves, credit, prepay, and entity rules apply?
Usually strongest when: Property needs work before permanent financing
Main questions to answer: What is funded? How do draws work? What is maturity? What is the takeout plan?
Usually strongest when: Seller values terms and transaction structure can be documented safely
Main questions to answer: Down payment? Rate? Amortization? Balloon? Security? Servicing? Existing debt?
Usually strongest when: Existing loan is genuinely assumable and approval is practical
Main questions to answer: Is it assumable? What equity gap exists? What approval and release rules apply?
Usually strongest when: Asset and exit are clear and lender understands the risk
Main questions to answer: Rate, points, maturity, collateral, lien position, servicing, default?
Usually strongest when: Partner provides defined capital or operating capability
Main questions to answer: Ownership, control, distributions, capital calls, guarantees, sale rights?
Usually strongest when: Short-term business need has a clear repayment source and product fits the use
Main questions to answer: Cost, guarantee, duration, payment, use restrictions, impact on future borrowing?

Part 2 · Compare up to three lanes

Part 3 · Funding decision worksheet

Primary lane for deal one

Backup lane

Why it fits

What must be true before I use it

Who I need to speak with first

Documents I still need

Cash-to-close, low

Cash-to-close, high

Reserve target after closing

Pricing or terms I must re-quote before I offer

One reason I would reject this lane

Next funding conversation date

Part 4 · Fill the script

These three blanks complete the opening of your lender conversation script.

Asset type

Market

Goal

Appendix E

Lender Conversation Script

Opening

I am building a small investment acquisition plan and I want to understand your process before I have an urgent file. I am focused on [asset type] in [market]. My goal is [long-term rental / light BRRRR / other]. I have a written buy box and I want to understand which of your current programs may fit my general profile.

Questions

What borrower information should I have ready before I submit a property?
Which property types and conditions fit your programs?
What credit bands materially change pricing or leverage?
What down payment or equity should I plan for?
What reserve requirements apply?
How do you treat rental income?
How do you calculate DSCR where applicable?
What are the current LTV limits for purchase and refinance?
What seasoning rules apply to cash-out refinance?
What prepayment provisions apply?
What fees should I include beyond the interest rate?
What causes the most closing delays?
What would make my file stronger over the next 90 days?
How long should I realistically plan for closing?
Who should I contact when I have a property to review?

Close

Thank you. I am not trying to force a deal. I want to understand the lane so I can bring you a file that makes sense. I will keep your current terms dated and confirm everything again when I have a live property.

Your answers save automatically on this device.

Funding note. The funding lanes below are a conversation starter, not a loan recommendation or an offer of credit. Availability, terms and eligibility are decided by each provider and change often. Re-quote everything before you make an offer.

Disclaimer. Easy Real Estate Cash Flow provides educational content only. Nothing here is investment, legal, tax, lending, or financial advice. Real estate involves risk. No profits, returns, deal access, or participation opportunities are guaranteed.