Flipping a house requires quick capital, and getting the right funding can make or break your project. Fortunately, there are several financing options available—even if you don’t have a large amount of cash upfront.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get funding for a house flip project, including the best types of loans, where to find them, and how to qualify.


🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Get Funding for a House Flip

🔹 1. Create a Detailed Flip Plan

Lenders and partners will expect to see:

  • ARV (After Repair Value)

  • Purchase price & rehab budget

  • Timeline & contractor estimates

  • Exit strategy (sell, refinance, or rent)

📊 Use a deal analyzer or flip calculator to run your numbers.


🔹 2. Determine How Much Capital You Need

Estimate these:

Cost Area Example Amount (on $200K flip)
Purchase price $140,000
Rehab/renovation $30,000
Holding/closing costs $10,000
Sales & agent fees $12,000
Total needed ~$190,000

You’ll need either 100% financing (rare) or at least 10–30% down plus reserves.


🔹 3. Choose the Right Type of Funding

Here are the most common financing options for flippers:


💸 Top Funding Options for House Flipping

1. Hard Money Loan (Most Popular)

  • Short-term, interest-only loan based on the property’s ARV

  • Fast funding (5–10 days), minimal credit checks

  • Often covers up to 90% of purchase and 100% of rehab

Pros:

  • Fast and flexible

  • Doesn’t rely on personal income

  • Perfect for distressed properties

Cons:

  • High interest rates (8%–15%)

  • Short term (6–12 months)

  • Closing costs + points (2–5%)


2. Private Money Lenders

  • Borrow from individuals (friends, family, or local investors)

  • Flexible terms based on relationship and deal strength

  • Often used for gap funding or full flip capital

Pros:

  • Customizable deals

  • Less red tape

  • No credit score required

Cons:

  • Must build trust

  • Harder to find reliable lenders

  • Can damage relationships if deal fails


3. Business Lines of Credit or Personal Loans

  • Good for experienced flippers or if you’re registered as an LLC

  • Use funds as working capital for small flips or cosmetic rehabs

Pros:

  • Flexible use of funds

  • Can reuse for future deals

  • Faster than mortgage loans

Cons:

  • Lower limits than hard money loans

  • May require good credit and established business


4. HELOC or Cash-Out Refinance

  • Tap into equity from your current home or rental property

  • Great for self-funding your flips with better terms

Pros:

  • Low interest rates

  • No lender approval on the flip property

  • Reusable capital source

Cons:

  • Risk tied to your own property

  • Slow closing time

  • Lower flexibility than hard money


5. Partnerships or Joint Ventures

  • Find a capital partner who brings funding while you bring the deal and execution

  • Share profits based on terms (e.g., 50/50 or preferred return)

Pros:

  • No personal credit or risk

  • Fund larger or multiple deals

  • Learn and grow faster

Cons:

  • Profit sharing

  • Must build trust and legal agreements

  • Potential disagreements


6. Flip-Friendly Lenders or Fix-and-Flip Loans

Some lenders specialize in house flips:

  • Kiavi

  • Lima One Capital

  • New Silver

  • Fund That Flip

  • Groundfloor (for small-scale investors)

📌 They often bundle purchase + rehab in one loan (ARV-based).


💡 Pro Tips to Boost Your Chances

Tip Why It Helps
Have a clear exit strategy Lenders want to see how you’ll repay
Show past flip experience Increases trust and reduces interest
Keep your credit score clean Even hard money lenders check it
Build a contractor team Shows you’re serious and efficient
Consider starting with a partner Reduce risk and learn the ropes

📝 Summary: Best Flip Financing by Situation