Tag Archive for: The Cash Flow Company

Expert Tips for Starting and Growing Your Real Estate Empire

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Expert Tips for Starting and Growing Your Real Estate Empire

Welcome to your journey in real estate investing! Whether you’re dreaming of flipping houses, building rental property portfolios, or simply exploring the vast opportunities in real estate, starting strong is crucial. Today we will be sharing expert tips for starting and growing your real estate empire! It all begins by setting up your business correctly. This can make all the difference in how lenders and partners view you, and ultimately, in your success.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential steps to set up your real estate business. First, we’ll discuss choosing the right name, then we’ll move on to securing funding and finding great deals. Additionally, we’ll share practical tips and real-life examples to help you understand and apply these strategies effectively. With a clear plan and the right approach, you’ll be well on your way to building a thriving real estate empire. Let’s get started!

Setting Up Your Business for Success

First: Choose a Business Name

  • Search for Availability: Immediately start by checking with your state to ensure the name is available.
  • Avoid Real Estate Specific Names: More importantly, opt for a generic name like “John Smith Consulting” instead of “John Smith Fix and Flip.”

Second: Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

  • Apply with the IRS: The EIN is actually a social security number for your business. It’s essential for not only tax purposes, but even for opening a bank account.

Third: Set Up a Business Bank Account

  • Separate Finances: Immediately separate business finances from personal finances. Keep your business and personal finances separate in order to make things clear for lenders.
  • Use Your EIN: Again, this is required to open a business bank account.

Forth: Establish Your Business Presence

  • Create a Website: By creating a simple website, it can show lenders as well as partners that you’re serious.
  • Get an Office Address: To clarify, even a virtual office can help establish credibility.

Building Your Bucket of Money

Leverage Other People’s Money (OPM)

  • Private Loans: Begin by approaching family, friends, or other investors who are looking for better returns.
  • Show Confidence: Most importantly, know your projects well and present them confidently to potential lenders.

Use Business Credit Cards

  • Avoid Personal Cards: In fact, business credit cards don’t impact your personal credit score.
  • Build Your Business Credit: This will surely help you get better loans, as well as better rates in the future.

Finding Great Deals

Work with Wholesalers

  • What They Do: Since wholesalers find undervalued properties, they can offer them to investors at a slight markup.
  • Build Relationships: Therefore building relationships and getting to know wholesalers will help you find good deals.

Network with Real Estate Agents

  • Investor-Friendly Agents: Actually, some agents specialize in working with investors. Begin by finding those who understand your needs.

Growing Your Empire

First 90 Days: Lay the Foundation

  • Research and Networking: Spend time not only finding finding properties, but more importantly lenders as well.
  • Set Up Systems: By setting up a system, you can ensure that you have all your business basics in place.

Ongoing: Improve and Expand

  • Consistent Effort: Regularly look at properties and evaluate deals.
  • Learn and Adapt: Each project will teach you something new, which will actually make future projects easier and more profitable.

For Example: The 2008 Crash

  • Pivot to Private Money: Following the financial crisis in 2008, banks stopped lending. Successful investors turned to private lenders.
  • Build Trust: In deed establishing good relationships with private lenders can provide a stable source of funding in the future.

Setting Yourself Up to Win

  • Think Long-Term: By setting up your business correctly from the start it makes future growth easier.
  • Be Realistic: Understand that while the process takes effort, it will easier over time as you build experience as well as a network.

Summary

  • Get Organized: From your business name to your EIN and bank accounts, make sure everything is set up properly from the very beginning.
  • Find Funding: Use a mix of business credit cards, private loans, and other funding sources.
  • Network: Build relationships with wholesalers, as well as real estate agents in order to find the best deals.
  • Stay Consistent: Regular effort and learning will lead to success and growth in your real estate empire.

To put it briefly, by following these steps and staying committed, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful real estate business. After all, the key is to set up your foundation correctly and maintain consistent effort. Do you have any question regarding where to get started or how to grow your empire? Contact us today to find out more! 

Watch our most recent video: Expert Tips for Starting and Growing Your Real Estate Empire

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Why a DSCR Loan is Perfect for Real Estate investors

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Why a DSCR Loan is Perfect for Real Estate investors

Many investors ask why a DSCR loan is perfect for real estate investing. To clarify, a DSCR loan stands for Debt Service Coverage Ratio loan and is designed specifically for real estate investors. This type of loan helps you buy rental properties, whether they are long-term or short-term rentals. However, It’s not for flips or homes you plan to live in.

Why Choose a DSCR Loan?

Choosing a DSCR loan can be a smart move for several reasons:

  1. Easy Qualification: You don’t need to worry about how long you’ve been in business or your personal income. Even if you started your business yesterday, you could qualify.
  2. Focus on Property Income: The loan qualification is based on the income generated by the property, not your personal income.
  3. 30-Year Loan Options: You get a good 30-year loan product, which can provide stability and predictability.

How Does a DSCR Loan Work?

The key to a DSCR loan is that it focuses on the property’s ability to generate enough income to cover its expenses. Here’s how it works:

  1. Property Income: The income from the rental property should at least cover the mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and any HOA or flood insurance fees.
  2. Credit Score: Your personal credit score is important. The higher your score, the better the terms and rates.
  3. Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV): This is the amount of the loan compared to the property’s value. Lower LTV means less risk for lenders and better terms for you.

Who Can Benefit from a DSCR Loan?

DSCR loans are perfect for:

  • New Investors: If you’ve just started your real estate investment journey, you can qualify even without a long business history.
  • Tax Savvy Investors: If you write off a lot of expenses on your taxes, which can reduce your reported income, this loan can still work for you.
  • Expanding Portfolios: Investors looking to add more rental properties can benefit from the flexible qualification criteria.

Example

Imagine you are an investor who just started a year ago. You found a great rental property, but traditional lenders won’t approve your loan because you don’t have two years of business income. A DSCR loan can help. As long as the rental income covers the mortgage and other expenses, you can get the loan and grow your investment portfolio.

Get Started with a DSCR Loan Today

A DSCR loan is an excellent loan for real estate investors. Is it right for your investment needs? Contact us at The Cash Flow Company. We have the tools and expertise to help you understand your options and find the best loan for your needs.

Watch our most recent video to find out more about: Why a DSCR Loan is Perfect for Real Estate investors

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Why You Need the Loan Cost Optimizer

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Why You Need the Loan Cost Optimizer

Today we are going to discuss why you need the loan cost optimizer! When taking into consideration which loan is best for your fix and flip, it is imperative that you compare everything side by side. Whether it’s a hard money loan, a private loan, a bank loan, or even OPM (Other People’s Money), each situation is different. That is why it’s essential to know what works best for you. Let’s get started!

Understanding Leverage

Leverage is key in real estate investing to create wealth. Think of leverage like a tool. When used right, it helps you build faster and better. Here’s what you need to know to ensure you get the best leverage:

Consider the Cost and Value

Just like hiring a contractor, you need to look at what you’re paying for and what you’re getting. It’s not always about the cheapest option but the best value. Typically, you might hear that hard money is more expensive than private money, but let’s dig deeper to see if that’s true.

How to Choose the Best Loan

  1. Compare Costs: Use our free Loan Cost Optimizer tool on our website to compare lenders and see who offers the best deal.
  2. Check Funding Speed: Make sure your lender can close the deal quickly to avoid losing it.
  3. Evaluate All Fees: Look at points, interest rates, and other fees to get the full picture.

Conclusion

In sum, the best loan for your fix and flip is the one that costs you the least and funds on time. By using the cost loan optimizer you can see everything side by side before making a decision. At The Cash Flow Company, our goal is to help you get the best lending options available. If you have a question or a deal to discuss, reach out to us. Visit our website, download our Loan Cost Optimizer, and compare lenders to find the best deal for you.

Watch our most recent video to discover more about: Why You Need the Loan Cost Optimizer

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How to Get a DSCR Loan in 3 Steps

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How to Get a DSCR Loan in 3 Steps

Getting a DSCR loan can be not only easy but rewarding as well. If you want to close a real estate deal fast and easy, simply follow these three simple steps. Begin by answering these questions, and you’ll be on your way to getting a loan that’s perfect for you and your cash flow.

Step 1: Check Your Rent Coverage

First, ask yourself: does your rent cover all your costs? This includes:

  • Mortgage payment
  • Taxes
  • Insurance
  • HOA fees

While it’s not always necessary, having your rent cover these costs can help you get better rates as well as higher loan-to-value products. At the very least, aim to charge rent that covers your monthly payments. However, if your rent does cover these costs, then you’ve passed the first step!

Example: Imagine you own a rental property. Your mortgage payment is $1,200, your taxes and insurance are $200, and your HOA fee is $100. Your total monthly cost is $1,500. If you charge $1,600 in rent, you cover all your costs and even make a little extra.

Step 2: Review Your Credit Score

Next, consider your credit score. You can get a DSCR loan with a score in the low 600s, but it will cost you more. Therefore a lower credit score can add up to one or more percentage points to your interest rate. This in turn can increase your monthly payment by $200 to $400.

Example: Let’s say you have a credit score of 620. You might get a loan with a 7% interest rate instead of 6%. On a $200,000 loan, that extra 1% could mean paying $2,000 more per year in interest.

If you need tips to raise your score, check out resources like our YouTube channel for advice on improving your credit.

Step 3: Choose the Right Lender

Finally, work with a lender who offers many options and programs. Every mortgage company has an ideal client, and you want to make sure your lender has an option that fits your needs at the lowest cost.

Example: You find a lender who offers various DSCR loan programs. One program might have a lower interest rate but higher fees, while another might offer a higher interest rate but lower closing costs. Choosing the right program can save you money and boost your monthly cash flow.

Conclusion

And that’s it! Those are the three key questions you need to answer before diving into a DSCR loan. If you find any step challenging, don’t worry. Our team is here to help you. We’re eager to set you on a path that helps you make the money you need to live the life you want.

Watch our most recent video to find out more about: How to Get a DSCR Loan in 3 Steps

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The Importance of Setting Goals Before Investing

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The Importance of Setting Goals Before Investing

Today we are going to discuss the importance of setting goals before investing. Being prepared is not only important to being successful in the BRRRR method, but in all real estate investment methods as well. Let’s break it down step-by-step.

Setting Your Goals

Every journey begins with a destination in mind. Before diving into the BRRRR method, ask yourself:

  • Why do I want to invest in real estate?
  • Where do I want to invest?
  • How many properties do I want to own?
  • How much cash flow do I want to generate?

Take a moment to think about your answers. These goals will guide your entire investment journey.

Searching for Properties

Now, let’s start our search. Look for under-market properties through:

  • Wholesalers
  • Investor-friendly Realtors
  • Real estate professionals who specialize in off-market deals

These properties are not listed on the MLS and usually require quick action.

Getting Long-term Loan Approval

Before buying, secure a pre-approval from a long-term lender. This step ensures you know the maximum loan amount you qualify for, which is crucial for the refinancing stage later on.

Buying with a Short-term Loan

Next, use a short-term loan, like a hard money loan, to purchase the property. These loans are essential for fast closings, often within days or weeks.

In Sum

It is imperative that you set your goals, search for the right properties, secure financing, and repeat the process in order to be successful. Need help getting things set up correctly? Contact us today!  

Would you like to find out more about the BRRRR method? Watch our most recent video: The Importance of Setting Goals Before Investing

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What is the Best Loan for Your Fix and Flip?

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What is the Best Loan for Your Fix and Flip?

Today, let’s dive into a topic we talk about daily: What is the best loan for your fix and flip? Is it a hard money loan, a private loan, a bank loan, or even OPM (Other People’s Money)? Each situation is different, and it’s essential to know what works best for you. Let’s get started!

Understanding Leverage

Leverage is key in real estate investing to create wealth. Think of leverage like a tool. When used right, it helps you build faster and better. Here’s what you need to know to ensure you get the best leverage:

Consider the Cost and Value

Just like hiring a contractor, you need to look at what you’re paying for and what you’re getting. It’s not always about the cheapest option but the best value. Typically, you might hear that hard money is more expensive than private money, but let’s dig deeper to see if that’s true.

Types of Loans for Fix and Flips

Hard Money Loans

Hard money loans are popular for fix and flips because they are quick to get and don’t require perfect credit. They are usually more expensive, but they can fund faster.

Example: If you find a great deal that needs to close in a week, a hard money loan might be your best option.

Private Money Loans

Private money loans come from individual investors. These can be more flexible with terms but may take longer to secure.

Example: Your friend or a local investor might lend you money with terms you both agree on.

Bank Loans

Bank loans usually have the lowest interest rates but come with strict qualifications and a longer approval process.

Example: If you have a great credit score and plenty of time, a bank loan can save you money on interest.

Other People’s Money (OPM)

OPM can be funds from partners or investors. This type can be highly flexible but depends on your agreements with them.

Example: Partnering with an investor who puts up the cash while you manage the flip.

Factors to Consider

Speed of Funding

In real estate, speed can make or break a deal. Sellers prefer buyers who can close quickly with no hassle. So, you need to know which lender can fund the fastest.

Down Payment

Down payments can vary. With hard money, you might get 100% financing, but usually, you’ll need 10-20% down.

Example: If you’re buying a $300,000 property, a 10% down payment means you need $30,000 upfront.

Points and Interest Rates

Points are fees paid to the lender, usually as a percentage of the loan amount. Interest rates can range from 10% to 12% or more.

Example: On a $270,000 loan with 1 point, you’ll pay $2,700 upfront. At 12% interest, you’ll pay $2,700 monthly.

Additional Fees

Lenders may charge other fees like escrow fees, draw fees, underwriting, and appraisal fees. These can add up, especially on smaller loans.

Example: A $200,000 loan might come with $1,900 in fees, affecting your overall cost.

How to Choose the Best Loan

  1. Compare Costs: Use our free Loan Cost Optimizer tool on our website to compare lenders and see who offers the best deal.
  2. Check Funding Speed: Make sure your lender can close the deal quickly to avoid losing it.
  3. Evaluate All Fees: Look at points, interest rates, and other fees to get the full picture.

Conclusion

In sum, the best loan for your fix and flip is the one that costs you the least and funds on time. At The Cash Flow Company, our goal is to help you get the best lending options available. If you have a question or a deal to discuss, reach out to us. Visit our website, download our Loan Cost Optimizer, and compare lenders to find the best deal for you.

Watch our most recent video to discover more!

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3 Factors to Think About When Considering a DSCR Loan

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3 Factors to Think About When Considering a DSCR Loan

What is a DSCR Loan?

There are 3 factors to think about when considering a DSCR loan that we are going to discuss further today. First and foremost, a DSCR loan stands for Debt Service Coverage Ratio loan and is an excellent loan for real estate investment. It’s designed specifically for real estate investors. This type of loan helps you buy rental properties, whether they are long-term or short-term rentals. However, it’s not for flips or homes you plan to live in.

Why Choose a DSCR Loan?

Choosing a DSCR loan can be a smart move for several reasons:

  1. Easy Qualification: You don’t need to worry about how long you’ve been in business or your personal income. Even if you started your business yesterday, you could qualify.
  2. Focus on Property Income: The loan qualification is based on the income generated by the property, not your personal income.
  3. 30-Year Loan Options: You get a good 30-year loan product, which can provide stability and predictability.

Important Considerations

Before jumping into a DSCR loan, consider these factors:

  1. Prepayment Penalties: These loans often come with penalties if you pay them off early. Make sure to understand these terms before committing.
  2. Higher Interest Rates: DSCR loans can have slightly higher interest rates compared to traditional loans. This is because they are easier to qualify for.
  3. Not for Flips or Personal Use: These loans are strictly for rental properties, not for homes you plan to flip or live in.

Is a DSCR Loan Right for You?

If you’re a real estate investor looking for a flexible loan option that doesn’t rely heavily on your personal income, a DSCR loan could be the perfect fit. It’s especially useful if you’re new to the business or if you maximize your tax deductions. Always run the numbers and shop around for the best terms.

Get Started with a DSCR Loan Today

A DSCR loan is an excellent loan for real estate investors. Is it right for your investment needs? Contact us at The Cash Flow Company. We have the tools and expertise to help you understand your options and find the best loan for your needs.

Watch our most recent video to find out more about: 3 Factors to Think About When Considering a DSCR Loan

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BRRRR: How to Buy Rental Properties Quickly and Easily

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BRRRR: How to Buy Rental Properties Quickly and Easily

Today we are going to discuss the BRRRR method and how it can help you buy rental properties quickly and easily. If you’re new to real estate investing, BRRRR stands for Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, and Repeat. It’s a popular strategy used by many investors to build a rental property portfolio with minimal upfront costs. So, let’s break it down step-by-step.

Setting Your Goals

Every journey begins with a destination in mind. Therefore, before diving into the BRRRR method, ask yourself:

  • Why do I want to invest in real estate?
  • Where do I want to invest?
  • How many properties do I want to own?
  • How much cash flow do I want to generate?

Take a moment to think about your answers. After all, these goals will guide your entire investment journey.

Searching for Properties

Now, let’s start our search. Look for under-market properties, which are often found through:

  • Wholesalers
  • Investor-friendly Realtors
  • Real estate professionals who specialize in off-market deals

These properties are not listed on the MLS and usually require quick action.

Getting Long-term Loan Approval

Before buying, secure a pre-approval from a long-term lender. This step ensures you know the maximum loan amount you qualify for, which is crucial for the refinancing stage later on.

Buying with a Short-term Loan

Next, use a short term loan, like a hard money loan, to purchase the property. These loans are essential for fast closings, often within days or weeks.

Rehabbing the Property

Once you own the property, it’s time to rehab it. Focus on making necessary repairs to meet the After Repair Value (ARV). Remember, this is a rental property, so avoid high-end finishes. Instead, just make it appealing and functional.

Renting the Property

After the rehab, find a reliable tenant. Therefore, renting the property begins your journey to generating monthly cash flow.

Refinancing

Finally, refinance your short-term loan into a long-term mortgage. This step reduces your monthly payments and locks in a lower interest rate. Having pre-approval helps speed up this process, saving you money.

Repeating the Process

Congratulations! You’ve reached the wealth-building stage. Now, repeat the BRRRR method to continue growing your rental portfolio. Each cycle brings you closer to your financial goals.

Need help getting things set up correctly? Contact us today!  

By following the BRRRR method, you can build a robust rental property portfolio with little to no money out of pocket. So, set your goals, search for the right properties, secure financing, and repeat the process. Happy investing!

Would you like to find out more about the BRRRR method? Watch our most recent video that will further discuss how to buy rentals quickly and easily.

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DSCR Loan – Is It Right For Your Real Estate Investment?

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DSCR Loan – Is It Right For Your Real Estate Investment?

What is a DSCR Loan?

A DSCR loan stands for Debt Service Coverage Ratio loan and is an excellent loan for real estate investment. It’s designed specifically for real estate investors. This type of loan helps you buy rental properties, whether they are long-term or short-term rentals. It’s not for flips or homes you plan to live in.

Why Choose a DSCR Loan?

Choosing a DSCR loan can be a smart move for several reasons:

  1. Easy Qualification: You don’t need to worry about how long you’ve been in business or your personal income. Even if you started your business yesterday, you could qualify.
  2. Focus on Property Income: The loan qualification is based on the income generated by the property, not your personal income.
  3. 30-Year Loan Options: You get a good 30-year loan product, which can provide stability and predictability.

How Does a DSCR Loan Work?

The key to a DSCR loan is that it focuses on the property’s ability to generate enough income to cover its expenses. Here’s how it works:

  1. Property Income: The income from the rental property should at least cover the mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and any HOA or flood insurance fees.
  2. Credit Score: Your personal credit score is important. The higher your score, the better the terms and rates.
  3. Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV): This is the amount of the loan compared to the property’s value. Lower LTV means less risk for lenders and better terms for you.

Who Can Benefit from a DSCR Loan?

DSCR loans are perfect for:

  • New Investors: If you’ve just started your real estate investment journey, you can qualify even without a long business history.
  • Tax Savvy Investors: If you write off a lot of expenses on your taxes, which can reduce your reported income, this loan can still work for you.
  • Expanding Portfolios: Investors looking to add more rental properties can benefit from the flexible qualification criteria.

Example

Imagine you are an investor who just started a year ago. You found a great rental property, but traditional lenders won’t approve your loan because you don’t have two years of business income. A DSCR loan can help. As long as the rental income covers the mortgage and other expenses, you can get the loan and grow your investment portfolio.

Important Considerations

Before jumping into a DSCR loan, consider these factors:

  1. Prepayment Penalties: These loans often come with penalties if you pay them off early. Make sure to understand these terms before committing.
  2. Higher Interest Rates: DSCR loans can have slightly higher interest rates compared to traditional loans. This is because they are easier to qualify for.
  3. Not for Flips or Personal Use: These loans are strictly for rental properties, not for homes you plan to flip or live in.

Is a DSCR Loan Right for You?

If you’re a real estate investor looking for a flexible loan option that doesn’t rely heavily on your personal income, a DSCR loan could be the perfect fit. It’s especially useful if you’re new to the business or if you maximize your tax deductions. Always run the numbers and shop around for the best terms.

Get Started with a DSCR Loan Today

A DSCR loan is an excellent loan for real estate investors. Is it right for your investment needs? Contact us at The Cash Flow Company. We have the tools and expertise to help you understand your options and find the best loan for your needs.

Watch our most recent video to find out more about: DSCR Loan – Is It Right For Your Real Estate Investment?

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Are HELOCS risky?

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Are HELOCS risky?

Today we are going to discuss whether or not HELOCS are risky. Here at The Cash Flow Company we have over 20+ years of experience in the business. This has allowed us to  help many investors to get correctly set up with HELOCs in order to move forward with their real estate investment goals. Remember, leverage is your best friend in real estate. A home equity line of credit can be some of the quickest, most flexible money available.

First and foremost, what Is a HELOC?

A HELOC is like a big line of credit based on the equity you have in a piece of real estate. You can think like a big credit card on a property.

If a property you own is worth more than the amount you owe on it, then you could be eligible for a HELOC. You can use this line of credit for anything you want.

This line of credit is typically in second position. It works similarly to a credit card in the sense that you can use it and pay it off over and over.

Next, where Do You Get a HELOC?

If you’re an investor, the number one place to look for a HELOC is credit unions. Next, is national banks. Those are the two best resources for HELOCs.

Finally, are HELOCs Risky?

Are they dangerous? Is there a big risk in taking out a HELOC? The answer is yes and no.

It’s the same as any other line of credit. If you use it wrong (for personal use, living life, etc.), the debt accumulates with no way to pay it off. This becomes a burden not only for your credit but also for your home.

However, used correctly, HELOCs are a low-risk, high-value tool. Use them for a real estate project, then pay them off right after your project sells or refinances.

Now is the time!

Get a HELOC today and achieve your real estate goals! Want a personalized list of the best HELOCs for you? We’ve reached out to hundreds of credit unions and banks to find the best, highest-LTV HELOCs on the market.

Reach out to us at Info@TheCashFlowCompany.com to get this report.

You can also download this free checklist of questions to ask lenders to get the best deal on a HELOC.

 

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