Author Archives: Doug Baker

As we move into 2026, Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans remain one of the most popular financing tools for real estate investors. However, the underwriting standards behind these loans are evolving rapidly. Lenders are responding to higher interest rates, rising operating expenses, insurance volatility, and a more cautious capital environment. For investors relying on […]

Throughout 2024 and into 2025, property insurance has become one of the fastest-rising operating expenses in real estate. Rising insurance costs have surged across multiple states, driven by climate-related losses, higher replacement costs, and carrier retreat. For investors, this shift is more than a simple line-item update—it is fundamentally reshaping underwriting standards. To see how […]

Winter Isn’t a Slow Season—It’s a Smart Season Most new real estate investors believe that winter is a “dead zone” for renovations. Snow on the roof, frozen ground, cold crews… right? Wrong. Winter—especially Q4 and Q1—is one of the best seasons to stretch your rehab budget, accelerate timelines, and position your flip or rental for […]

When the temperatures drop, real estate investors in colder climates face a unique challenge — keeping their properties safe from the elements while staying productive through the slower winter months. Whether you’ve got a vacant rental, a rehab in progress, or a property you plan to list come spring, now’s the time to think strategically […]

Why the Scope of Work Is the Investor’s Blueprint for Profit Every successful real estate investor knows one thing: the Scope of Work (SOW) determines your entire rehab outcome. It’s the written roadmap that defines what’s being repaired, replaced, or upgraded — and at what quality level. Yet surprisingly, in most rehab projects, the contractor […]

What is the BRRRR Strategy? If you’ve spent any time around real estate investors, you’ve probably heard the term BRRRR — short for Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat. This popular investing method allows you to build a rental portfolio using the same pool of capital over and over again. But here’s the secret most beginners […]

Real estate investing often moves fast. When a great deal hits the market, waiting on a traditional bank loan isn’t always an option. That’s where hard money lending comes in—a flexible, short-term financing solution designed for real estate investors who need capital quickly. If you’re new to investing or simply want to understand how hard […]

If you’re a real estate investor, you already know that speed and flexibility can make or break your deal. That’s why many investors turn to hard money lenders instead of traditional banks. But here’s the big question: what do hard money lenders actually look for in a borrower? Unlike banks, hard money lenders aren’t bogged […]

As a real estate investor, you know that timing is everything. Whether you’re flipping a fixer-upper, acquiring a rental property, or tackling a commercial project, hard money loans can provide the fast, flexible financing you need to seize opportunities. Unlike traditional bank loans, hard money loans prioritize property value over credit scores, making them ideal […]

If you’re a real estate investor looking to scale your rental portfolio, you’ve likely come across two options for long-term financing: the conventional 30-year real estate loan and the 30-year DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) hard money loan. While both offer long amortization terms, they cater to very different investor needs.So, how do you decide […]