Hard Money Blog: Invest, Revitalize, Create, Prosper

Invest Smart: 10 Rules for Real Estate Success in the DMV

June 9, 2025 by Kyle Sennott Leave a Comment

Drift wood sail boat symbolizing launching real estate investing career

In the world of real estate investing, nothing is ever a “sure thing.” Over the years I’ve spent working as a hard money lender, I’ve learned a lot about managing risk. And one lesson stands out above the rest: always approach every investment with caution. For real estate investors in the DC area—especially first-timers—minimizing risk is essential to maximizing profitability.

I may not have a crystal ball to tell me which deals will succeed, but I do have firsthand experience in both fix-and-flip and buy-and-hold investments. Here are some key insights I’d like to share:

Real Estate Is a Team Sport: Building Relationships for Investing Success

May 8, 2025 by Kyle Sennott Leave a Comment

Team Sport: Children's Soccer Team Hugging on the Field

Whether you’re a first-time real estate investor or a seasoned fix-and-flip veteran, it’s important to remember these words attributed to Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” You won’t find success in the real estate industry by “going it alone.” Just one opportune partnership with the right person or company can incredibly impact the results of a fix and flip or buy and hold investment. Business relationships are the glue that holds a deal together and the vehicle that gets things done.

The Hidden Costs of Baltimore’s “Bargain” Properties

May 2, 2025 by Kyle Sennott Leave a Comment

The view of Baltimore City with brightly colored rowhomes in the foreground.

In certain neighborhoods across Baltimore City, it’s not uncommon to find residential properties priced under $100,000—some even listed for as little as $10,000. To first-time investors or investors who are out of the area, these deals can look like once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. After all, how can you go wrong buying a house for less than the price of a car?

At New Funding Resources, we understand the appeal. Baltimore City has large pools of deeply discounted, distressed properties, especially in neighborhoods that have experienced decades of economic disinvestment. But while the price tags may be low, the risks can be high—and, in some cases, far outweigh the upside.

The Hidden Risks of Investing in Unique Properties in the DMV Area

April 29, 2025 by Kyle Sennott Leave a Comment

Ultra modern house in the woods with a swimming pool

At New Funding Resources, we work with real estate investors across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia who are constantly searching for their next profitable deal. In a crowded marketplace, some of them are turning to unique or unconventional properties—historic homes, converted barns, off-grid retreats, and agricultural land like farms—to stand out.

Avoiding Mechanics’ Liens: A Guide for Savvy Investors

April 22, 2025 by Kyle Sennott Leave a Comment

A picture of an angry contracor about to slap a mechanics' lien

Although you may be a jack-of-all-trades, sometimes it’s more efficient to hire a general contractor. Working with general contractors saves you time and headaches, especially if your project involves getting permits. The right contractor and crew – the ones with a proven track record – are essential in maintaining the profitability of your fix-and-flips. However, mismanaging or mistreating them or even having poor communication between the parties involved can drain your profits and, in some cases, delay the resale of the property. Yes, we are talking about the dreaded mechanic’s liens – the nuclear option a frustrated contractor or subcontractor can use to address the payment dispute.

Squatter Risks in Investment Properties: A Guide for DC-Area Investors

April 14, 2025 by Kyle Sennott Leave a Comment

While it may not happen often in Metro DC, real estate investors are not immune to having issues with squatters living in their vacant properties. Squatters are people who occupy a property without the owner’s permission and without legal ownership. They might “squat” for a few weeks or years at a time, typically in abandoned, vacant, or neglected buildings.

Hard Money Blog: Invest, Revitalize, Create, Prosper

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