Fix & Flip Operator Gist

“After-Repair Value (ARV) is the projected market value of the property after renovations are complete. Every financial decision in a flip — purchase price, rehab budget, financing terms, and exit price — flows from this single number.”

“Fix-and-flip financing is short-term by design — 6 to 18 months. Hard money and bridge loans fund the acquisition and rehab, then you exit through sale or a DSCR refinance. Understanding the cost structure prevents margin erosion.”

“Rehab funds aren't disbursed as a lump sum. They're released in draws — staged payments tied to completed renovation milestones verified by third-party inspections. Understanding this process prevents cash flow crises mid-project.”

“The rehab budget is where most flips lose money. Underestimating costs, ignoring carrying costs, and failing to include contingency reserves turns a profitable deal on paper into a loss in practice.”

“Every flip has three exit options: sell for immediate profit (taxed as ordinary income), refinance into a rental hold (defer taxes through depreciation), or a hybrid where you rent for a year before selling (potentially converting to long-term capital gains).”