By Derek Witt
This is one of the most common questions I get from borrowers—“Is private credit just another name for hard money?” Short answer: Not quite. Long answer? Let’s break it down.
I usually explain the lending world in three tiers:
These are your full-doc lenders. Tax returns, W-2s, every page of every bank statement. They underwrite you more than the deal itself, and the process is slow. The rates are great—but the requirements can limit how many properties you can take on, since everything counts toward your DTI (debt-to-income) ratio.
That’s where private credit has the edge—we underwrite the asset, not your personal balance sheet, so you can scale faster.
This is where Flipside Lending comes in. We’re faster and more flexible than banks, with fewer documentation requirements. We still care about the deal penciling, your credit, and your track record—but we’re deal-makers, not box-checkers.
Our rates are higher than banks but far more reasonable than true hard money. Most importantly, we’re here to help you scale, not just close one loan. We’ll show you how to structure deals smarter so you can do more of them over time.
This is the speed-first category. These lenders move quickly, ask for minimal documentation, and are often willing to take on higher-risk borrowers or projects.
But that speed comes at a cost—literally. Rates can run 12–14% or more, with 3.5–5 points on the front end. And while the process is simple, you may not get much strategic guidance or ongoing support.
Hard money lenders tend to focus on the transaction, not the long-term relationship. If it’s a one-and-done deal or you’re in a pinch, it might work—but it’s important to understand what you’re signing up for.
So no—private credit isn’t the same as hard money. We’re the in-between that balances common sense underwriting, speed, and relationship. We’re not the cheapest, but we’re not here to burn you either. We’re here to help you win more deals—and actually keep the profits.
Let’s talk if you’ve been stuck between bank slow and hard money pain. There’s a better way.
Need straight answers and a fast close? I’ve got you. Shoot me a note at dwitt@flipsideloans.com.
Let’s get it done.
