Good morning, afternoon, and evening, investors! Scott Carson here, ready to drop some serious knowledge bombs on your day-to-day investing strategies. Today, we're talking with a true titan of Texas real estate finance, Michael Hoffman, founder and CEO of Longhorn Investments! Since 2008, Mike and his team have funded over 10,000 loans and $2 billion, helping investors nationwide (with about 50% of that still right here in Texas!) turn fixer-uppers into cash-flowing dreams. If you're buying, fixing, and flipping, you're gonna want to grab a burnt orange pen, because Mike’s insights are pure gold – and he's not afraid to tell you why HGTV is fictional!

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Hard Money 101 & First-Time Investor Hacks: Mike demystifies hard money lending: it's asset-based, faster than banks (5-7 days!), and funds up to 100% of loan-to-cost (up to 70% ARV). Plus, hear how Longhorn empowers first-time fix-and-flippers by focusing on the deal's viability (hello, appraisals!), not just your experience level.
• The Truth About Deals & Rehabs (and why HGTV is Fiction!): Learn why Longhorn meticulously vets every deal – they want you to succeed, not foreclose! Mike stresses the vital importance of hiring a reputable contractor (not the cheapest, and definitely not you for wall-moving projects!) and the necessity of actively overseeing your rehabs to avoid "mucking up the machine."
• Lender Goals & Market Realities: Mike pulls back the curtain on what motivates a good hard money lender: they're in the note business, not the "loan-to-own" business! Discover why quick draw disbursements (48-72 hours!) are crucial for project success, and how to spot lenders who might be running on fumes. Plus, understand how current market conditions are affecting loan terms and borrower strategies.
• Property Preferences & Geographic Boundaries: Longhorn's sweet spot? Workforce housing (ARVs under $400k) and brick, 3-bed/2-bath homes built pre-1970s. Mike explains why they avoid mobile homes (unless they're real estate!), condos (those HOA assessments are no joke!), and "Podunkville" locations (you gotta sell it to someone!).
• Passive Investing Powerhouse: The Trident Fund: Get an exclusive peek behind the curtain at Trident Realty Investments, the $222 million evergreen fund that bankrolls Longhorn's loans. Discover how accredited investors can target a 10% return (with a 1-year lockup) by investing alongside Mike, who's always the first investor in. It’s a transparent, stable way to put your lazy capital to work!

This episode with Michael Hoffman is a masterclass in navigating the hard money landscape, offering candid advice and battle-tested strategies for investors at every level. Mike isn't just a lender; he's a partner in your success, even if that means telling you to walk away from a bad deal!

Ready to get your next fix and flip funded without all the drama? Or maybe you're looking for a smarter way to invest passively? Head over to LonghornInvestments.com to connect with Mike's team, get pre-qualified, and turn those investment dreams into reality! Go out, take some action, and we’ll see you at the top!

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