She wasn't just asking for money; she was selling a math problem that ended in profit. Phase 2: The Inner Circle
She offered them equity. They would own 40% of the property collectively. One colleague, an architect, offered to trade his design fees for a larger stake—lowering the cash she needed to raise. Phase 4: The Finish Line raising capital to buy property
"I’m not asking for a gift," Maya told him. "I’m offering a 10% preferred return. You’re the bank. You get paid before I do." She wasn't just asking for money; she was
The final $50,000 was the hardest. Maya approached a local "hard money" lender. They charged 12% interest, which stung, but they moved fast. With her private investors providing the "equity" and the hard money lender providing the "debt," the capital stack was complete. One colleague, an architect, offered to trade his
With the house under contract, the clock started ticking. Maya needed another $150,000. She hosted a "Living Room Pitch" for five former colleagues. She explained the : Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat.