What Qualifies as Experience for Real Estate Investors and General Contractors

Experience

At Levine Capital, we take pride in offering creative loan solutions for real estate investorsβ€”but we also know that one key component to unlocking leverage and better terms is verifiable experience. Whether you’re applying as a borrower or as a general contractor (GC), having the right documentation can make all the difference.

Let’s break down exactly what lenders look for when verifying experience, and how to best prepare.

πŸ“Š Borrower Experience: What We’re Looking For

To approve you for higher leverage or better pricing, especially on Fix and Flip or Ground-Up Construction loans, lenders want to see a proven track record. Here’s what you should have on hand:

βœ… Recommended Documentation:

  1. Track Record Spreadsheet

    • Include all columns: address, date of purchase, date of sale, rehab amount, ARV, sale price, and your role (borrower on title).

    • Focus on similar size projects, similar rehab budgets, and nearby zip codes to the subject property.

  2. Operating Agreements & Certificate of Formation

    • These are required for any entity listed as a borrower on title.

    • They confirm ownership and control.

  3. Exit HUDs (Settlement Statements)

    • These prove that the deal was fully closed and show net proceeds.

    • For rental properties, include purchase HUDs if the deal was a buy and hold.

  4. Before and After Photos

    • These support the scope and quality of the rehab.

    • Try to match the photo sets to each property listed in your track record.

πŸ’‘ Note: If your Track Record Spreadsheet and Entity Docs are thorough and consistent, many of the other documents may not be requested. But it’s best to have them ready.

πŸ”¨ GC Experience: What Counts and How to Show It

For those applying as a General Contractor, whether self-performing or managing subs, experience is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Here’s how to verify:

βœ… GC Documentation Checklist:

  1. Clearly Labeled GC Track Record

    • Same format as borrower experience, but indicate your role as GC, not borrower.

  2. Operating Agreement & Certificate of Formation

    • Required for the GC entity you’re operating under.

  3. Open Permits

    • Show permits that were pulled under your GC entity or license.

  4. Invoices / Scope of Work

    • These should outline line-item details of the labor and materials provided for each project.

  5. Before and After Photos

    • Again, visual proof is essential. Label them clearly to tie them to each project.

πŸ›‘ Important: GC experience is not always counted the same as borrower experience. Approval is on an exception basis, and other deal factorsβ€”like credit, liquidity, and overall loan strengthβ€”will also be considered.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Being well-prepared with documentation can drastically increase your chances of approval and help secure better loan terms. At Levine Capital, we guide you through every step to ensure your experience is packaged correctly for our capital partners.

πŸ“© Ready to Get Started?

Use our calculators below, then submit your deal directly through the Quick Quote tabs:

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For Every Experience Level

Levine Capital now offers financing for first-time builders. Whether you are brand new to construction or a seasoned developer, we have a program built for you.

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Ground Standard
For newer real estate investors
85%
of Total Project Costs
  • Experience Required1–2 prior ground-up builds
  • Max Loan-to-ARVUp to 70%
  • Term Length12 to 18 months
  • RecourseFull recourse
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Experienced Developer
For seasoned construction professionals
90%
of Total Project Costs
  • Experience Required3+ ground-up builds
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  • Term Length12 to 24 months
  • RecourseFull recourse
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Beginner Builder — Quick Requirements Checklist

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660+
Min FICO Score
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80%
Max LTC
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65%
Max Loan-to-ARV
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18 Mo
Max Term
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$50K+
Min Loan Amount
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GC
Licensed GC Required

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1
Submit Quick Quote
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Upload plans, permits, GC contract, and borrower docs
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* Rates starting at 8.99%. Actual rates vary based on borrower profile and project details. Non-owner-occupied only.