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Suburban homes in a fix-and-flip market

Why Some Investors Are Deliberately Passing on 20%+ ROI Fix-and-Flips

A twenty percent return looks irresistible on paper. When an investor runs the numbers on a fix-and-flip and sees a projected return north of twenty percent, the instinct is to jump in before someone else does. Yet some of the most experienced investors we work with do something that puzzles newcomers: they study that same […]

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An illustration showing a stack of banknotes

8 Financing Blunders First-Time Investors Are Still Making in 2026

Real estate investing continues to attract new investors in 2026. Rising property demand, expanding rental markets, and growing opportunities in residential redevelopment have encouraged many people to enter the industry. However, while finding the right property is important, securing the right financing is often what determines success or failure. Many first-time investors focus heavily on locating

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close-up of construction tools and floor plan on a table

The 70% Rule Is Dead: How Experienced Investors Are Underwriting Deals in 2026

For years, real estate investors relied on a simple formula known as the 70% rule. The idea was straightforward: purchase a property for no more than 70% of its after-repair value, minus renovation costs. While the rule provided a quick screening method, today’s market conditions require a more detailed approach. Investors using fix-and-flip financing are finding

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a room during a refurbishing process

How Many Active Fix-and-Flip Projects Can You Realistically Manage at Once?

Growing a real estate investment business often brings an important question: how many projects can you manage at the same time without sacrificing quality or profitability? While access to fix-and-flip loans may allow investors to acquire multiple properties, successful project management requires much more than funding. Time, experience, systems, and reliable contractors all play a major

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a new house under construction

Why More Investors Are Building New Homes on Infill Lots Instead of Chasing MLS Flips

New home construction loans are playing a major role in how investors are reshaping their strategies, but more capital is now flowing toward infill lot development instead of competitive MLS properties. Rising acquisition costs, tighter margins, and stronger competition in resale markets are pushing investors to rethink where profits are truly more controllable. As a result, many

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Multiple line graphs for investment purposes

The Flip Exit Stress Test: Would You Still Buy This Deal If You Had to Hold It for 12 Months?

Every real estate investor starts a project expecting a quick and profitable sale. However, the market does not always follow the plan. A property can sit unsold because of changing buyer demand, higher interest rates, seasonal slowdowns, or unexpected economic shifts. When that happens, your exit strategy can quickly become your biggest challenge. The smartest investors

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Rental Property, Fix-and-Flip, or New Construction: Which Strategy Fits Your First Deal?

Every new investor faces the same fork in the road: rental property, fix-and-flip, or new construction? Each builds wealth differently, and the right first move depends on your goals, your time, and your risk tolerance. Whether they are exploring New Mexico fix and flip loans or broader hard money loans for real estate, beginners do best

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a man standing at the bottom of the stairs talking to clients

How to Scale From 3 Deals a Year to 12 Without Losing Control of Your Business

Scaling from 3 deals per year to 12 requires structure, discipline, and operational control. Most investors find that growth is less about deal availability and more about how efficiently existing projects are managed. Many who rely on hard money lenders for new investors quickly realize that capital alone does not create scalability—systems do. Strong processes, clear

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residential house representing a property in an illustration

6 Portfolio Growth Strategies That Start With a Cash-Out Refinance

A cash-out refinance can do more than improve liquidity. For many investors, it creates opportunities to expand holdings, improve property performance, and increase long-term portfolio value. Investors working with private money lenders for real estate often use refinancing as a strategic tool rather than simply a way to access cash. When used carefully, released equity can become

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Ed Stock

Managing Partner/Founder

With 30 years of real estate finance and investing experience, I have come across most of what the real estate and mortgage arena has to offer. As a full time real estate investor, I am always looking for new projects in the Fix and Flip market as well as the holding of long term rentals. At Insula Capital Group, I have successfully placed many new investors on the course to aquiring and managing their own real estate portfolios.