Think you can fund a flip without understanding construction? Think again. Most private lenders lose money not because they picked the wrong borrower, but because they underestimated the rehab. When you don’t understand what goes into a renovation, it’s easy to get blindsided by blown budgets, bad contractors, and projects that drag on for months.

In this episode, Rich Lennon sits down with Brandon Lindsey, founder of The Rehab Playbook, to break down what every private lender needs to know about construction. From how to spot red flags in a deal to understanding what $40 per square foot really means, Brandon shares practical ways to protect your money and fund flips like a pro.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Tell if a rehab budget actually makes sense
• Spot costly issues before they spiral
• Estimate light vs. full-gut rehabs fast
• Avoid funding hidden construction headaches
• Ask smart questions to protect your money

Who This Episode Is For:

• Private lenders who want to avoid funding bad rehab deals
• New investors who don’t understand construction risk but want to learn fast
• Anyone lending to flippers and looking for a repeatable way to verify deal safety

Why You Should Listen:
You don’t need to be a contractor to lend safely, but you do need to know what to look for. This episode gives you a clear, straightforward framework to evaluate renovation projects so you can lend confidently, avoid costly surprises, and build long-term wealth the smart way.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
 [00:00 ] The story behind Brandon’s start in construction and how it shaped his investing
 [03:00 ] Why understanding the scope of work is the difference between profit and loss
 [09:00 ] The real cost per square foot for cosmetic, heavy, and full-gut rehabs
 [13:00 ] How to identify big-ticket systems that blow up budgets
 [17:00 ] Foundation, mold, and waterproofing, how to catch problems early
 [19:00 ] The types of houses lenders should avoid funding and which ones are safest
 [23:00 ] How to spot bad contractors and the importance of trust and transparency
 [25:00 ] Why good communication and documentation protect both sides
 [27:00 ] Inside Brandon’s Rehab Playbook, how it’s helping investors and lenders win

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