Why path fit comes before full underwriting
Full underwriting is expensive in time for everyone. Preliminary path fit exists so neither side builds a hundred-page file for the wrong product. A bridge request without an exit, a DSCR request without rents, or a 100% JV request above the 70% cost-to-ARV gate should fail fast and politely.
When path fit is clear, documentation becomes finite. Flip files lean on comps and budgets. Rental files lean on leases and expenses. Commercial files lean on rent rolls and T-12s. Construction files lean on plans, budgets, and GC capacity. The checklist tool and preparation guide encode that logic so you are not guessing.
Communication standard
You should always know whether the file is in preliminary review, document collection, underwriting, conditions, or closed/declined. Silence is a process failure. If a capital partner needs something, it should appear as a condition list, not a vague request for more info.
Draws and execution
When rehab or construction capital is involved, funding often releases against verified completed work. That protects the project and the capital. Read how rehab draws work before you schedule a crew that expects the entire budget at closing.