Foundations
How Private Real Estate Lending Works
A plain-language explanation of private money lending — what it is, how it differs from bank financing and hard money, and why real estate operators use it. Includes a walkthrough of a typical promissory note structure.
- What is a private money lender?
- Private money vs. hard money vs. bank financing — key differences
- How the promissory note works (principal, interest rate, term, collateral)
- What secures your capital in a private lending deal
- How and when you get paid
- Common risks and how to evaluate them
- What questions to ask before wiring money
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Program Comparison
Fix & Flip vs. New Construction — Which Is Right for You?
A side-by-side breakdown of the two equity investment programs at EXL Capital Group — how they differ in timeline, risk, return, and capital requirements.
- How fix-and-flip deals work (acquisition → reno → sale)
- How new construction deals work (lot → build → sale)
- Timeline and capital recycling differences
- Risk profile comparison
- Which fits your goals
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Deal Structures
Understanding Promissory Notes vs. Equity Splits
The two legal structures used in private real estate investing — what each one means for your position, your return, and your risk.
- The promissory note — how it works, what it says, what it protects
- The equity profit-share — how returns are calculated, why upside is higher, why risk is higher
- Which structure is used in each EXL program
- What to look for in each type of agreement
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Due Diligence
How to Evaluate a Private Real Estate Deal
A practical checklist for evaluating any private real estate deal — the numbers to verify, the questions to ask, and the red flags to watch for.
- Reading a deal summary
- Verifying ARV (after-repair value) independently
- Evaluating the operator — what credentials and track record matter
- Understanding the exit strategy
- 10 red flags that should stop you from wiring money
- How to verify property data (county records, MLS, permit history)
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Tax & Retirement
Investing in Real Estate with a Self-Directed IRA
A beginner's guide to using a self-directed IRA or solo 401(k) to invest in private real estate — how it works, which custodians support it, and what rules to follow.
- What is a self-directed IRA?
- How SDIRA real estate investing works
- Prohibited transactions and disqualified persons
- UBIT (Unrelated Business Income Tax) basics
- Which custodians to consider (Equity Trust, Entrust, others)
- How EXL Capital Group works with SDIRA investors
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. Consult a qualified tax professional before making decisions about your retirement accounts.
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