I’ve never found it easy asking for money.
In fact, I don’t think it ever truly feels easy — and anyone who says otherwise is either fibbing or dangerously blasé.
But what I’ve learned over the years is this:
You don’t need to become some slick-talking salesperson.
You just need to prepare properly — and treat investor money like it’s your own.
Because it is your own.
When someone else lends you money for a property investment, that capital is now your responsibility.
And the less prepared you are, the more awkward the whole thing will feel.
Let’s unpack what actually makes this easier (and more successful).
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway
There’s a reason most people avoid raising private finance: they’re scared of being rejected.
The truth is, yes — you might get a no.
But you can’t get a yes if you don’t ask.
This is a mindset shift, not just a tactic. A great book I recommend is Go for No — it flips the fear of rejection on its head and reminds you that every “no” is just one step closer to a “yes.”
And what’s surprised me most is how many of the people who’ve lent me money over the years have ended up grateful for the opportunity.
You’re not begging. You’re offering.
Raise Money for Something You’d Back Yourself
If you wouldn’t put your own money into it, don’t put someone else’s in either.
I find it amazing how casual some investors are when they’re spending someone else’s cash.
But when I borrow, I underwrite it with my own integrity — and my own assets.
If something goes wrong, I make it right.
That’s how I sleep at night.
And it’s also why the Property Checklist is so valuable — it forces you to look at a deal objectively before you even consider raising funds.
(You can grab a copy here if you haven’t already.)
Prepare Like a Professional
The best way to stop feeling pushy?
Come prepared.
I always put together a proper proposal when raising funds:
- What are you raising?
- Why?
- What’s the security?
- What are the terms?
- What happens if something goes wrong — or if you die?
Put it in writing. Outline scenarios. Anticipate questions.
Once you’ve done that, the whole conversation shifts.
You’re no longer “asking for money” — you’re walking someone through an opportunity.
And if it’s not right for them, that’s okay.
It’s not personal. It’s business.
Cancelled Vegas — and I’d Do It Again
I remember one particular refurbishment project where things started to go sideways.
I’d already paid the deposit for a trip to Las Vegas, but I cancelled it.
Why?
Because I had investor money in that project — and I felt it was irresponsible to disappear just when things needed attention.
People watch how you treat their money.
If you want to build trust, act like it.
It’s a Relationship, Not a Transaction
There are some people I wouldn’t borrow money from — because money meant control.
I once had to sit down with a lender and explain that this wasn’t a friendship-for-cash situation.
You need boundaries. Clear communication.
Sometimes even a third party to help facilitate the agreement.
(As a mediator, I’ve seen first-hand how helpful it can be to have someone neutral involved at the start. If you’re not comfortable with difficult conversations, get support.)
And always, always stay in touch.
I used to send a monthly update to my investors — not because I had to, but because it showed them I cared.
It showed them I saw their money. And they appreciated that.
Keep It Simple: Why I Prefer Loans
Personally, I’ve always preferred a simple loan structure.
Borrow X, pay back Y — usually with monthly payments.
It’s clear. It’s easy to understand. And it keeps roles separate.
Profit shares and joint ownership might work for others, but they’re more complex, more regulated, and often blur the lines.
(That’s a whole other blog for another day.)
For me, clarity wins.
The Way You Do Anything…
You’ve probably heard this one before:
“The way you do anything is the way you do everything.”
It’s true.
The way you handle someone’s money says everything about your professionalism, your ethics, and your reliability.
So yes — raising private finance can feel awkward.
But when you do it right, it’s one of the most powerful tools in your investor toolkit.
Don’t let fear stop you.
Be the kind of person you’d want to lend money to.
If you want to build your confidence and spot the right investment properties — the kind worth raising finance for — grab my free Property Checklist here.
And if you’re not already part of my email community, join us. I share insights, tips, and the real side of property investing each week — the kind they don’t always talk about on stage.
And if you want more on this topic – check out my video here:
Kelly Lemon
