If you’re just getting started in real estate and wondering how to get real estate investing financing, you’re not alone. As the saying goes, “It takes money to make money,” and in the field of real estate investing-where large sums of money change hands with each purchase-many people assume that saying is doubly true. The fact is, though, with a little insight into the ways of professional real estate investors and a little smart thinking, you can make money in real estate investing even without a huge bank account to tap into.

Many people new to real estate investing place their hopes on getting a personal or business loan from a bank to finance their foray into this field. Unfortunately, though, even if you would normally qualify for a loan, your chances of convincing a bank to loan you money to buy and/or fix up real estate you intend to sell are slim to none. Don’t start worrying yet, though, because there are a few other sources of financing available that are very realistic.

Your best option is to seek out mortgage lenders. First of all, these lenders are already involved in the real estate market and won’t be put off by your “risky venture.” They’re very well aware of how they stand to profit from lending to smart, skilled investors. Another advantage is they usually offer more flexibility than most commercial banks. After all, they’re used to lending out fairly large sums of money, which often means negotiating with customers to find workable interest rates and payment terms.

That said, they are still businesses lending for a profit and many take a dim view of some types of real estate investing. That’s why if you’re going to try to get a loan from a mortgage lender, it’s best to look for those lenders that specifically advertise their willingness to work with unconventional borrowers or those with bad credit. This goes even if you have perfect credit. It just signifies that the mortgage company is ready and able to consider lending to people besides traditional home-buyers, which is ultimately what you’re looking for.

Another option you might consider is that of  working with a private mortgage lender. These individuals do essentially the same thing for you that a commercial mortgage lender would. You can often find these people via commercial mortgage lenders and real estate agencies.

While these sources of financing are easier to work with than commercial banks, there are some drawbacks. Number one is the interest rates, which can be shockingly high. That’s why you only want to take out one of these loans if you’re sure you can get the property rehabbed and sold within a short period of time.

If you’re new to real estate investing, there’s one piece of advice you need right now. Maybe you’ve found a great, cheap fixer-upper you’re sure you can sell for a profit, but before you start making deals with the seller and signing contracts, make sure you have your financing lined up first.

Getting financing for real estate investing may not be the easiest part of this business, but it can be done. Once you know how to get financing for real estate investing, the rest is a matter of knowing which properties to buy and how to get them earning quickly.