How to Survive and Thrive as a New Investor in a Changing Market

How Orlando De Los Santos Is Helping Investors and Business Owners Build Wealth in 2024

In today's fast-changing real estate and business world, having the right funding partner can make all the difference. That's where Orlando De Los Santos, founder of Blazestone Capital Holdings LLC, comes in.

Orlando's story is as inspiring as it is motivating. Born in the Dominican Republic, Orlando moved to the United States at just 14 years old. With a passion for finance and helping people, he has built a thriving business that helps investors and business owners across all 50 states find the right capital solutions.

Let's take a look at how Orlando and Blazestone Capital are making a big impact in the world of real estate investing and small business lending.

From Humble Beginnings to Big Dreams

Orlando started his career in commercial finance back in 2016. He quickly realized he loved helping small businesses get the money they needed to grow. His love for finance, combined with a strong desire to help others, led him to expand into real estate lending.

Today, Orlando specializes in helping people secure funding for fix-and-flip projects, rental properties, business acquisitions, and even foreclosure bailouts. No matter where you are on your investment journey, Orlando has a solution for you.

The Real Estate Market in 2024: Caution and Opportunity

Jason, the host of The Dream Is Real Podcast, asked Orlando about today's real estate market. Orlando explained that while buyers are definitely more cautious due to economic uncertainty, deals are still happening.

However, lenders are stricter now. They require higher credit scores and are offering lower loan-to-value (LTV) ratios. That means you need to be more prepared than ever before to get the best financing.

"Deals are still happening," Orlando says. "You just have to be smarter and more strategic."

Fix and Flip Loans: What You Need to Know

One of the biggest challenges for fix-and-flip investors today is construction costs. Prices for labor and materials have gone up, and homes are sitting longer on the market. This affects after-repair values (ARVs) and makes it harder to flip properties quickly.

"I always recommend getting at least three quotes from contractors," Orlando advises. "Make sure you understand your numbers before you buy."

Blazestone Capital helps investors by offering financing up to 90% of the purchase price and 100% of the rehab costs, depending on credit scores and experience.

Rental Property Loans and DSCR Loans

Thinking about building a rental property portfolio? Orlando says rental property loans are based mostly on the rental income the property will generate, not just your personal income.

He uses something called a Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) to determine if the rental income will cover the mortgage payments. This helps investors qualify even if their personal income is not super high.

"As long as the numbers make sense, we can make the deal happen," he explains.

Why Mixed-Use Properties Are Hot

Orlando also highlights the growing popularity of mixed-use properties. These are buildings that have both commercial and residential spaces. For example, a retail store on the first floor and apartments above it.

Mixed-use properties are in demand because towns are trying to create more walkable communities. Plus, they offer investors multiple streams of income.

"Inventory is tight, and we need more housing," Orlando says. "Mixed-use properties are a great way to meet that demand."

Foreclosure Bailouts: Saving Properties and Dreams

Foreclosures are on the rise again as higher interest rates and inflation put pressure on investors. Orlando offers foreclosure bailout programs that can save properties from being lost.

These programs are asset-based, meaning they focus on the value of the property, not the borrower's credit score.

"If you have equity in the property, we can often lend 50% of the current value and save the deal," Orlando explains.

This gives struggling property owners time to refinance or sell without losing everything they've built.

SBA Loans: Buy a Business with $0 Down

One of the most exciting parts of the podcast was Orlando explaining how SBA loans work. These loans, backed by the federal government, help business owners buy property, expand their businesses, or even buy an existing business.

Best of all, if you have a good relationship with the seller, you might be able to buy a business with ZERO money down!

"The SBA allows the seller to finance the 10% down payment," Orlando says. "So you can finance 100% of the business purchase."

This is an amazing opportunity for anyone looking to become a business owner without needing a huge pile of cash upfront.

Building a Winning Team

Throughout the interview, Orlando stresses the importance of building a strong team. Whether you're flipping houses or starting a business, you can't do it alone.

You need:

• A trustworthy contractor

• A knowledgeable real estate agent

• A smart financial advisor

• An experienced lender like Blazestone Capital

"Deals don't happen because of one person," Orlando reminds us. "They happen because of the team you build around you."

Real Success Stories

Orlando shared one powerful success story about an investor from Pennsylvania. This investor didn't even speak English but was determined to succeed.

With Orlando's help, he secured financing, flipped his first property, and now owns four properties in just two years.

"If you have the drive and the right team behind you, anything is possible," Orlando says.

How to Connect with Orlando

If you're ready to take your real estate or business dreams to the next level, Orlando and Blazestone Capital are ready to help.

Contact Blazestone Capital Holdings LLC:

• Phone: 516-298-5532

• Website: www.blazestonecapital.com

• Instagram: @blazonecapholdingslc

And don't forget: for the best real estate services in Long Island, New York, connect with Dream Select Realty!

Visit: www.dreamselectrealty.com
Call: 631-623-7117
Follow: @dreamselectrealty on Instagram

Final Thoughts

The real estate market may be shifting, but with smart strategies, creative financing, and the right team, the dream is still very real.

Whether you're buying your first rental property, saving your investment from foreclosure, or launching your own business, Orlando De Los Santos and Dream Select Realty are here to help.

Because remember: The Dream Is Real! 🌟