
The Gator Method is a comprehensive real estate strategy that's been gaining traction among investors. It's a systematic approach to flipping houses that's based on finding undervalued properties with potential for renovation.
According to the Gator Method, a property's after-repair value (ARV) is a key factor in determining its potential for profit. By identifying properties with a high ARV, investors can ensure a significant return on investment.
To find these undervalued properties, the Gator Method involves analyzing local real estate market data, including property values, rental income, and repair costs. This data-driven approach helps investors make informed decisions and minimize risk.
Investors using the Gator Method typically aim to purchase properties at a 30-40% discount from their ARV, leaving room for renovation costs and a healthy profit margin.
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What Is Gator Method Flipping Houses?
The Gator Method is a game-changer for house flippers. It's a completely different approach from traditional house flipping.
No renovations are needed with the Gator Method, which is a huge advantage over traditional flipping. This means you can skip the costly and time-consuming renovations that often come with flipping houses.
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Minimal hold time is another key benefit of the Gator Method. Properties aren't held long-term like they often are with flips, reducing the risk associated with market changes and holding costs.
Quick profits are the goal of the Gator Method, and investors can achieve this with less money and more volume. This is because the Gator Method allows for a quick turnaround, getting your money back within a few weeks - or even days.
Here are the key differences between the Gator Method and traditional house flipping:
- No renovations are needed.
- Minimal hold time.
- Quick profits.
Funding a Deal
The Gator Method is a creative financing strategy that provides short-term funding solutions to investors, particularly those lacking immediate capital for specific transaction needs.
To fund a deal using the Gator Method, you'll need to find a private lender, often an individual or company specializing in transactional funding, like a gator lender. Gator lenders will provide capital on a short-term basis and the funds will often need to be returned within a few days.
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It's essential to analyze each financing option and evaluate each option before making a decision on what suits you best. Some gator lenders focus on the Earnest Money Deposit (EMD), while other gator lenders may support both EMD and the full acquisition price.
To secure the right loan, you may need to close on two transactions at the same time, also known as double closing. This involves borrowing funds to close on an investment property purchase and then reselling the property to a buyer, usually for a profit.
The transactional funding or gator loan is repaid very quickly, as soon as the property is sold again. Securing the right loan will enable real estate investors to perform these two transactions timeously, through a gator lender.
Once the final transaction closes, the gator loan is repaid from the proceeds, including any fees or interest agreed upon at the outset, to make sure that cash flow is balanced.
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How It Works

The Gator Method is a real estate investing strategy that focuses on short-term lending to wholesalers, typically to fund their earnest money deposit. This type of lending is often referred to as Gator Lending.
Gator Lenders provide small amounts of money, ranging from $500 to $10,000, with a short term of 1 to 30 days. They come with a higher-than-average interest rate plus origination fees, which can provide nice returns that can be quickly reinvested into other deals.
The key to the Gator Method is speed, with lenders approving deals immediately if they have a good relationship with the wholesaler. Repayment is expected immediately at the closing of the deal, which typically happens quickly due to the motivated sellers wholesalers work with.
Understanding
Understanding how the Gator Method works is key to unlocking its full potential. Gator lending is a crucial part of the method, providing access to finance for real estate investors who need it to make an Earnest Money Deposit.

It's often used to refer to transactional funding, a type of short-term financing used in real estate transactions where a property is bought and resold quickly. This loan can be repaid in just a few days if a ready buyer is found.
The Gator Method was created by Pace Morby to provide a solution for people who need access to finance. He wanted to form a community or network of people who would help fund each other within that community.
People within these networks have to trust each other to make the model work, which makes it easier to get the money needed for investments. This trust also leads to more favorable financing terms.
The funding model is flexible, allowing community members to work out terms that they wouldn't typically get with traditional funding models. All you need is consensus and ensure the terms are mutually beneficial.
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How Does It Work?
The Gator Method works by providing small loans to wholesalers to fund their earnest money deposit, typically ranging from $500 to $10,000.

Successful wholesalers often have multiple properties under contract and may need a short-term loan to secure their next deal.
These loans are known as Gator Lending and can be approved immediately, especially with a good relationship between the lender and the wholesaler.
The loan term can be as short as 1 day or as long as 30 days, and comes with a higher-than-average interest rate plus origination fees.
Repayment is expected immediately at the closing of the deal, which is typically fast due to the motivated sellers involved.
The quick turnaround and high fees may seem daunting, but they can provide nice returns that can be quickly reinvested into other deals.
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Alternatives and Options
If the gator method doesn't align with your investment goals, experience, or skill set, there are several alternative real estate investment options to explore. Hard money loans provide short-term financing, often structured with interest-only payments and a balloon payment at the end of the term, typically between 6 and 12 months.
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Traditional wholesaling is an attractive option for investors who prefer not to take ownership of a property. This approach involves securing the rights to a property contract and selling those rights to an end buyer rather than buying the property outright. Traditional wholesalers identify investment-worthy properties and connect them with interested buyers, bypassing the need for significant capital.
Hard money loans can offer rapid funding, sometimes within days, making them ideal for short-term investments. New Silver provides instant term sheets and loan pre-approval, making it easy for investors to secure quick capital.
Joint Ventures
Joint ventures can be a game-changer in real estate investing. They allow you to leverage partnerships to secure funding for investments when you lack sufficient capital.
A key benefit of joint ventures is that they can help you bridge the gap between your available funds and the total investment amount required for a deal.
Gator lenders, for instance, can provide the deficit in exchange for a 50% equity stake in the property, allowing you to proceed with the purchase. They often take a long-term investment perspective, making them a viable option for securing funding.
Pooling funds from multiple gator lenders is also a viable option, as it can help you finance your real estate deal more effectively. This approach underscores the versatility of gator lenders, who can range from individual investors to organized entities.
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Alternatives

If you're looking for alternatives to the Gator Method, there are several options to explore. Hard money loans provide short-term financing with interest-only payments and a balloon payment at the end of the term, typically between 6 and 12 months.
Traditional wholesaling is an attractive option for those who prefer not to take ownership of a property. This approach involves securing the rights to a property contract and selling those rights to an end buyer rather than buying the property outright.
Bridge loans serve as short-term financing solutions that help investors "bridge" the gap between acquiring a new property and selling an existing one. They're especially valuable for quick resale or refinance situations.
For investors lacking the capital to finance a deal on their own, partnering with another investor can be a great solution. This approach reduces risk for the investor without funds and creates an opportunity to participate in real estate deals without needing a loan.
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Real estate crowdfunding enables investors to raise capital by pooling funds from multiple contributors. Through crowdfunding platforms, investors can pitch their real estate projects and attract funding from others interested in supporting the deal.
Hard money loans are ideal for short-term investments, similar to those funded using the Gator Method. They often provide rapid funding, sometimes within days, to compensate for the risk.
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Reviews and Legitimacy
Many students and experienced investors like Graham Stephan and Jordan Belfort have praised the Gator Method, commending its approach to creative real estate investing and wealth building.
However, not everyone is a fan, with some critics calling it overhyped and not worth the price tag of $3,000. They argue that actual results depend heavily on individual effort and market engagement.
The course's comprehensive content, hands-on support through the "Gator Tribe", and supportive community have made it a popular strategy among real estate investors seeking to minimize risks and maximize profits.
Is the Legit?
The Gator Method is a legitimate approach to investing, but it's essential to understand its unconventional nature and potential challenges.
Yes, there is money to be made using the Gator Method, as it leverages short-term funding, quick transactions, and minimal holding times.
Finding wholesalers and deals can be a significant challenge, and giving an unsecured loan to someone who may not be able to pay you back comes with inherent risks.
The Gator Method's legitimacy is rooted in its strategic approach, making it a viable option for those who understand how to navigate it.
It's crucial to be aware of the potential challenges and risks associated with this method to avoid any financial pitfalls.
Reviews
Reviews can be a wild ride, especially when it comes to the Gator Method. You'll find a mix of glowing endorsements and scathing criticisms.
Graham Stephan, a well-known real estate expert, praises the Gator Method for helping him with his real estate career. Jordan Belfort, the infamous Wolf of Wall Street, also gives Pace high marks for being genuine.

Students who've used the Gator Method are singing its praises, saying it's helped them navigate the complex world of creative real estate investing and wealth building. However, not everyone is a fan.
Some reviewers think the Gator Method is overhyped and not worth the price tag. They claim it doesn't deliver what it promises, and they're warning others to steer clear.
Who Can Use It
The gator method is a versatile strategy that can be used by various types of real estate investors. Newer investors with limited capital can benefit from this approach, as it allows them to secure quick financing and seize profitable opportunities without using their own capital.
Investors in fast-paced markets can also use the gator method to access immediate cash, which is essential for making timely decisions in competitive markets. The gator method provides a way to secure earnest money deposits and short-term property ownership, making it perfect for high-demand areas.
Prepared investors with contingency plans are ideal candidates for the gator method, as they can anticipate and prepare for unexpected outcomes. This approach requires careful planning, including the possibility of holding a property if a sale doesn't proceed as expected.
Well-connected, skilled negotiators can also thrive with the gator method, as successful use of this strategy often involves securing favorable terms with a gator lender, real estate agents, buyers, and sellers. Strong industry networks and effective negotiation skills are key to achieving success with the gator method.
Here are the types of investors who can benefit from the gator method:
- Newer investors with limited capital
- Investors in fast-paced markets
- Prepared investors with contingency plans
- Well-connected, skilled negotiators
The gator method can benefit a wide range of CRE investors, including those who need to pay earnest money deposits, CRE flippers operating in restricted markets, and long-term investors who want to form partnerships with gator lenders.
Cost and Financing
The cost of joining The Gator Method is a significant upfront investment, with a one-time payment option of $2,997 or a payment plan of two monthly payments of $1,697 and three monthly payments of $500, totaling $4,894.
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There are no discounts or coupon codes available, so you'll need to pay the full price. This is a financial commitment that should not be taken lightly.
The Gator Method also has a strict no-refund policy, meaning you won't be able to get a refund if you decide to terminate your access to the products.
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Cost
The cost of The Gator Method is a significant investment. The one-time payment option costs $2,997.
You can also choose a payment plan, which involves two monthly payments of $1,697 or three monthly payments of $500, totaling $4,894.
Unfortunately, there are no discounts or coupon codes available for The Gator Method, so you'll need to pay the full price.
The no-refund policy is also worth noting - there are no refunds for the annual fee or upfront costs, whether in full or pro-rated for any unused days if access to the products is terminated.
Final Thoughts on Financing Strategy
The gator method is a practical and flexible funding solution for real estate investors who can navigate its unique demands.
This method offers quick capital access, enabling investors to close real estate deals and respond swiftly to market opportunities. It requires a solid understanding of double closings and strong lender relationships, as well as contingency planning for unexpected outcomes.
Investors who choose the gator method must be prepared to handle its complexities, but it can be a game-changer for those who are willing to put in the work.
Alternative strategies like hard money loans, traditional wholesaling, bridge loans, joint ventures, and crowdfunding also offer viable paths for real estate investors. These options allow investors to select the approach that best aligns with their experience, goals, and risk tolerance.
Ultimately, investors can effectively fund real estate deals with the right knowledge and preparation, regardless of whether they choose the gator method or an alternative strategy.
Finding Deals and Funding
To succeed with the Gator Method, you need to find motivated sellers and properties that can be improved to maximize their value. This can be done by targeting sellers who need to offload their properties due to financial distress, such as recent divorcees or those who need to relocate.
A good place to start is by setting up alerts on real estate platforms like Zillow, Redfin, or Realtor.com to identify properties that have sat on the market for a while. You can also attend real estate auctions, but make sure to do your due diligence on the property ahead of the auction.
Finding a Realtor who specializes in distressed properties can also be beneficial. They can identify properties for you and help speed up the closing process. Additionally, driving for dollars by driving around neighborhoods and looking for signs of distressed properties can also yield potential deals.
To find hard money lenders, you can search online, ask for referrals, or attend real estate events. It's essential to work with lenders who offer short-term, rapid loans tailored to the unique needs of these transactions.
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Here are some effective ways to find deals:
- Find Motivated Sellers: Target sellers who need to offload their properties due to some form of financial distress.
- Set Up Alerts On Real Estate Platforms: Zillow, Redfin, or Realtor.com are the best sites to identify properties that have sat on the market for a while.
- Attend Real Estate Auctions: Auctions are a great place to find below-market properties.
- Find a Realtor Who Specializes in Distressed Properties: They can identify properties for you and help speed up the closing.
- Drive for Dollars: This is an old-school method, but it can be effective in finding potential deals.
It's also essential to build strong relationships with lenders and understand the specific legal and logistical aspects of double closings, which are essential to executing the Gator Method smoothly.
Pace Morby Course and Reviews
The Pace Morby course is a popular educational resource for real estate investors, particularly those interested in the Gator Method of flipping houses.
Pace Morby is a well-known expert in the field of real estate investing and has developed a comprehensive course that teaches students how to find undervalued properties and negotiate successful deals.
The course covers topics such as market research, property valuation, and negotiation strategies, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the world of real estate investing.
Many students have reported significant increases in their real estate investing profits after taking the Pace Morby course, with some even reporting returns of 10-20% per deal.
The course is designed to be self-paced, allowing students to learn at their own speed and on their own schedule.
Reviews of the Pace Morby course are overwhelmingly positive, with many students praising the course's comprehensive and practical approach to real estate investing.
Final Thoughts and Considerations
The gator method can be a game-changer for real estate investors who are ready to take on its unique demands. It offers quick capital access, enabling investors to close deals and respond swiftly to market opportunities.
To succeed with the gator method, you'll need a solid understanding of double closings, which can be a complex process. This includes working with lenders who are familiar with this type of financing.
Strong lender relationships are crucial for navigating the gator method, so be prepared to invest time and effort into building these connections. This will help you avoid potential pitfalls and ensure a smooth transaction.
Contingency planning is also essential for unexpected outcomes, such as a deal falling through or a lender backing out. Having a plan in place will help you stay on track and minimize financial losses.
While the gator method is a viable option for many investors, it's not the only choice. Alternative strategies like hard money loans, traditional wholesaling, bridge loans, joint ventures, and crowdfunding also offer viable paths.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 70 30 rule in flipping houses?
The 70/30 rule in house flipping is a guideline that recommends buying a property at 70% of its after-repair value to ensure a 30% profit margin. This margin covers costs and potential losses, making it a crucial factor in successful real estate investing.
What is the average ROI for flipping houses?
The average ROI for flipping houses is around 26.9%, based on national data from 2022. However, it's worth noting that returns have been decreasing slightly in recent years.
Sources
- https://newsilver.com/the-lender/the-gator-method-real-estate/
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/gator-method-explained-pace-morby-nobsimreviews-gcvpe
- https://crushingrei.com/gator-method/
- https://callporter.com/blog/category/uncategorized/page/2/
- https://www.lettriq.com/mastering-real-estate-flips-a-comprehensive-guide-with-gator-lending/
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