What is a Buy Box?

A buy box is a tool real estate investors use to determine the types of properties they want to purchase. The buy box is usually broken down into columns and details the criteria a property must meet to be considered for purchase. This tool helps real estate investors focus on their goals when analyzing potential real estate deals.

The buy box can consist of standards that are important to the investor. Common criteria may include, but is not limited to location, prices, property type, size of the property, or age of the property. This simple tool helps real estate investors focus on certain properties. If a property does not meet the criteria in a buy box, the investor knows to move on to another project.

The buy box is used as a filter to focus on properties that a real estate investor is truly interested in. Defining the criteria of a buy box also helps investors avoid being overwhelmed by an abundance of real estate opportunities.

Example of a Buy Box used in Real Estate

The image above shows an example of a buy box. In this example, the real estate investor wants to focus on acquiring small apartment complexes in Houston, TX or Galveston, TX. If a deal presents itself for a property in Dallas, TX our investor may pass on the opportunity because it does not fit the criteria in the buy box.

While a buy box is a useful tool, it can be changed as the investor maneuvers the real estate market. It can be adjusted to redefine goals as a business or investment portfolio grows. Creating a buy box is a great way to stay focused and possibly achieve real estate investing success.

Need help creating a buy box? Download your buy box template HERE!


Investor Loan Source, a private money lending company, provides high-quality investment property loans to private real estate investors at the lowest costs possible. Our process for providing real estate investors with private lending is unique. We place emphasis on the hard asset and value of the collateral (property) and less on the borrower. Our asset-based real estate investment loan model means we can provide more money lending to more investors than is available from standard bank loan models. At Investor Loan Source, providing real estate investors hard money loans is our business; it’s all we do. We offer several business real estate loans products designed to serve a variety of investors and property profiles, including private money lending for properties to sell on owner finance. 

To learn more about Investor Loan Source, visit our website or follow us on LinkedInFacebook, and Twitter. To apply for a loan, click HERE.

The Value in Fix and Flip Loans

Investor Loan Source offers short-term purchase loans to real estate investors. Finding a lender that understands the value of a fix & flip property is very important. A fix & flip loan can provide the cash you need to grow your real estate portfolio.

Click the video below to hear Tom Berry explain how valuable fix and flip loans are for real estate investors.


Investor Loan Source, a private money lending company, provides high-quality investment property loans to private real estate investors at the lowest costs possible. Our process for providing real estate investors with private lending is unique. We place emphasis on the hard asset and value of the collateral (property) and less on the borrower. Our asset-based real estate investment loan model means we can provide more money lending to more investors than is available from standard bank loan models. At Investor Loan Source, providing real estate investors hard money loans is our business; it’s all we do. We offer several business real estate loans products designed to serve a variety of investors and property profiles, including private money lending for properties to sell on owner finance. 

To learn more about Investor Loan Source, visit our website or follow us on LinkedInFacebook, and Twitter. To apply for a loan, click HERE.

Having Integrity in Business

Integrity is a word that many people are familiar with, but not everyone understands what this means when it comes to doing business with others. Integrity is important because it builds trust and enhances your relationship with business partners and potential clients.

In the video below, Tom Berry shares his thoughts on what it means to have integrity in business.


Investor Loan Source, a private money lending company, provides high-quality investment property loans to private real estate investors at the lowest costs possible. Our process for providing real estate investors with private lending is unique. We place emphasis on the hard asset and value of the collateral (property) and less on the borrower. Our asset-based real estate investment loan model means we can provide more money lending to more investors than is available from standard bank loan models. At Investor Loan Source, providing real estate investors hard money loans is our business; it’s all we do. We offer several business real estate loans products designed to serve a variety of investors and property profiles, including private money lending for properties to sell on owner finance. 

To learn more about Investor Loan Source, visit our website or follow us on LinkedInFacebook, and Twitter. To apply for a loan, click HERE.