Fitzmonkey Money Lender St. Louis
Introduction
In the fast-paced world of real estate investing, having reliable funding partners can make the difference between winning a deal or missing out. That’s where lenders like Fitzmonkey Money Lender St. Louis come in. Often called Fitzmonkey Funding or Fitzmonkey Private Money, this lender focuses on short-term financing for investment properties, rehabs, and fix & flip projects. If you’re considering working with them, understanding how they operate, the benefits and risks, and what to expect is crucial.
What is Fitzmonkey Money Lender St. Louis?
Fitzmonkey is a private money lender based in St. Louis, Missouri. Their specialty is offering short-term loans to real estate investors, especially those who want fast turnaround, flexible conditions, and based more on property potential than perfect credit histories. Instead of the slow, lengthy processes of banks, they focus on speed, practicality, and ability to rehab and exit deals.
From what is known, the owner or lead associated with Fitzmonkey is Michael J. Fitzgibbon, who has past experience in real estate investment and related business activities. His credentials show that he is involved with FitzMonkey Funding LLC as a private money lender serving the St. Louis region.
Key Features and Offerings
Here are the major features of what Fitzmonkey tends to offer, and what makes it appealing to investors:
- Short-Term Real Estate Financing: Loans are typically structured for brief periods (e.g. 2-6 months), designed to help with acquisition, rehab, or bridging until long-term financing can be secured.
- Flexible Underwriting: Instead of only evaluating credit scores, they put weight on property value, after-repair value (ARV), the planned rehab scope, and exit strategy.
- Rehab / Draw-Based Funding: Funds are often released in stages, tied to rehab milestones (e.g. completing certain renovations or inspections). This helps ensure rehab work is progressing before more funds are given.
- Local Market Focus: Because Fitzmonkey is rooted in St. Louis, they have familiarity with local neighborhoods, property pricing, demand, and what it takes to make profitable fixes in that market.
Table 1: Fitzmonkey vs Traditional Lenders
| Feature | Fitzmonkey Money Lender St. Louis | Traditional Banks / Conventional Lenders |
| Speed of Approval | Days (often fast) | Weeks or more |
| Credit Requirements | More forgiving if property and plan are solid | Often strict credit & long financial history needed |
| Funding Disbursement | Draws on rehab stages | Lump sums or fixed release periods |
| Flexibility of Terms | More adaptable, locally savvy | More standardized and rigid |
| Focus on Exit Strategy | Critical part of evaluation | Sometimes secondary, after income & credit |
Who Fitzmonkey is Good For & When It Doesn’t Fit
Ideal Scenarios:
- Investors doing fix & flips in St. Louis who need rehab capital quickly.
- Someone who has strong rehab plans and clear exit strategy (sell or refinance).
- Deals where time matters—fast closings or competitive purchase offers.
When It May Not Be Ideal:
- Small rehab projects with minimal upside may have costs that reduce profit margins given higher fees/interest.
- Investors without experience, unclear plans, or weak financial backup may find the risk higher.
- If the market slows down or property values do not rise as expected, carrying the short-term loan and fees becomes riskier.
Table 2: Key Considerations & Risks
| Risk / Consideration | What to Watch Out For |
| High Interest / Fees | Always factor total cost including interest + rehab + fees |
| Tight Timelines | Delays in rehab can erode profits |
| Exit Strategy Failure | If selling or refinancing doesn’t happen as planned |
| Property Condition Surprises | Hidden issues can add unexpected cost/time |
| Collateral Risk | In case of default, property may be taken by lender |
How the Lending Process Works
Here’s a typical workflow if you choose to use Fitzmonkey Money Lender St. Louis:
- Initial Application / Inquiry
You’ll present a property deal, the purchase price, rehab cost estimates, and your planned exit strategy. - Preliminary Evaluation
Fitzmonkey reviews the proposed after-repair value (ARV), comparable property sales in the area, and feasibility of your rehab plans. - Term Sheet / Offer
They’ll issue a term sheet that includes loan amount, interest rate, draw schedule (how rehab funds are released), fees, and repayment timeline. - Documentation and Proofs
You will need to provide documentation — contractor estimates or bids, permits, title status, insurance, etc. - Funding and Rehab
After closing, draws are disbursed at various rehab stages. You complete required work and possibly inspections to qualify for draws. - Exit / Repayment
At the end of the term, you repay the principal + interest and fees by selling the property or refinancing into a longer-term loan. - Potential for Future Deals
Good performance (on-time completion, transparency) may help you secure better terms in subsequent deals.
Regulations, Transparency, and Borrower Protection
While private money lenders are not as strictly regulated as banks, there are still important legal and ethical practices to watch out for when dealing with Fitzmonkey or similar lenders:
- Make sure you fully understand interest rate, origination fees, and all costs in writing.
- Ensure draw schedules are clearly defined in contract so you know when rehab funds will be released.
- Clarify what collateral is being used, and what happens in case of default.
- Check whether the lender is transparent in communications, inspections, and timelines.
Final Thoughts
Fitzmonkey Money Lender St. Louis presents an opportunity for real estate investors who need speed, flexibility, and local expertise. If you have a strong plan, a property with upside, and clear exit strategy, this lender can be a powerful tool. However, as with all private / hard money lenders, the trade-offs include higher interest rates, tight timelines, and risk.
Before you commit, run the numbers carefully. Include all rehab costs, fees, interest, and potential delays. Then decide if the upside justifies the cost. If so, Fitzmonkey Money Lender St. Louis could help turn your property investing goals into reality.