Case Study

Flipping Fast: How a Chicago Investor Closed in Just 7 Days

March 20, 2026. Summary A two-unit multifamily property in Chicago, IL was at risk when an experienced fix-and-flip investor lost financing just days before closing. With deadlines tightening and capital on the line, Loan Officer Ben Shrara stepped in with a strategic and fast-moving solution—successfully structuring and closing the loan in just 7 days while preserving the investor’s profitability. Real Stories. Real Challenges. Real Solutions. Every loan has a story behind the numbers. In this section, The Elite Officer highlights real-world cases where Loan Officers turned complex challenges into successful closings. Each case shows how persistence, creativity, and financial strategy can make the difference between a stalled deal and a successful closing. The Deal at a Glance Property Type: 2-unit multifamily (Fix & Flip) Location: Chicago, Illinois Loan Amount: $509,900 Interest Rate: 11.5% Loan-to-Value (LTV): 90% Loan-to-Cost (LTC): 92.7% ARLTV: 63% Closing Time: 7 days Loan Program: Fix & Flip The Challenge An experienced investor was ready to move forward with a promising fix-and-flip opportunity in Chicago when their original lender failed to deliver—just days before closing. This unexpected breakdown created immediate pressure: The investor risked losing the property and deposit Tight contractual deadlines left no room for delays A new appraisal would increase costs and extend timelines The deal’s profitability depended on speed and efficiency With both time and capital at stake, the investor needed a lender capable of stepping in immediately with a reliable and strategic solution. The Solution Recognizing the urgency, Ben Shrara and the Express Capital Financing team acted quickly and decisively. The first key move was coordinating the reassignment of the original appraisal from the previous lender. This eliminated the need for a new appraisal, saving both time and unnecessary costs—while keeping the deal financially viable. At the same time, Ben streamlined communication across all parties, ensuring that documentation, underwriting, and approvals moved forward without delays. To align with the investor’s strategy, the loan was structured with highly competitive leverage: 90% of the purchase price 100% of the rehabilitation costs This tailored approach allowed the investor to preserve liquidity while maintaining the project’s return potential. Through proactive management, clear communication, and creative problem-solving, the entire transaction was completed in just one week. The Outcome The investor successfully closed on the property within 7 days, avoiding financial loss and maintaining the project timeline. By leveraging an existing appraisal and structuring an efficient loan, the deal remained profitable and on track for execution. Takeaway for Loan Officers Speed is a competitive advantage: When deals are time-sensitive, responsiveness can be the difference between success and failure. Creativity reduces friction: Leveraging existing resources—like appraisals—can save both time and money. Communication is critical: Coordinating all parties efficiently keeps deals moving under pressure. Structure matters: Tailored loan solutions help investors protect capital and maximize returns. Ben Shrara Loan Officer at Express Capital Financing Click to contact Ben Shrara, a Loan Officer at Express Capital Financing, excels in Investment Purpose Real Estate Lending. With expertise in fix-and-flip loans, ground-up construction financing, DSCR loans, and bridge loans, Ben delivers tailored solutions to investors nationwide. His deep understanding of diverse asset types and creative financing strategies empowers clients to navigate complex deals and maximize profitability confidently.