Contests & prizes
Sharpen your underwriting, win real money toward your next deal, and get your analysis reviewed by working lenders. Free to enter.
Deal Analysis Challenge: Winter 2026
We publish a real (anonymized) fix-and-flip scenario — purchase price, scope, comps, market data. You submit a one-page underwriting: ARV with comp adjustments, budget with contingency, financing structure using our calculators, timeline, exit and risks. A panel of three lender underwriters scores entries on accuracy, realism and risk awareness.
1st prize
2nd prize
3rd prize + 5 honorable mentions
Winners also receive a written critique from the judging panel. Scenario packet is emailed to registrants on November 15, 2026.
Register to enterUpcoming
First-Flip Scholarship — Spring 2027
$2,500 toward closing costs on a first investment property for an entrant who has completed our guide series and submits a fundable deal. Sponsor opportunities open.
Best Lender Term Sheet Breakdown
Readers submit (redacted) term sheets they received and their analysis of total cost; best breakdown wins $500 and publication.
Official rules (summary)
- No purchase or payment necessary. Open to legal residents of the United States and Canada aged 18+, excluding employees of Hard.Money, sponsors and judges and their immediate families. Void where prohibited.
- One entry per person per contest. Entries must be original work; by entering you grant Hard.Money a license to publish your entry with attribution.
- Judging is by a panel on stated criteria; decisions are final. Winners are notified by email within 21 days of the deadline and must respond within 7 days.
- Prizes are paid in USD by electronic transfer. Winners are responsible for any taxes; U.S. winners of $600+ receive a 1099.
- Hard.Money may modify or cancel a contest if fewer than 25 valid entries are received or for reasons beyond its control. Full rules are provided with the scenario packet.
Register for the Winter 2026 Challenge
Want to sponsor a contest or prize? Sponsorships.