These days it’s particularly tough for someone involved in a small-business real-estate venture to find funding.

David Gass, founder of Business Credit Services of Las Vegas, offers these suggestions to real estate entrepreneurs in search of investors or loans.

• Put together financial documentation for your plan. Detail the time and money and "sweat equity" that you've already put in, the income potential, and the amount that you’re prepared to invest going forward,. Calculate a profit-and-loss statement that factors in costs for maintenance, repairs, property taxes, and advertising.

• Talk to local bankers first. They are the ones most likely to understand your business.

• Private investors and angel investor networks are another alternative. If you go this route, work with an attorney. "You need a solid structure in place with the right operating agreement to protect all parties," Gass says.

Source: NAR