This will depend on your exit strategy. For instance, if you have found a great deal on a property from a distressed seller, and you intend to merely flip the property and all you need is short-term capital to carry you until you re-sell the property, credit scores are not that relevant.  If, however, you intend to rehab the property and carry it as a rental, then you will be need to refinance out of the hard money loan.  In such a case, we will take a close look at your credit to determine why your scores are low and will make sure you have the ability to refinance the loan before risking capital in the deal.