David Gilley
Builder. Borrower. Investor. 27 years in the field — on every side of the deal.
I've Been Where You Are
I started building at 18 years old. Not as a summer job — as a career. Over the next 27 years I worked my way through every phase of construction: framing, masonry, project management, luxury renovations, ground-up builds. I became a Certified Master Brick Mason and spent over two decades completing some of the most prestigious homes in the Winter Park and Orlando metro areas alongside firms like Marx & Michaels, HG Construction, Phil Keen Design Architecture, and Winter Park Construction.
At the same time, I was borrowing money. For over 25 years I've been an active real estate investor — taking out loans, managing draws, navigating lenders who didn't understand construction timelines, and dealing with the frustrations that come when a lender sees a spreadsheet instead of a project. I know what it feels like to be on your side of the table.
Red Star Private Funding is the lender I always wished existed. One that reviews your deal with a builder's eye, helps you think through your exit strategy before you close, and stays engaged with your project because we want you to succeed — not just collect a payment.
"Foreclosures are boring. We love to win."
The Builder. The Borrower. The Investor.
Most lenders understand one side of a deal. I've lived all three.
The Builder
27 years of hands-on construction experience means I can read a set of plans, spot budget problems before they happen, and understand exactly what a project needs to get from permit to certificate of occupancy. When I review your deal, I'm not guessing — I've built it.
The Borrower
I've borrowed money for over 25 years as an active investor. I know the frustration of slow decisions, lenders who don't understand draws, and capital that shows up too late. I built Red Star to fix every one of those problems.
The Investor
I understand returns, exit strategies, and what makes a deal pencil. Whether you're flipping, building to rent, or developing raw land, I can help you think through the numbers — not just approve the loan.
What I Can Help You With
Beyond the loan — real expertise you can use.
Plan Review
I'll review your construction plans with a builder's eye — catching scope gaps, sequencing issues, and cost surprises before they become problems on site.
Budget Analysis
27 years of pricing projects means I can tell you quickly whether your numbers are realistic, where you're light, and where you have room to tighten.
Exit Strategy
Before we fund, we think through how you get out. Sale, refinance, rent — every project needs a clear path to payoff and I'll help you map it.
Project Management Consulting
Workflow, subcontractor sequencing, draw scheduling, milestone planning — I can help you run a tighter project from day one.
Construction Workflow
Having built since 18, I understand how projects move. I can help you avoid the scheduling mistakes that blow timelines and budgets.
Investor Mentorship
New to real estate investing? I've been doing this for 25+ years. I'm happy to share what I've learned — the wins and the hard lessons.
Background & Credentials
Let My Experience Work for You
Call or text me directly. Let's talk through your project.