Real Estate Financing for Cannabis Professionals: A Homebuyer's Guide
- Ishqa Hillman
- Aug 19
- 5 min read
From our recent conversation with Dennis Cid and Maria Moctezuma, two dynamic real estate professionals who understand both traditional property markets and the unique challenges facing cannabis industry workers.
The cannabis industry continues to evolve, and with it, the financial goals and homeownership dreams of the professionals working within it. Understanding real estate financing for cannabis professionals has become increasingly important as more industry workers seek to build wealth through property ownership. Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dennis Cid and Maria Moctezuma, a mentor-mentee real estate team who've been making waves in Southern California's competitive market while serving clients from all backgrounds—including those in cannabis.
The Entrepreneurial Journey: From Cannabis to Real Estate
Maria's story particularly resonates with our community. Six years ago, she was working at Papa and Barkley, passionate about the endocannabinoid system and helping clients understand cannabis. But like many entrepreneurs, she felt called to diversify her skills and income streams. Real estate became that next chapter—not as a replacement for her cannabis passion, but as a complement to it.
"I had no idea what I was doing or what I was gonna do. I just kind of went with where I was called, you know, where can I help?" Maria reflects. Today, she successfully balances both worlds, maintaining her involvement in cannabis while building a thriving real estate career.
Dennis's transition was equally bold. In 2020, when the pandemic hit and schools closed, he left a successful car sales career to take a "leap of faith" into real estate. The timing allowed him to stay home with his children while building something new—a decision that's paid off handsomely.
Content Creation That Actually Works
Both Dennis and Maria have mastered something many real estate professionals struggle with: social media that converts. Their approach is refreshingly practical:
The Batch Recording System: They dedicate one day per week to recording multiple pieces of content, then distribute it throughout the week. This "batch and post" method eliminates the daily stress of "what should I post today?"
Platform-Specific Timing: They track data religiously, posting at optimal times for each platform—TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube all have different peak engagement windows.
Authenticity Over Perfection: "Don't overthink it," Dennis emphasizes. "Post and forget. Don't even worry about the views. Just keep posting." Sometimes the content you think is throwaway becomes your most viral piece.
Team Collaboration: Rather than competition, they see collaboration. When Maria has a popular luxury property, Dennis might also create content at the same location. "There's enough for everybody to eat," Maria notes.
For editing, they recommend Cap Cut and Instagram's built-in editing features, but stress that technology should enhance, not complicate, your process.
Rethinking Homeownership: Investment Before Lifestyle
One of the most eye-opening insights from our conversation challenges conventional thinking about when and what to buy. Dennis breaks it down simply: "Sometimes it makes sense to rent where you're gonna live and invest where you're gonna buy."
This strategy is particularly relevant in expensive markets like Los Angeles and Orange County. You might pay $5,000 monthly to rent in a multimillion-dollar neighborhood, while purchasing in that same area would cost $10,000-15,000 monthly. Instead, consider renting in your desired lifestyle location while purchasing an investment property—perhaps a condo in Long Beach or another emerging area—that you can rent out while building equity.
The 15-Year Rule: California real estate historically doubles in value every 15 years. That $275,000 condo today becomes a $500,000+ asset down the line, all while potentially generating rental income.
Cannabis Real Estate Financing Challenges and Solutions
Here's where things get complicated for our community. Real estate financing for cannabis professionals presents unique challenges because cannabis remains federally illegal. Cannabis industry employees face restrictions that other professionals don't encounter when seeking home loans:
Understanding Cannabis Real Estate Financing Options
No FHA Loans: Government-backed FHA loans, which typically allow purchases with lower credit scores (580-620) and down payments as low as 3.5%, aren't available to cannabis workers.
Conventional Loans Only: Cannabis industry employees must qualify for conventional loans, which require:
Higher credit scores (650+ instead of 580-620)
3-5% down payment (similar to FHA)
Stronger financial documentation
Alternative Documentation: Don't have traditional W-2s? Lenders can work with bank statements and CPA-prepared income verification forms.
Future Outlook: If cannabis gets federally rescheduled or legalized, these restrictions would disappear, opening up all traditional financing options.
The Reality of California's Housing Market
The team provided sobering insights into current market conditions:
Still a Seller's Market: Despite economic uncertainty, properties continue receiving multiple offers. Maria recently represented a seller in Southgate whose home sold for $80,000-100,000 over asking price with seven offers.
Migration Patterns: LA and San Francisco residents are increasingly looking south to Long Beach and Orange County, driven by affordability and job opportunities.
Rent vs. Buy Calculations: In LA County, landlords can only raise rent 3% annually, while Long Beach allows 8-9% increases. This affects long-term affordability calculations for renters.
Getting Started: The First Conversation
If you're considering homeownership, Dennis and Maria emphasize that the first step isn't getting pre-approved—it's having an honest conversation about your goals and timeline.
Who Should Reach Out:
Anyone with stable employment and work history
Those with a minimum 600 credit score (though 620+ is ideal)
People with some money set aside for a down payment
Anyone curious about their options, even if not ready to buy immediately
What to Expect:
No pressure tactics—they'll provide information and let you decide
Exploration of your needs, timeline, and criteria
Discussion of whether you're a good fit for each other
Guidance toward appropriate lenders and next steps
Many of their clients work with them for over a year before making a purchase, moving at their own pace rather than being rushed into decisions.
Building Wealth Through Strategic Thinking
The conversation reminded me why real estate remains such a powerful wealth-building tool, even for those of us in emerging industries like cannabis. Mastering real estate financing for cannabis professionals isn't just about homeownership—it's about building generational wealth. The key isn't waiting until you can afford your dream home—it's starting with what you can afford and letting time and appreciation work in your favor.
As Dennis puts it: "Don't wait to buy real estate. Buy real estate and wait."
Whether you're a longtime cannabis industry professional or someone just entering the space, consider how property ownership might fit into your long-term financial strategy. Even if you can't buy where you want to live today, you might be able to buy something that starts building your wealth for tomorrow.
Want to connect with Dennis and Maria? Find Dennis at @dennis.cid and Maria at @moctzuma.re.co on Instagram. They serve all of Southern California and are always happy to answer questions, even if you're just starting to explore your options.
Ready to explore homeownership or real estate investment? The first conversation costs nothing but could change everything.
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