Question 1

How is private (hard money) lending different from a bank loan?

Accepted Answer

We are asset-based, which means we underwrite the property, its equity, and your business plan rather than your personal income and tax returns. Because we lend our own capital and decide in house, we fund in days instead of the 30 to 60+ days a bank takes, on short interest-only terms built around a flip, refinance, or sale. You pay a higher rate than a bank in exchange for speed, flexibility, and certainty on deals a bank cannot fund in time.

Question 2

Do you lend to individuals, or do I need an LLC?

Accepted Answer

Most of our borrowers take title in a business entity such as an LLC, corporation, or partnership rather than personally. What makes a loan business-purpose is how the funds are used, buying, improving, or refinancing investment or commercial property, not the entity that borrows. Holding the property in a single-purpose LLC is standard practice for investors and quick to set up; talk to your attorney or CPA about the right structure, and we can walk you through what we need before closing.

Question 3

Are these consumer mortgages? Can I use one for my own home?

Accepted Answer

No. Every program we offer is a business-purpose loan for investment or commercial real estate, not a consumer mortgage. You cannot use these loans to buy or refinance the home you live in. The deciding factor is the purpose of the loan, financing non-owner-occupied or income property, not the property type alone.

Question 4

What states do you lend in?

Accepted Answer

We are a direct private lender working nationwide, in most states. A few programs carry state-specific nuances, so we will confirm availability for your exact scenario the first time we talk.

Question 5

How fast can you close?

Accepted Answer

Fix and flip and residential bridge loans typically close in 5 to 7 days once we have your basics. Rental (DSCR) loans usually take 2 to 3 weeks because of the appraisal and rent verification, and SBA financing runs 30 to 90 days. The biggest variable is how quickly title, insurance, and your documents come together.

Question 6

Do you check credit, and is there a minimum score?

Accepted Answer

We do run credit, but on our asset-based loans it carries far less weight than at a bank, and weaker credit can often be offset with a larger down payment or lower leverage. There is no personal income test on these programs. Credit matters most on long-term rental loans, where we look for a 640 minimum and it affects your rate and leverage.

Question 7

Do I need to provide income documents or tax returns?

Accepted Answer

Generally no. Our bridge, fix and flip, and construction loans qualify off the property and your equity, and our DSCR rental loans qualify off the property's rent, so we do not ask for W-2s or pay stubs. We will want to see bank statements or proof of reserves. SBA and conventional investment loans are the exceptions and are fully documented.

Question 8

What do you need to give me a quote?

Accepted Answer

Just the basics of the deal: the property address or type, the purchase price or current value, your rehab budget, the loan amount, and your exit plan. We can often pre-qualify you over the phone or through a short application and issue a proof-of-funds letter before you are even under contract.

Question 9

What is a point, and how do your rates compare to a bank?

Accepted Answer

A point is an upfront fee equal to 1% of the loan amount, and origination on private loans typically runs 1 to 3 points. Our rates are higher than a bank, generally in the high single digits to low teens depending on the program, because the loans are short, fast, and flexible. When you compare offers, weigh the rate and the points together as your true cost of capital.

Question 10

What happens if my project runs over schedule?

Accepted Answer

Tell us early. Our fix and flip terms run 6 months, so if a project is trending long, the most important thing is to reach out well before maturity. Depending on your progress and the deal, we may be able to work out an extension, but that is handled case by case and is not guaranteed. The sooner we know, the more we can do to keep you moving toward a successful exit.

Question 11

How much of my fix and flip deal will USAM finance?

Accepted Answer

We fund up to 90% of the purchase price and up to 100% of your rehab budget, with the total capped against the after-repair value (ARV). Rehab money is released in draws as the work is completed. When the ARV supports an interest reserve, we can structure the loan with no monthly payments for its duration, so your cash stays in the project.

Question 12

What interest rate and points should I expect on a flip loan?

Accepted Answer

Our fix and flip pricing starts around 9.99%, interest-only, with origination typically 1 to 3 points depending on your experience, leverage, and the deal, and every quote is subject to underwriting. Across the market most flip loans run roughly 9% to 12%. On most flip loans, including ours, interest is charged on the full loan amount, rehab budget included. Paying interest only on rehab funds as you draw them exists in the market, but it is the exception, not the rule.

Question 13

Do I need flipping experience to qualify?

Accepted Answer

No. We work with first-time flippers as well as full-time operators. Experience mainly affects your leverage and rate, since a longer track record earns higher loan-to-cost and better pricing. A newer investor can still get funded with a sound deal, a realistic budget, and a clear exit.

Question 14

How fast can a fix and flip loan close?

Accepted Answer

We can get you a term sheet the same day on a complete application, and we typically fund within 48 hours of clear title. The main variable is how fast title and insurance come together, which is why a full close usually runs 5 to 7 days. Because we are the lender and underwrite in house, there is no second layer of approval to wait on.

Question 15

Is there a prepayment penalty if I sell quickly?

Accepted Answer

No. Our fix and flip loans have no prepayment penalty, so paying off early when the property sells costs you nothing extra. Terms run 6 months, and because there is no penalty, selling sooner never costs you extra.

Question 16

Do you check credit or require income documents?

Accepted Answer

We run credit, but this is an asset-based loan, so the property, your budget, and the ARV matter most. We do not ask for W-2s or tax returns to qualify a flip. We will want to confirm you have reserves to carry the project to its exit.

Question 17

What is a DSCR loan, and how do I qualify without tax returns?

Accepted Answer

A DSCR (debt service coverage ratio) loan qualifies on the property's rental income instead of your personal income, so there are no W-2s or tax returns required. We compare the rent, from a signed lease or the appraiser's market-rent estimate, against the monthly payment. A DSCR of 1.00 means the rent covers the payment, and we lend with a DSCR as low as 0.75.

Question 18

What rate and terms can I get on a rental loan?

Accepted Answer

Our rental program starts around 5.50% interest-only, with 30-year fixed and 5/7/10-year ARM options, for a single property or a whole portfolio. The lowest pricing goes to strong credit, lower leverage, and a DSCR above 1.20; your quote depends on the file and is subject to underwriting.

Question 19

How much can I borrow, and what is the maximum LTV?

Accepted Answer

We finance up to 80% loan-to-value on a purchase, with rate-and-term and cash-out refinances available, on loan amounts from $100K to $3M. Cash-out leverage is typically a little lower than purchase. The property's cash flow and your credit set your final leverage.

Question 20

What credit score do I need for a DSCR loan?

Accepted Answer

We start at 640, and the best pricing goes to strong credit. Because the loan qualifies on the asset, your score affects your rate and leverage more than whether you are approved.

Question 21

Can I get a DSCR loan on a short-term rental (Airbnb)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, short-term rentals are considered. We can underwrite using market or projected rents, and the property still needs to meet our DSCR. Tell us how the property is operated so we can structure it correctly.

Question 22

Is there a prepayment penalty?

Accepted Answer

Long-term rental loans usually carry a prepayment penalty, commonly a step-down such as 5/4/3/2/1. We offer flexible prepay structures, including buying down to a shorter penalty for a slightly higher rate, and we will lay out the options on your term sheet.

Question 23

How much of my construction project will you finance?

Accepted Answer

We fund new construction up to 70% of value and up to 85% of total cost (land plus build), nationwide, on loans up to $5M. Experienced builders reach the higher end of leverage. We finance both the lot and the vertical construction within those caps.

Question 24

Will you finance the land or lot purchase?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Lot acquisition is funded as part of your loan-to-cost. If you already own the lot, that equity can serve as your down payment, which often lets us fund most or all of the build cost.

Question 25

How does the draw schedule work?

Accepted Answer

Construction funds are released in draws as milestones are completed and verified, not handed over at closing. You submit your budget and scope of work up front, complete a phase, request a draw, and we release that portion after inspection. You pay interest on funds as they are drawn.

Question 26

What are the rates and terms on a ground-up loan?

Accepted Answer

Our construction pricing starts around 10%, interest-only, on terms of 12 to 24 months. Market ground-up rates generally run 9% to 12% with 1 to 3 points. Your pricing and leverage depend on your build experience and the strength of the project.

Question 27

Do you lend to first-time builders?

Accepted Answer

We consider builders at all levels, though a track record helps your leverage and rate. A first-time builder should expect to bring a strong general contractor, a detailed budget, and typically a larger equity contribution. A well-documented project goes a long way.

Question 28

What do you need to quote a construction loan?

Accepted Answer

The lot cost or current value, your construction budget and scope of work, the projected after-built value, and your build experience. With those we can size the loan against both cost and completed value and send you terms.

Question 29

What can a commercial bridge loan be used for?

Accepted Answer

Bridge capital is for repositioning or stabilizing a commercial property before permanent financing: value-add, lease-up, a partner buyout, or pulling equity out through a cash-out. We lend across property types on terms up to 24 to 36 months, with loans up to $10M.

Question 30

What rates, leverage, and terms should I expect?

Accepted Answer

Our commercial bridge pricing starts around 9%, interest-only, up to roughly 75% loan-to-value, on terms up to 24 to 36 months. Published bridge pricing generally runs 8% to 12% with 1 to 3 points. Final terms depend on the asset, the business plan, and sponsor strength.

Question 31

How fast can a commercial bridge loan close?

Accepted Answer

Commercial deals usually close in 2 to 4 weeks. They take a little longer than residential because of the appraisal, the rent roll and operating-statement review, and any third-party reports. We move as fast as the diligence allows and keep one point of contact on your file.

Question 32

Do I need positive cash flow (DSCR) to qualify?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily at closing. Bridge loans are often underwritten interest-only to the as-stabilized business plan rather than a minimum in-place DSCR, since the property is being repositioned. We do want to see a credible path to stabilization and enough in-place income or reserves to carry the loan.

Question 33

What documents do you need for a commercial bridge request?

Accepted Answer

Typically the purchase contract or current debt, a rent roll and trailing-12-month operating statement, your business plan and renovation budget, and sponsor financials. Larger assets may also need a property condition report and an environmental review. We will give you a clear checklist up front.

Question 34

Is the loan recourse, and is cash-out available?

Accepted Answer

Most bridge loans are recourse with a personal guarantee, while lower-leverage non-recourse can be possible on stronger assets. Cash-out is available when there is equity to support it. We structure recourse and leverage around the specific deal.

Question 35

What is transactional funding, and when do I use it?

Accepted Answer

Transactional funding is short-term capital that funds the A-to-B leg of a back-to-back (double) closing, so you can resell to your end buyer (B-to-C) the same day. It is built for wholesalers and assignment deals where you need to take title briefly without using your own cash.

Question 36

How much does transactional funding cost?

Accepted Answer

It is priced as a flat fee rather than an interest rate, since the money is only out for a day or two. Market pricing generally runs about 1% to 3% of the amount funded, with a dollar minimum on small deals. You also cover the normal double-close costs such as title, escrow, and recording.

Question 37

How much of the purchase will you fund?

Accepted Answer

We can fund up to 100% of your purchase price on the A-to-B closing, so you bring no money to the table. The loan is repaid directly from the proceeds of your simultaneous B-to-C sale.

Question 38

Do you check credit or require an appraisal?

Accepted Answer

No. Transactional funding requires no credit check and no appraisal. Approval rests on a verified, ready-to-close end buyer rather than your personal finances, which is why it can fund same-day.

Question 39

What do you need to fund the deal?

Accepted Answer

Your executed A-to-B and B-to-C contracts, proof of the end buyer's funds, and a title or escrow company that allows back-to-back closings. With those in hand we can fund the same day.

Question 40

How long is the loan?

Accepted Answer

Very short, usually a matter of days. It is designed to be repaid out of the same-day or next-day resale, not held like a normal loan.

Question 41

What is a bank statement loan, and how is it different from a no-doc loan?

Accepted Answer

A bank statement loan qualifies you on 12 to 24 months of business or personal bank deposits instead of tax returns, which suits self-employed borrowers whose returns understate their real income. A no-doc (or no-ratio) loan goes further and leans on the property and your reserves rather than any income calculation. Both are business-purpose loans for investment property, not consumer mortgages.

Question 42

Do I really not need tax returns or W-2s?

Accepted Answer

Correct. We do not ask for tax returns, W-2s, or pay stubs on these programs. We verify the deal, your credit, and either your bank-statement cash flow or your reserves, depending on the structure. It is built so write-offs and a complex return do not work against a strong borrower.

Question 43

Who is a bank statement or no-doc loan best for?

Accepted Answer

Self-employed investors, business owners, and 1099 or commission earners whose write-offs shrink their taxable income. If your bank deposits tell a stronger story than your tax return, this is usually the right fit.

Question 44

What credit score and down payment do I need?

Accepted Answer

We lend from a credit score of 640, with the best terms going to stronger credit, and a down payment starting around 20%. Across the market these programs often want 660 or higher and 20% to 30% down. Stronger credit and more equity improve both your rate and your leverage.

Question 45

What rates and terms can I expect?

Accepted Answer

Pricing is higher than a fully documented conventional loan because the lender takes on more uncertainty, and it varies with your credit, leverage, and the structure. We offer both short-term and long-term options, so we match the term to whether you are flipping, bridging, or holding.

Question 46

Can I close in an LLC?

Accepted Answer

Yes. These are business-purpose loans and routinely close in an LLC or other entity. Holding investment property in an entity is standard and often preferred.

Question 47

What is a conventional investment property loan?

Accepted Answer

It is standard, competitively priced financing for a non-owner-occupied investment property, the long-term loan you take when your file fits the conventional box. It usually carries a lower rate than a bridge or DSCR loan, in exchange for full documentation.

Question 48

How is it different from a DSCR loan?

Accepted Answer

A conventional loan qualifies on your documented personal income and credit, while a DSCR loan qualifies on the property's rent. Conventional pricing is often lower if you can document your income and you are within the limit on financed properties; DSCR is easier to scale and skips the income docs. We compare both and put you in the one that fits.

Question 49

How much do I need to put down?

Accepted Answer

Plan on roughly 20% to 25% down on an investment-property purchase, with the best pricing at lower leverage and higher credit. Cash-out refinances are typically capped a bit lower than purchases.

Question 50

What credit score do I need?

Accepted Answer

Conventional investment financing generally wants a credit score around 580 or higher, and your rate improves meaningfully as your score and reserves go up. We will tell you up front where your file lands.

Question 51

What can I use it for?

Accepted Answer

Purchases, rate-and-term refinances, and cash-out refinances on non-owner-occupied 1-4 unit investment property. If you will live in the property, that is owner-occupied financing, which we refer to a trusted partner rather than originate here.

Question 52

What documents are required?

Accepted Answer

Because it is fully documented, expect to provide income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and the standard conventional paperwork. If that documentation is a hurdle, our DSCR and bank-statement programs are the no-tax-return alternatives.

Question 53

What is a portfolio (blanket) loan?

Accepted Answer

A portfolio or blanket loan rolls several rental properties into one loan with a single monthly payment, instead of a separate mortgage on each property. It simplifies your financing, frees up capital, and lets you scale a rental portfolio without managing a stack of individual loans.

Question 54

How many properties do I need?

Accepted Answer

These structures usually make sense at around five or more properties, though we can look at smaller groups. The portfolio can be a mix of single-family rentals, small multifamily, and other income property.

Question 55

Can I sell or release individual properties?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most blanket loans include a release provision, so you can sell an individual property and pay down the loan by that property's allocated amount while the rest stays in place. We set the release terms up front.

Question 56

How do you size and price a portfolio loan?

Accepted Answer

We underwrite the combined cash flow and overall leverage of the portfolio, similar to a DSCR loan but across the whole group. Pricing depends on the asset mix, the leverage, and your experience, and loan amounts typically start around $500K.

Question 57

Do I need to document my personal income?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. Like our DSCR program, a blanket rental loan qualifies on the portfolio's cash flow rather than your personal income, so tax returns are generally not required. We will want to see the rent roll and operating history.

Question 58

Can I cash out equity across the portfolio?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A common use of a blanket loan is to consolidate existing mortgages and pull cash out of the combined equity, giving you capital to acquire more property. Cash-out leverage is set against the portfolio's value and cash flow.

Question 59

What is permanent commercial financing?

Accepted Answer

Permanent (or perm) financing is long-term debt on a stabilized commercial property, the loan you move into once a building is leased up and performing. It replaces short-term bridge or construction debt with a longer fixed term and a lower rate.

Question 60

What channels do you place loans through?

Accepted Answer

We place permanent debt through agency multifamily programs (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac), insurance companies, and other wholesale lenders. Because we shop multiple sources, we can match your asset to the program with the best long-term terms.

Question 61

What properties qualify?

Accepted Answer

Stabilized multifamily of five units and up, plus mixed-use and other commercial assets with a solid operating history. Agency multifamily in particular looks for occupancy and cash flow that support long-term debt.

Question 62

How is this different from your CRE bridge program?

Accepted Answer

The bridge program is short-term capital to acquire or reposition a property; permanent financing is the long-term exit once it is stabilized. Many investors use both in sequence, bridging to stabilize and then refinancing into permanent debt. We can line up both.

Question 63

What rates and terms can I expect?

Accepted Answer

Permanent commercial rates run well below bridge pricing and move with the agency and wholesale market, on long fixed terms. The exact rate depends on the asset, the program, and current conditions, and we will walk you through the options.

Question 64

How long does a permanent placement take?

Accepted Answer

Plan on several weeks, since agency and wholesale permanent loans require full underwriting, third-party reports, and lender approval. We manage the placement and keep one point of contact on your file from quote to close.

Questions, answered.

General questions

Fix and Flip

Rental / DSCR

Ground-Up Construction

CRE Bridge

Transactional Financing

Bank Statement / No-Doc

Conventional Investment

Portfolio Loans

CRE Permanent

SBA Financing

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