11 Best Hard Money Lenders Near Me In 2026 (Rates & Terms)
When you search for hard money lenders near me, you're probably not browsing casually. You've got a deal on the table, a fix-and-flip, a bridge loan gap, maybe a property at auction, and you need asset-based financing that moves fast. Traditional banks won't cut it. The timeline is too tight, or the property doesn't fit their neat little boxes.
The problem is that not all hard money lenders operate the same way. Rates can range from 8% to 15%+, loan-to-value caps vary wildly, and some charge origination fees that eat into your margins before you've even started renovations. Choosing the wrong lender doesn't just cost you money, it can kill a deal entirely. That's why comparing terms, speed to close, and minimum credit or down payment requirements matters more than picking whoever shows up first on a map.
At David Roa, we've funded over $150 million in loans across residential, commercial, and investment deals over 25+ years, including hard money and fix-and-flip financing. We work with real estate investors daily, so we know exactly what separates a solid hard money lender from one that'll leave you hanging at the closing table. Below, we've compiled 11 of the best hard money lenders available in 2026, broken down by rates, terms, and what they're best suited for, so you can find the right fit for your next investment.
1. David Roa
If you're searching for hard money lenders near me in the Chicago area or need a broker with national reach, David Roa brings 25+ years of lending experience and over $150 million funded to every deal. As both a senior loan officer and an active real estate investor, David evaluates deals the way you think, not the way a bank does.
Where David Roa fits for hard money
David Roa works best for real estate investors and property flippers who need a lender that understands the full investment picture. His background running his own restaurant and managing a fix-and-flip portfolio means he can spot viable deals quickly and match you with the right capital source for your specific scenario.
Loans and properties David Roa can place
David funds a wide range of investment loan types, including fix-and-flip loans, hard money bridge loans, DSCR loans, and mixed-use property financing. He also handles construction and renovation capital through programs like 203k and HomeStyle loans, giving you more options than most single hard money lenders can offer.
Rates, points, and leverage to expect
Hard money rates through David Roa typically run 10% to 13%, with origination points ranging from 2 to 3 depending on deal complexity. Leverage on fix-and-flip deals can reach up to 75% of after-repair value, which gives experienced investors meaningful room to work with on acquisition and rehab costs.
The leverage available on your deal depends heavily on the property's ARV and your exit strategy, so come prepared with solid comparable sales data.
Credit, down payment, and documentation
David works with borrowers across a broad credit range, and many hard money programs he places require a minimum score of 620 or lower for asset-heavy deals. Down payments generally start at 10% to 20% depending on the loan type, and documentation requirements are lighter than conventional loans since approval centers on the asset.
Closing speed, funding process, and timing
Most deals through David Roa close within 7 to 14 business days once the file is complete. He coordinates directly with private lenders and capital sources to keep the process moving, and you'll have direct access to David throughout the deal rather than a rotating team of processors.
Best fit and watch-outs
David Roa is the strongest fit for Chicago-area investors and those needing a broker who can navigate complex scenarios like ITIN applications or DSCR underwriting. If you need a retail bank interest rate, this isn't the right channel, but for speed and deal-specific structuring, it's a strong option.
2. Socotra Capital
Socotra Capital is a California-based private lender that has been funding investment real estate deals since 2008. If you're looking for hard money lenders near me on the West Coast or need a lender with a strong track record in non-conventional scenarios, Socotra is worth a close look.
Where Socotra Capital fits for hard money
Socotra Capital focuses on private real estate lending for investors who need speed and flexibility over bank-style underwriting. They operate primarily across California but extend into other Western states, making them a solid regional option for fix-and-flip and bridge loan scenarios.
Loans and properties Socotra Capital funds
They fund a focused range of investment loan types, including:
- Fix-and-flip loans
- Bridge loans
- Construction loans
- Land loans and multi-family or mixed-use properties
Rates, points, and leverage to expect
Rates typically run 9% to 12%, with 1 to 3 origination points depending on the deal. LTV caps generally sit around 65% to 70% of the property value, which is more conservative than some competitors on this list.
If your deal requires higher leverage, have a strong ARV and detailed renovation plan ready before you reach out.
Credit, down payment, and documentation
Socotra places heavier emphasis on the asset than on your personal credit profile. Minimum credit scores can be as low as 600, and down payments typically start at 30% of the purchase price for most loan types.
Closing speed, funding process, and timing
Socotra can close in as few as 5 to 7 days on straightforward deals. Their in-house underwriting team handles most of the process directly, which cuts out delays from third-party reviews.
Best fit and watch-outs
Socotra works best for experienced California investors with clean, clearly defined deals. The conservative LTV limits your leverage, so factor that into your acquisition budget before committing.
3. Easy Street Capital
Easy Street Capital is an Austin, Texas-based lender operating in most U.S. states. If you've been searching for hard money lenders near me and want a lender with a nationwide reach and low barriers to entry, Easy Street Capital stands out as one of the more accessible options for residential investors.
Where Easy Street Capital fits for hard money
Easy Street Capital targets residential real estate investors at all experience levels, including first-time flippers. Most hard money lenders require a proven track record before they approve a deal, but Easy Street Capital is specifically built to work with borrowers who are just getting started.
Loans and properties Easy Street Capital funds
They fund fix-and-flip loans, bridge loans, DSCR rental loans, and new construction loans across most states. Their focus stays on 1 to 4 unit residential investment properties, so commercial and mixed-use deals fall outside what they'll consider.
Rates, points, and leverage to expect
Rates start around 9.9% to 12%, with origination fees of 1.5 to 2.5 points. Easy Street Capital lends up to 90% of the purchase price and can cover 100% of rehab costs, which is among the higher leverage offers available for fix-and-flip deals.
That 90% LTV on acquisition can significantly reduce your upfront cash requirement, but your deal still needs a well-supported ARV to qualify.
Credit, down payment, and documentation
Easy Street Capital has no hard minimum credit score on most programs, and down payments start at roughly 10% of the purchase price. Approval is primarily asset-driven, so documentation stays lighter than conventional lending.
Closing speed, funding process, and timing
Funding can happen in as few as 5 to 10 business days. A dedicated loan advisor is assigned to each file, which keeps the process moving without communication gaps.
Best fit and watch-outs
Easy Street Capital suits newer investors who need high leverage and flexible credit requirements. If your deal involves a commercial or mixed-use property, you'll need a different lender.
4. Kiavi
Kiavi, formerly known as LendingHome, is a technology-driven hard money lender operating in most U.S. states. If you've been searching for hard money lenders near me and want a streamlined, digital-first process, Kiavi handles most of the heavy lifting through their online platform, which can significantly cut your closing timeline.
Where Kiavi fits for hard money
This lender targets experienced residential real estate investors who want a fast, repeatable process for funding multiple deals. Their platform is built for volume, so the more deals you close with them, the better your pricing and terms tend to get over time.
Loans and properties Kiavi funds
Kiavi focuses on fix-and-flip loans and bridge loans for single-family and small multi-family residential properties up to 4 units. They do not fund commercial, land, or owner-occupied properties.
Rates, points, and leverage to expect
Rates typically range from 8.5% to 10.5%, with origination fees starting at 1.5 to 2.5 points. Leverage can reach up to 90% of the purchase price and 100% of rehab costs for qualifying borrowers.
Kiavi's pricing improves as you build a deal history with them, so your first loan may carry higher costs than subsequent ones.
Credit, down payment, and documentation
Kiavi requires a minimum credit score of 640, and down payments start at 10% of the purchase price. Their documentation process runs entirely through their online portal, which keeps paperwork manageable.
Closing speed, funding process, and timing
Repeat borrowers can close in as few as 5 days. Their automated underwriting system processes most of the file quickly, reducing back-and-forth delays common with traditional lenders.
Best fit and watch-outs
Kiavi suits repeat investors running multiple flips who want a scalable, tech-enabled lending partner. First-time investors or anyone needing a commercial property funded should look for a different lender.
5. Lima One Capital
Lima One Capital is a national private lender headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, with a strong track record in real estate investment financing. If you've been searching for hard money lenders near me and operate across multiple markets, Lima One's broad state coverage makes them a consistent option worth considering.
Where Lima One fits for hard money
Lima One targets experienced real estate investors who need a dedicated lending partner for high-volume deal flow. Their product suite is built specifically around investment properties, so you won't find yourself explaining the basics of a fix-and-flip to an underwriter who primarily works with homebuyers.
Loans and properties Lima One funds
Lima One funds fix-and-flip loans, bridge loans, new construction loans, and rental portfolio loans for single-family and multi-family properties up to 4 units. They also offer DSCR-based rental financing, which makes them one of the more versatile lenders on this list for investors managing both short-term flips and long-term holds.
Rates, points, and leverage to expect
Rates run from 9.5% to 13%, with origination points typically between 1.5 and 3. LTV caps reach up to 90% of the purchase price on fix-and-flip loans for qualified borrowers.
Investors with a strong transaction history can negotiate better pricing, so bring your deal record when you apply.
Credit, down payment, and documentation
Lima One requires a minimum credit score of 660, with down payments starting at 10%. Documentation is straightforward and asset-focused rather than income-driven.
Closing speed, funding process, and timing
Lima One can fund deals in 10 to 15 business days, with dedicated account managers handling each file directly.
Best fit and watch-outs
Lima One works best for mid-to-high volume investors running a consistent pipeline. First-time flippers may find the 660 credit minimum limits their access compared to other lenders on this list.
6. LendingOne
LendingOne is a national private lender that has been funding real estate investment deals since 2014. If you've been searching for hard money lenders near me and need a lender that handles both short-term flips and longer-term rental financing, LendingOne covers both sides of the investment cycle without sending you to a separate lender for each strategy.
Where LendingOne fits for hard money
This lender positions itself as a dedicated investment property lender for residential real estate investors across most U.S. states. Their underwriting focuses on deal quality and asset value rather than personal income, which makes them a practical fit for investors who don't carry traditional W-2 documentation.
Loans and properties LendingOne funds
Their product suite covers fix-and-flip loans, bridge loans, new construction loans, and DSCR rental loans for single-family homes and multi-family properties up to 4 units. They do not fund owner-occupied properties or commercial deals.
Rates, points, and leverage to expect
Rates typically fall between 9.5% and 12.5%, with origination fees of 1.5 to 2.5 points. LTV caps reach up to 90% of the purchase price on fix-and-flip deals for qualified borrowers.
Higher leverage options are available for borrowers with a demonstrated track record of completed investment transactions.
Credit, down payment, and documentation
On the credit side, LendingOne requires a minimum score of 620, with down payments starting at 10%. Documentation requirements stay minimal since approval is asset-driven rather than income-driven.
Closing speed, funding process, and timing
Most deals fund in 10 to 14 business days, with a dedicated loan specialist assigned to each file to manage the process from application through closing.
Best fit and watch-outs
LendingOne suits investors who flip and hold properties, since their product range covers both strategies in one place. If you need commercial or mixed-use financing, you'll need to look at a different lender.
7. HouseMax Funding
HouseMax Funding is an Austin, Texas-based hard money lender that focuses exclusively on residential real estate investment deals within the state of Texas. If you've been searching for hard money lenders near me and your deal is located in Texas, HouseMax brings a deep familiarity with local markets that out-of-state lenders simply can't match.
Where HouseMax Funding fits for hard money
HouseMax Funding is built for Texas-based residential investors who need a lender that understands local property values and deal flow. Their entire operation stays within Texas, which keeps the underwriting process focused and their team knowledgeable about the markets you're actually buying in.
Loans and properties HouseMax Funding funds
They fund fix-and-flip loans and bridge loans for single-family residential investment properties across Texas. Land, commercial properties, and owner-occupied deals fall outside their scope.
Rates, points, and leverage to expect
Rates typically run 10% to 13%, with origination fees of 2 to 3 points. LTV caps sit at around 70% of the purchase price, which is more conservative than some other lenders on this list, so plan your acquisition budget accordingly.
If your deal depends on high leverage to work, confirm HouseMax's current LTV limits directly before moving forward.
Credit, down payment, and documentation
HouseMax focuses primarily on the asset rather than your personal credit history. Down payments generally start at 30%, and documentation requirements stay minimal since the deal's value drives the approval.
Closing speed, funding process, and timing
Most deals fund in 7 to 10 business days. Their Texas-only focus keeps the underwriting team familiar with local title companies and closing processes, which reduces delays.
Best fit and watch-outs
HouseMax Funding is the right fit for Texas investors who want a local lender with genuine market knowledge. Their geographic limitation and conservative LTV make them a poor option for investors working outside Texas or needing higher leverage.
8. Jet Lending
Jet Lending is a Houston, Texas-based hard money lender that focuses on residential real estate investment deals. If you've been searching for hard money lenders near me in the Texas market, Jet Lending offers a straightforward approval process and a team that works specifically with investors rather than owner-occupied buyers.
Where Jet Lending fits for hard money
This lender serves Texas-based residential real estate investors who need fast, asset-driven financing without the friction of bank-style underwriting. Their process is built for investors who move quickly on deals and can't afford to wait weeks for a decision.
Loans and properties Jet Lending funds
They fund fix-and-flip loans and bridge loans for single-family and small multi-family residential investment properties across Texas. Commercial deals, land, and owner-occupied properties fall outside their lending scope.
Rates, points, and leverage to expect
Rates at Jet Lending typically run 10% to 13%, with origination fees of 2 to 3 points. LTV caps reach up to 70% of the purchase price, so account for that ceiling when structuring your acquisition budget.
Confirm current LTV limits directly with Jet Lending before committing to a purchase price, since leverage caps can shift based on deal type.
Credit, down payment, and documentation
Jet Lending focuses on the asset value rather than your credit profile, with no hard minimum credit score on most programs. Down payments typically start at 30% of the purchase price, and documentation stays light since approval is property-driven.
Closing speed, funding process, and timing
Most deals fund in 7 to 10 business days. Their Texas-based team handles the file from application through closing, keeping communication direct and timelines tight.
Best fit and watch-outs
Jet Lending works best for Texas investors running fix-and-flip deals who want a local team familiar with the market. The conservative LTV and geographic focus make them a poor fit for deals outside Texas or any scenario that requires higher leverage.
9. Express Capital Financing
Express Capital Financing is a New York-based private lender that funds real estate investment deals across multiple U.S. states. If you've been searching for hard money lenders near me in the Northeast or need a lender with solid multi-state coverage, Express Capital brings a focused investment lending operation with a track record in asset-based deal structuring.
Where Express Capital Financing fits for hard money
Express Capital Financing serves residential and commercial real estate investors who need fast, flexible funding outside of traditional bank channels. Their underwriting centers on deal strength and property value rather than personal income documentation, which makes them a practical option for self-employed investors.
Loans and properties Express Capital Financing funds
They fund fix-and-flip loans, bridge loans, DSCR rental loans, and ground-up construction loans for single-family, multi-family, and mixed-use properties. Their willingness to consider commercial and mixed-use deals sets them apart from several lenders on this list that stay strictly within residential.
Rates, points, and leverage to expect
Rates typically fall between 10% and 13%, with origination fees of 2 to 3 points. LTV caps generally reach up to 75% of the purchase price depending on deal type and borrower profile.
Bring a clear exit strategy and supporting ARV data to your initial conversation, since those two factors carry heavy weight in their approval process.
Credit, down payment, and documentation
Express Capital accepts credit scores starting at 620 on most programs. Down payments generally start at 20%, and documentation requirements stay minimal since the asset drives the decision.
Closing speed, funding process, and timing
Most deals fund in 7 to 14 business days, with a dedicated point of contact managing the file from start to closing.
Best fit and watch-outs
Express Capital works best for Northeast investors or anyone needing commercial and mixed-use financing. Their higher down payment requirement may limit options if your deal depends on preserving cash reserves.
10. Griffin Funding
Griffin Funding is a California-based private lender that operates across multiple U.S. states, covering both residential investment loans and a broader range of mortgage products. If you've been searching for hard money lenders near me and want a lender that pairs hard money financing with access to longer-term investment loan programs, Griffin Funding offers both under one roof.
Where Griffin Funding fits for hard money
Griffin Funding serves residential real estate investors who want flexibility across both short-term and long-term financing strategies. Their team handles asset-based loans alongside conventional and non-QM products, which makes them useful if you plan to flip a property and then refinance your next deal into a permanent rental loan.
Loans and properties Griffin Funding funds
They fund fix-and-flip loans, bridge loans, DSCR rental loans, and hard money loans for single-family and small multi-family residential investment properties. Commercial and owner-occupied deals generally fall outside their investment lending focus.
Rates, points, and leverage to expect
Hard money rates through Griffin Funding typically run 10% to 13%, with origination fees of 1.5 to 3 points depending on deal complexity and borrower profile. LTV caps generally sit at up to 75% of the purchase price.
Bring a clear renovation budget and ARV estimate to your initial call, since those two details carry the most weight in their underwriting process.
Credit, down payment, and documentation
Griffin Funding works with credit scores starting around 620 on most hard money programs. Down payments typically start at 20%, and documentation requirements stay focused on the asset rather than personal income.
Closing speed, funding process, and timing
Most deals fund in 10 to 14 business days, with a dedicated loan officer managing communication from application through closing.
Best fit and watch-outs
Griffin Funding suits investors who want one lending relationship for both short-term flips and long-term rental holds. Their higher down payment requirement may limit access if your deal requires preserving significant cash reserves.
11. The Hard Money Co
The Hard Money Co is a national private lender that focuses exclusively on residential real estate investment financing. If you've been searching for hard money lenders near me and want a lender with a clean, investor-focused approach, The Hard Money Co keeps the process direct and straightforward from start to finish.
Where The Hard Money Co fits for hard money
The Hard Money Co serves residential real estate investors who want a simple lending process without unnecessary complexity. Their model prioritizes deal quality and asset value over borrower financials, which keeps them accessible across a wide range of investor profiles.
Loans and properties The Hard Money Co funds
Their lending scope covers the core investment strategies most residential investors rely on:
- Fix-and-flip loans for single-family properties
- Bridge loans for short-term capital gaps
Owner-occupied deals, commercial properties, and land fall outside their scope entirely.
Rates, points, and leverage to expect
Rates at The Hard Money Co typically run 10% to 13%, with origination fees of 2 to 3 points. LTV caps generally reach up to 70% of the purchase price depending on the deal and market.
Confirm the current leverage limits directly before locking in your acquisition price, since LTV caps can vary by deal type.
Credit, down payment, and documentation
Their approval process centers on the property's value rather than your personal credit history. Down payments typically start at 20% to 30%, and documentation requirements stay minimal since the asset drives the decision.
Closing speed, funding process, and timing
Most deals fund in 7 to 14 business days. A dedicated point of contact manages each file, keeping communication clear and the timeline on track from application through closing.
Best fit and watch-outs
The Hard Money Co suits residential investors who want clear terms and a no-frills process. Their conservative LTV and single-family focus make them a poor fit for anyone needing commercial financing or higher leverage on acquisition.
Next Steps
You now have a solid picture of what each lender on this list offers, from rates and leverage to credit requirements and closing speed. The right choice comes down to your deal type, your location, and how much capital you need to bring to the table. If you're in Texas, a local lender like Jet Lending or HouseMax Funding may be your fastest path. If you need commercial or mixed-use financing, Express Capital or David Roa can handle deals that most residential-only lenders won't touch.
Searching for hard money lenders near me is just the starting point. The real work is matching your specific deal to a lender whose terms actually fit your numbers. If you want a direct conversation with an experienced investor who has funded over $150 million in loans across residential and investment deals, reach out to David Roa today and get your deal reviewed.
