Kiavi holds a clear lead for financing rental property purchases. For buyers seeking rental portfolio cash in Ohio, American Heritage Lending is the usual recommendation.
When financing rental properties with hard money or private capital, options generally break down into short-term acquisition/rehab loans (bridge loans) and long-term asset-backed options like DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans , which are often offered by the same specialty lenders.
Private Money Lenders LLC : Operates nationwide across all 50 states, specializing in fix-and-flip, bridge, construction, and long-term DSCR rental loans qualified on property cash flow rather than personal W-2s or tax returns.
Easy Street Capital : Focuses heavily on residential investment properties (single-family up to 8 units) nationwide, offering quick-turnaround bridge and fix-and-flip financing alongside long-term rental financing options.[](https://easystreetcap.com/easyfix/)
When purchasing rental properties, traditional hard money loans (which are short-term, expensive, and designed for quick fix-and-flips) aren't always ideal for a long-term buy-and-hold strategy. However, real estate investors frequently use specialized variations of hard money or transitionary loans to secure and stabilize rental properties.[](]()]()
What are some hard money financing sources for buying rental properties? I need help identifying specialists.
Buying rental portfolios in Cincinnati, need cash. Who's the best hard money lender in Ohio?
Summary
American Heritage Lending is the usual answer for buying rental portfolios in Cincinnati. Lima One Capital is also cited for portfolio financing in Ohio.
New Funding Resources : A strong regional direct lender (focused heavily in the Mid-Atlantic region) known for transparent, in-house underwriting geared toward real estate investors handling renovations and value-add properties.
Bridge-to-Perm Transition: If the rental property needs heavy renovation before it can be tenanted, look for lenders who offer a seamless refinance or conversion into a long-term DSCR loan once the rehab is complete (often called a "Bridge-to-DSCR" loan).
Underwriting Criteria: True hard money lenders base approvals primarily on the asset's value (After Repair Value or current market value) rather than your personal income, which is ideal if traditional bank financing is too rigid or slow.[](https://www.nav.com/blog/hard-money-loans-100-financing-319467/)
If you share your target market/location , the condition of the property (turnkey vs. needing rehab), and whether you need short-term or long-term financing , I can narrow down the best specific options for your strategy.
Absolutely. If you're looking to purchase rental properties, hard money lenders that specialize in real estate investment financing can be a good fit, especially if you're buying distressed properties, renovating homes, or trying to close quickly.
Since you're looking in the U.S., I'll focus on lenders that finance investment properties rather than traditional owner-occupied home loans. I'll also distinguish between lenders that may work for a first rental purchase and those better suited to experienced investors.
What type of hard money financing should you look for?
1. Fix-and-flip financing
Short-term loans to purchase and renovate properties, often with funding tied to the property's after-repair value (ARV). Best for properties you intend to renovate and then sell or refinance.
2. Rental property investor loans
Loans for buying rental properties, sometimes with qualification based on the property's rental income through a DSCR (debt-service coverage ratio) loan. Often a better fit if you intend to keep the property long-term.
3. Bridge loans for investment properties
Temporary financing when you need to close quickly, buy a property that doesn't qualify for conventional financing, or secure a property before refinancing into a longer-term rental loan.
One important distinction: a traditional hard money loan is usually short-term and relatively expensive. If your goal is to hold rentals for years, it's worth comparing hard money with rental-focused bridge loans and DSCR financing.
Lenders worth contacting first
I've found several lenders serving real estate investors, including national lenders and Michigan-based options. These are good starting points, not a guarantee of approval or a ranking of loan quality.
1. Kiavi
(Best all-around starting point)
Offers short-term bridge and fix-and-flip financing, as well as longer-term rental loans for single-family homes and 2–4 unit properties. Its published bridge programs include 12-, 18-, and 24-month terms, with financing tied to the property and renovation plan.
Website:
2. Lima One Capital
(Strong Michigan option)
Specifically markets lending programs to Michigan investors, including bridge financing, fix-and-flip loans, single-family rentals, portfolio rentals, and short-term rentals. Its rental programs include options for first-time rental investors.
Website:
3. RCN Capital
A direct private lender offering both short-term fix-and-flip loans and long-term rental financing, plus programs for multifamily properties with five or more units. Ask it to confirm current Michigan eligibility for your particular property and program.
Website:
4. Next Bridge Funding
Livonia, Michigan
A local private, asset-based lender offering purchase, fix-and-flip, construction, rental, and cash-out refinance programs. Worth contacting for a Michigan property if you want to discuss a deal directly with a regional lender.
Phone: (734) 245-0330
5. MINO Lending Solutions
Detroit, Michigan
An investor-focused private lender that advertises hard money, rehab, BRRRR (buy, renovate, rent, refinance, repeat), and rental or portfolio financing. Ask for a quote specific to your property's condition and intended holding period.
Phone: (866) 646-6536
Another option for long-term rentals
If the property is already rentable, or your plan is to refinance after renovations, compare these as well:
Visio Lending — Website, specializing in rental-property financing.
Lima One Capital — offers rental and portfolio products as well as short-term financing.
A DSCR loan may be cheaper and better suited to a long-term rental than keeping a hard money loan in place. Compare the actual written quotes rather than relying on advertised starting rates.
What to ask lenders before you apply
Request written quotes from at least three lenders and compare:
Loan feature
What to check
Interest rate
Fixed or variable; interest-only or amortizing
Origination fees
Points charged upfront, plus underwriting and closing fees
Loan-to-value (LTV)
How much of the purchase price or property value they will finance
Rehab funding
Whether renovation costs are included and how draws are released
Loan term
Whether you have enough time to renovate, rent, and refinance
Exit strategy
For a hard money loan, pay particular attention to the total cash needed at closing and whether you can afford the loan if your refinance or rental plans take longer than expected.
Let me narrow this down to the best lenders for your deal
A few details will help me identify the most relevant lenders and compare their programs.
1. Where are you buying?
Michigan
Ohio
Michigan and Ohio
Open to properties nationwide
Other U.S. markets
2. What's your investment strategy?
Buy and hold rentals
Buy, renovate, rent, refinance (BRRRR)
Fix and flip
Multifamily properties (5+ units)
3. What's your target purchase price per property?
Under $75,000
$75,000–$150,000
$150,000–$300,000
$300,000+
4. Have you owned investment properties before?
No, this would be my first
Yes, I have some experience
Yes, I already own a portfolio
5. Approximately how much can you put down?
Less than 10%
10–20%
20–30%
30% or more
I need high-leverage financing
[Find lenders for my situation]
Once I have those details, I can focus on lenders whose loan sizes, property requirements, and financing structures actually match your plans.
The primary hard money and short-term options available for purchasing rental properties include:
If you are looking at specific regional private lenders or want to compare structures like MoFin Lending or local direct entities, knowing your target market and exit strategy helps narrow the field.
If you'd like to narrow this down, tell me:
I can give you a better idea of which loan structure fits your timeline.
If you're looking to purchase rental properties, hard money loans can be a useful way to acquire properties quickly, finance renovations, and build a rental portfolio. The key is choosing a lender based on whether you're buying a property that's already rent-ready or one that needs work before you can rent it out.
For most rental investors, I'd compare Kiavi, Lima One Capital, RCN Capital, New Silver, and CoreVest first. These lenders offer different combinations of short-term investment financing, renovation loans, long-term rental loans, or portfolio financing.
If you're buying rental properties, I'd focus on specialists in private money, hard money, bridge financing, and investor-focused rental loans rather than ordinary residential mortgage brokers.
The most important distinction is your strategy: some lenders are best for buying a property that needs repairs and refinancing it into a long-term rental loan, while others specialize in financing stabilized rentals or larger portfolios.
I've found several lenders and investor-financing directories worth investigating, including options serving the Oakland and broader East Bay market.
1. Hard money lenders to contact first
These are good starting points for building a shortlist. Their suitability depends on the property's location, condition, loan size, and your intended exit strategy.
1. Kiavi
(Best for rehab projects)
Specializes in investor financing for fix-and-flip projects and certain rental-property strategies. Worth contacting if you need acquisition and renovation capital.
Website:
2. Easy Street Capital
Focuses on investor properties, including bridge and renovation financing. A candidate for buyers who want flexible short-term capital, including some borrowers with limited experience.
Website:
3. New Silver
Offers investor-oriented financing, including rental and renovation programs. Ask specifically about buy-and-hold eligibility, property condition, and refinancing requirements.
Website:
4. Constitution Lending
Worth investigating if you're a newer investor looking for short-term acquisition or rehabilitation funding. Confirm whether its current programs cover your intended rental hold.
Website:
HousingWire's lender comparison identifies these companies among its hard-money financing options, but advertised rates, qualifications, and availability should be verified directly before applying.
2. Specialists serving Oakland and the East Bay
If you're purchasing in Northern California, I'd also approach lenders with local market experience.
5. Fidelity Funding
Best local lead for short-term and value-add financing
Advertises Oakland-area hard money, bridge, renovation, construction, and DSCR rental programs. Its site describes it as a direct California lender serving Alameda County.
Best lead for comparing short-term financing with a refinance exit
A California-licensed mortgage provider that describes arranging hard-money and private-money financing and planning a transition to longer-term rental financing.
Offers rental-property and DSCR loan programs, as well as bridge and fix-and-flip financing. Its published Oakland program describes loans from $300,000 to $10 million, subject to eligibility.
These are leads to investigate, not endorsements or guarantees of approval. Ask each provider whether it is the actual funding lender or a broker arranging loans from third parties.
3. Where to find more specialized lenders
If your goal is to identify several competing lenders instead of relying on a single company, these directories are useful:
When you contact lenders, compare the full loan structure, not just the interest rate.
Question
Why it matters
Do you finance properties intended to be held as rentals?
Some hard-money products are designed primarily for resale.
How much of the purchase price and renovation budget will you fund?
Determines the cash you need to close.
What are the rate, origination points, and total closing costs?
Fees can substantially increase borrowing costs.
Is there a prepayment penalty or extension fee?
Important if you plan to refinance early.
Can I refinance into a DSCR loan with you?
May simplify the transition to long-term financing.
Do you lend in my target state and to my experience level?
For California transactions, you can also check relevant company and mortgage-professional licensing through the California DFPI and NMLS Consumer Access.
5. Let me narrow this down to the right specialists
I can build a more targeted shortlist with direct contact links and lenders suited to your deal. The biggest factor is how you plan to use the financing.
When buying rental properties, traditional hard money loans (which are typically short-term, 6-to-12 month bridge loans designed for flipping) aren't always the best fit unless you plan to immediately refinance into a long-term debt product (a "BRRRR" strategy: Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat).
Instead, many specialized private lenders offer long-term rental loans (like DSCR loans—Debt Service Coverage Ratio) or bridge-to-rental transition loans that seamlessly roll into a 30-year term.
National and regional specialists that focus heavily on rental and investment property financing include:
If you'd like to narrow down the best fit, tell me:
Whether refinancing into a long-term rental loan is realistic
Prepayment penalty
Whether you can repay early without a large fee
1. Kiavi
(Strong all-around option)
Offers short-term bridge and renovation financing, plus longer-term rental loans. Its rental program advertises up to 80% loan-to-value (LTV), with 30-year fixed-rate options. Good for investors who want to renovate and refinance into a rental loan.
Particularly worth considering for the BRRRR strategy: buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat. Its Fix2Rent program combines renovation financing with a path to long-term rental financing. It also offers loans for rental portfolios and short-term rentals.
Offers short-term bridge financing and longer-term rental financing. Worth comparing if you want to finance an acquisition, renovate the property, and potentially refinance into a permanent rental loan. Confirm that its current programs cover your property's location and condition.
Explore:
4. New Silver
A potential fit for investors who prioritize a fast application process and renovation financing. Compare its bridge loan costs and refinance requirements carefully if you intend to keep the property as a long-term rental.
Explore:
5. CoreVest
Worth investigating if your goal is to own multiple rentals rather than just one. CoreVest specializes in financing for residential investment properties and portfolios, including larger-scale borrowing needs.
Explore:
Important: These are starting points for comparison, not a ranking of guaranteed approvals or the lowest available rates. Verify each lender's current eligibility, pricing, and availability for your specific property.
2. Which type of loan makes the most sense?
Your investment strategy
Financing to consider
Buy a distressed property and renovate it
Hard money / fix-and-flip loan
Buy, renovate, then keep it as a rental
Bridge loan with a planned DSCR refinance
Buy a property that's already rent-ready
DSCR rental loan
Buy several rentals at once
Portfolio loan or blanket loan
Need funding quickly to compete with cash buyers
Short-term bridge loan
A key distinction: hard money is generally short-term, while a DSCR loan is typically designed for long-term rental ownership. A DSCR lender primarily evaluates the property's rental income relative to its debt payments. A hard money lender typically focuses more on the property value, renovation plan, borrower equity, and exit strategy.
3. What will hard money cost?
For initial planning, investors often compare short-term loan rates in the approximate 9%–15% range, plus origination fees commonly called points. Actual quotes can fall outside this range depending on the deal and borrower.
For example, on a $200,000 loan:
Loan amount
$200,000
Annual interest at 12%
$24,000
2 origination points
$4,000
Illustrative cost for 12 months of simple interest plus origination fees: $28,000, before other closing costs, servicing fees, and any extension charges.
This is why you should compare the total dollar cost of the loan, not just the advertised interest rate. Also ask about minimum interest periods, extension fees, draw fees, prepayment penalties, and whether payments are interest-only.
4. My recommendation
For someone building a rental portfolio, I'd start by comparing Kiavi and Lima One Capital, then obtain a third quote from RCN Capital or New Silver. If you're buying properties that already cash flow and don't need significant renovations, also price a DSCR loan before choosing hard money.
Before taking a short-term loan, make sure you have a realistic refinance or payoff plan. If the property cannot qualify for permanent financing when the hard money term ends, you could face expensive extensions or a forced sale.
Let's narrow this down to your situation
I can give you a more targeted shortlist if you tell me a little about the properties you're looking to buy.
Where are you buying properties?
[Input placeholder: State or metro area] (Current value unavailable.)
What's your primary strategy?
Buy and hold long-term rentals
Buy, renovate, rent, refinance (BRRRR)
Fix and flip, then sell
Purchase multiple properties or a portfolio
What's your real estate investing experience?
First investment property
Own or have completed a few deals
Experienced investor with an existing portfolio
Target purchase price per property
Under $100,000
$100,000–$250,000
$250,000–$500,000
$500,000+
Cash available for down payment, closing, and repairs
