FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions for Real Estate Investors

At Coastline Bridge Lending, we know real estate investors move fast—and often have questions before making a decision. Whether you’re new to hard money or a seasoned borrower exploring a new market, this FAQ page is designed to give you fast, transparent answers on how our private lending process works.

Explore common investor concerns around qualifications, timelines, loan structure, and what you’ll need to get approved.

Do I need perfect credit to qualify for a loan?

No. Our loans are primarily asset-based, meaning we focus on the property’s value, your equity, and the strength of your exit strategy—not just your credit score. While good credit can help, it’s not a dealbreaker.

What types of properties do you lend on?

We fund non-owner-occupied investment properties across a wide range of categories, including:

  • Single-family homes
  • Multi-unit properties
  • Condos and townhomes
  • Ground-up construction
  • Fix-and-flip projects
  • Rental acquisitions
  • Commercial buildings

All loans are subject to property type, condition, and market.

How fast can I close?

We can typically close in as little as 5–10 business days, depending on how quickly we receive your documentation and appraisal. Bridge loans and fix-and-flip loans often have the fastest turnaround.

What’s the difference between hard money and private lending?

Hard money loans are short-term, asset-based loans typically used for investment purposes. Private lending refers to capital sourced from individual or institutional investors. We offer both depending on your deal type, location, and funding needs.

Can I get a loan on a property I plan to live in?

No. We only lend on non-owner-occupied properties. These are strictly investment loans intended for real estate investors, builders, and developers.

What if I’m a first-time investor?

We do work with first-time investors—especially those who can show a strong property deal, financial backing, or strategic partnership. Having a well-thought-out plan goes a long way, even without a prior track record.

Do you offer second position loans?

Yes, we offer both first and second position loans depending on the property, equity, and borrower profile. Contact us for deal-specific guidelines.

Is an LLC required to apply?

While not mandatory in all cases, we strongly prefer loans be funded through an LLC or corporation. It provides better liability protection for you and streamlines underwriting.

How much of a down payment is required?

Most borrowers should be prepared to contribute 15–30% down, depending on the property type, location, and after-repair value (ARV). We can discuss options to maximize leverage.

What documents will I need to submit?

To get started, we typically require:

  • Property address and photos
  • Estimated ARV and repair budget (if applicable)
  • Entity documents (LLC or Corp)
  • Purchase contract (if under contract)
  • Proof of funds for the down payment
  • Exit strategy (refinance, flip, hold, etc.)

Do you lend in my city or state?

We currently lend in California, Nevada, and Arizona, including major metros like Orange County, San Diego, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. See our Markets We Serve page for full coverage.

Understanding Your Financing Options as a Real Estate Investor

Investors exploring hard money or private lending solutions often face a range of questions about financing structures, loan approval, and expected costs. Whether you’re evaluating short-term financing options for a fix-and-flip or seeking long-term capital for a rental property, it’s important to weigh all the variables that impact your deal.

Bridge loans remain a popular choice for real estate investors who need to act quickly, especially in competitive markets like Phoenix or San Diego.

These short-term loans are often based more on property value and exit strategy than credit score, making them accessible to seasoned and first-time investors alike.

As you compare financing options, be sure to review key factors such as monthly payments, closing costs, cash flow projections, and loan approval timelines. At Coastline Bridge Lending, we aim to offer clarity around private lending and the financing solutions available to real estate professionals across California, Nevada, and Arizona.

Still Have Questions?

Contact us directly or submit a loan scenario to receive a personalized response from a lending advisor.

Hard Money Loans for First Time Investors

Get pre-approved today!

At Coastline Bridge Lending, we’re here to make funding your next flip simple, fast, and profitable. With our investor-focused approach, competitive terms, and reputation as one of the private money lenders in Orange County, you’ll have the confidence and capital to move forward.