Financing is one of the most important tools a real estate investor can use to move quickly, scale efficiently, and capture opportunities in any market. The right loan can support a project from acquisition to exit, strengthen returns, and give investors the confidence to take on more deals.
As investor activity continues to grow nationwide, understanding the major loan types available for investment properties—especially through experienced private lenders—has become essential for long-term success.
Easy Street Capital has been recognized by Forbes, HousingWire, and The Close as one of the nation’s top hard money lenders.
This article breaks down the three primary loan types most real estate investors rely on today: Fix & Flip Loans, DSCR Loans, and Ground-Up Construction Loans. Each program serves a different purpose within an investment strategy, and knowing how they work can help you select the financing that aligns best with your goals, your timeline, and the nature of your property.
What Are Real Estate Investor Loans?#
Real estate investor loans are designed specifically for non-owner-occupied investment properties, including flips, rental homes, and new construction projects. Unlike conventional consumer mortgages, these loans prioritize the economics of the investment:
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Property value and After-Repair Value (ARV)
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Rental income and cash flow performance
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Renovation or construction budget
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Project timeline and exit strategy
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Investor-focused loan programs are built for speed, practical underwriting, and the flexibility required to close quickly and compete for attractive opportunities. This is one reason many investors work with private lenders and hard money lenders; they understand the pace of real estate investing and offer structures tailored to real-world investment needs.
Private lenders like Easy Street Capital have become a key resource for investors looking for reliable fix and flip loans, DSCR rental loans, and ground-up construction financing across the country.
Fix & Flip Loans for Real Estate Investors: Short-Term Renovation Financing Explained#
What Is a Fix & Flip Loan?#
A fix-and-flip loan is a short-term financing option used to purchase a property, complete renovations, and prepare it for resale. These loans are built for value-add opportunities and often utilize After-Repair Value (ARV) as a central metric. This allows investors to maximize leverage on both the purchase price and the renovation budget—helping them scale more efficiently.
These type of loans are commonly referred to as hard money loans, and they remain one of the fastest growing financing tools in real estate investing.
Key Features of Fix & Flip Loans#
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Short-term, interest-only terms that support quick turnarounds
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High leverage on both purchase and renovation costs, tied to ARV
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Flexible property condition guidelines that traditional banks cannot accommodate
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Straightforward draw processes aligned with renovation milestones
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When Investors Use Fix & Flip Loans#
Fix & flip financing is ideal for investors pursuing properties through wholesalers, auctions, distressed sellers, estate sales, and competitive off-market channels. Fast closings, practical underwriting, and ARV-based leverage make these loans well-suited for projects that require meaningful improvements before listing or refinancing.
Easy Street Capital’s EasyFix program is designed specifically for investors who want speed, strong leverage, and a lender that understands real-world renovation timelines.
DSCR Loans: Long-Term Financing for Rental Properties#
What Is a DSCR Loan?#
A DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan is a long-term rental loan that qualifies the property primarily on its income performance, not the borrower’s W-2 or tax returns. By focusing on DSCR and market rents, investors can scale portfolios without the limitations of traditional underwriting.
DSCR loans have become one of the most powerful tools in modern real estate investing, especially for those building portfolios of long-term rentals, short-term rentals, small multifamily, and more.
Key Features of DSCR Loans#
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30-year fixed or interest-only options
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Qualification based on rental income rather than personal income
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Entity-friendly lending for LLC ownership
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Applicable to long-term rentals, mid-term rentals, short-term rentals, and multifamily properties
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When Investors Use DSCR Loans#
DSCR loans support investors who want predictable long-term financing, portfolio stability, and the ability to scale without traditional income verification. They are especially popular for BRRRR strategies, where investors renovate a property using short-term financing and then refinance into a long-term DSCR loans.
The EasyRent DSCR loan program from Easy Street Capital simplifies this process by offering consistent underwriting, fast take-outs, and rental-focused lending expertise.
Ground-Up Construction Loans: Financing for New Builds and Infill Projects#
What Is a Ground-Up Construction Loan?#
A ground-up construction loan — often referred to as a new construction loan — provides financing to build a residential property from the ground up. These loans support a wide range of projects, including single-family spec homes, infill construction, townhomes, duplexes, and build-to-rent developments.
New construction loans are designed specifically for investors and builders who want to create new housing inventory rather than compete for existing homes. This type of financing covers both the early stages of a project and the vertical construction that follows. Ground-up construction loans are one of the most versatile tools for real estate developers.
Key Features of Ground-Up Construction Loans#
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Financing for both land and construction costs, often packaged in a single loan
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Interest-only terms structured around the construction timeline
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Milestone-based draw schedules tied to phases of the build, from foundation to completion
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Ideal for both experienced builders and investors expanding into new construction development
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When Investors Use Ground-Up Construction Loans#
These loans are ideal when inventory is constrained or when new construction offers stronger returns than renovating older properties. Investors use this financing to build rental portfolios, deliver for-sale homes, or expand into small residential development.
Easy Street Capital’s EasyBuild program gives investors and builders a clear path to completing new construction projects with reliable funding and consistent draw processes.
Frequently Asked Real Estate Investor Questions#
What is the best loan for flipping houses?#
If you’re planning a quick renovation and resale — or a value-add project — a fix and flip loan is often the best match. Easy Street Capital offers an EasyFix loan program to provide fast, short-term financing tailored for flips. This gives you the leverage and speed needed to purchase, renovate, and sell efficiently.
Can I refinance a fix & flip loan into a DSCR loan?#
Yes. Many investors start with a fix and flip loan to renovate the property, then refinance into a longer-term loan once it’s stabilized. With Easy Street Capital’s EasyRent DSCR loan program, you can seamlessly transition from renovation to long-term rental financing — all under one roof.
Do DSCR loans work for short-term rentals or small multifamily properties?#
Yes. DSCR loans are designed around the income potential of a property — whether that’s long-term rentals, short-term rentals, or small multifamily units. Easy Street Capital’s EasyRent program supports a wide range of rental strategies to give investors flexibility based on their goals.
Can new construction loans cover both the land and the build?#
They can — and with EasyBuild ground-up construction financing, Easy Street Capital provides funding that can include both the land purchase (or pay-off) plus construction costs. This makes it easier to manage a full build project with a single lender and simplifies draw schedules and approvals.
Can new investors qualify for a fix & flip or ground-up construction loan with Easy Street Capital?#
Absolutely. While experience always helps, Easy Street Capital evaluates each project on its merits — the deal, the exit plan, renovation or construction budget, and the after-repair or projected value. For investors with solid deals, EasyFix (fix & flip) or EasyBuild (ground-up construction) can be an excellent way to get started.
How do I know which loan is right for my project?#
It depends on your goals and the property:
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Fix & Flip / EasyFix: When you plan to renovate and sell.
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DSCR / EasyRent: When you plan to hold and rent long-term.
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Ground-Up Construction / EasyBuild: When you’re building new properties
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If you’re unsure, contact Easy Street Capital by clicking the button below. Our team can review your deal, analyze the numbers, and recommend the loan type that aligns best with your strategy.
Contact Easy Street Capital To Get Started!
Why the Right Real Estate Investor Loan Matters for Your Strategy#
With national recognition from Forbes, HousingWire, and The Close as one of the best hard money lenders, Easy Street Capital continues to support investors through reliable Fix & Flip, DSCR, and Ground-Up Construction financing.
These loan programs play a distinct role in a real estate investor’s strategy. When paired with the right property and timeline, they allow investors to move faster, compete more effectively, and scale their portfolios with confidence.
As more investors seek experienced private lenders, Easy Street Capital’s EasyFix, EasyRent, and EasyBuild programs stand out for their industry expertise, competitive terms, exceptional servicing, and nationwide reach—firmly positioning Easy Street Capital as a leading name in hard money and DSCR lending heading into 2026.
About the Author#
- Quadruplex - January 2, 2026
- Single-Family Residence - December 29, 2025
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