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One of the most common questions we hear from new investors is: 'Why would I use a hard money or private money loan when bank rates are lower?' It's a fair question — and the answer comes down to speed, flexibility, and what you're actually trying to accomplish. Traditional Bank Loans Bank loans (conventional mortgages) offer the lowest rates — typically 6-8% for investment properties in 2026. But they come with significant constraints: full income verification (tax returns,

Choosing the wrong lender can cost you thousands of dollars, weeks of delays, or the entire deal. After closing 560+ investment loans at OpenLane Funding, we've seen every mistake in the book. Here are the five most common ones — and how to avoid them. 1. Choosing Based on Rate Alone The lowest rate doesn't always mean the best deal. A lender quoting 8.5% with 3 points, a $2,500 underwriting fee, and 45-day closing is often more expensive than one quoting 9.5% with 1 point an

Building from the ground up is one of the most profitable — and most complex — strategies in real estate investing. Whether you're constructing spec homes, building a small subdivision, or developing multifamily units, the financing structure can make or break your project. At OpenLane Funding, we work with specialized construction lenders who fund the full build process from land acquisition through certificate of occupancy. How Construction Loans Work Unlike a traditional m

Speed kills deals — but not in the way you think. In fix-and-flip investing, the investors who close fastest are the ones who win the best deals. If your financing takes 30-45 days while another buyer can close in 10, you've already lost. At OpenLane Funding, we specialize in getting fix-and-flip investors funded fast, often in 7-21 days. What Is a Fix and Flip Loan? Fix and flip loans (also called bridge loans or hard money loans) are short-term financing designed for invest

If you're a real estate investor looking to grow your rental portfolio without the hassle of conventional underwriting, DSCR loans may be the most powerful financing tool available to you in 2026. At OpenLane Funding, DSCR rental loans are one of our most popular products — and for good reason. What Is a DSCR Loan? DSCR stands for Debt Service Coverage Ratio. A DSCR loan is an investment property mortgage that qualifies based on the property's rental income relative to its mo