California Hard Money Lenders: A Curated Directory for Real Estate Investors

Hard money loans—short-term, asset-based financing for real estate—are a critical tool for California investors. Here's a vetted list of active lenders (as of 2024), categorized by focus.

Major National/Regional Players

• Anchor Loans – Largest US fix-and-flip lender; $50M+ monthly volume; 1-2 day approval
• Lima One Capital – Rental, fix-flip, new construction; 30+ states; institutional backing
• CoreVest – Rental portfolio loans; 5-30 year terms; Blackstone-backed
• Visio Lending – Rental/DSCR loans; tech platform; 5-30 year fixed
• RCN Capital – Fix-flip, rental, construction; 48 states; fast close

California-Focused / Headquartered

• 1st Nationwide Mortgage (Irvine) – Fix-flip, bridge, construction; local market expertise
• 2060 Capital Partners (LA) – Value-add, bridge, mezzanine; institutional
• AC Lending Partners (San Diego) – Fix-flip, rental, ground-up; veteran-owned
• Advantage Lenders Group (Orange County) – Residential/commercial bridge
• Aegis Financial Funding (LA) – Private money, trust deeds, 1st/2nd position
• Archview Investments (SF Bay Area) – Bridge, construction, land; tech/real estate crossover
• Argentic Funding (LA) – Fix-flip, rental, multifamily; flexible terms
• Bay Equity Mortgage (Bay Area) – Broker/lender hybrid; investor products
• Beacon Lending (San Diego) – Fix-flip, bridge, new construction
• Belvoir Private Investors (LA) – Family office capital; creative structures
• Capital Lending Group (LA) – Hard money, private money, 1st/2nd TDs
• Castle Mortgage Partners (OC) – Bridge, construction, land; relationship-driven

Specialty/Niche

• Groundfloor – Fractional retail investors fund loans; $100 min investment
• PeerStreet – Marketplace for accredited investors; fractional loans
• YieldStreet – Alternative asset platform; real estate debt funds

Due Diligence Checklist

• Verify NMLS license (CA-DFPI / NMLS Consumer Access)
• Compare: Rate (8-14%), Points (2-5), LTV (65-80%), Term (6-24 mo), Prepay penalty
• Check: Draw process, extension policy, default terms, reputation (BRE, BBB, investor reviews)
• Confirm: Local market knowledge, contractor network, title/escrow coordination

Regulatory Note

California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation (DFPI) licenses finance lenders (CFL). Hard money lenders must hold CFL license or be exempt (e.g., private lenders <5 loans/yr). Verify at dfpi.ca.gov.

Hard money is expensive capital for speed and flexibility. Use strategically—never as long-term hold financing.