About
About LenderCritics
LenderCritics is an independent editorial publication that reviews and ranks nationwide real estate lenders for investors. We focus on what actually matters when you're trying to close a deal: who answers the phone, what products they really offer, and what the loan costs once every fee is added up.
Who we cover
Our reviews focus on lenders that work with real estate investors across all 50 states. We exclude purely regional credit unions and owner-occupant-only retail lenders unless they offer a meaningful investor product. We update the rankings as rate sheets, products, and service quality change.
Our methodology
Every lender we review is scored on three weighted criteria, with one optional bonus for creative financing.
- Service30%
- How quickly an investor can reach a knowledgeable human — not a chatbot or junior call-center rep — and how well that person can solve unusual problems.
- Product Selection35%
- Breadth of investor-relevant products: DSCR, bridge, fix-and-flip, ground-up construction, conventional long-term, hard money, and creative structures.
- Low Rates35%
- All-in cost of capital including the note rate, discount points, and lender fees — not the advertised teaser rate.
- Creative Financing Bonus+0.5 stars
- Additive bonus for lenders that will entertain seller carrybacks, subject-to, wraparound, or cross-collateralized deals.
Editorial independence
Lenders do not pay to be reviewed, and they do not pay for placement. Our ranking order is determined by the scoring methodology above. When we have a commercial relationship with a lender, we disclose it on the relevant review.
Sources
Rate ranges come from each lender's published rate sheets, SEC filings where applicable, and direct borrower interviews conducted by our editorial team. Each review on the home page includes a citation to the underlying source.
Have a correction or want to suggest a lender we should review? Email editors@lendercritics.com.