Loan Programs for Florida Real Estate Investors
SpaceCoast Unlimited helps real estate investors find financing for investment property: hard money, private money, DSCR, and ground-up construction loans. We're a loan broker based in Melbourne, Florida, and we work with investors nationwide. We don't lend money. We review your deal and connect you with third-party lenders whose guidelines fit it.
This page gives you a quick overview of each loan program, when investors tend to use it, and how to choose. When you're ready, request a quote.
How SpaceCoast Unlimited helps investors find financing
Banks often aren't built for investors who buy fast, renovate, build, or scale quickly. Lenders that focus on business-purpose real estate loans can be a better fit, but there are many of them, and each has its own guidelines.
That's where a broker helps. Here's our role in plain English:
- You share your deal: the property, the numbers, and your plan.
- We review it against the guidelines of lenders we work with.
- We connect you with lenders whose programs may fit, and we help you compare the options.
- The lender decides. Lenders set all terms and make every credit and approval decision.
Who it's for: real estate investors financing investment property for business purposes. These programs are not for primary residences or consumer or owner-occupied residential loans.
Compare loan programs
Every program below is offered by third-party lenders. Terms vary by lender, property, borrower, market, and documentation.
Hard Money Loans
Hard money loans are short-term, asset-based loans that investors commonly use to buy and renovate property, including fix-and-flip projects. Lenders typically focus on the property and the deal, such as the purchase price, rehab budget, and after-repair value, rather than mainly on personal income. Learn more about hard money loans.
Private Money Loans
Private money loans come from private individuals or private lending companies instead of a bank. Guidelines can be more flexible and vary widely from one private lender to the next. Investors use private money for purchases, rehabs, and new builds. Learn more about private money loans.
DSCR Loans for Rental Properties
DSCR (debt service coverage ratio) loans are longer-term loans for rental properties. With many programs, qualification is based mainly on whether the property's rental income covers its monthly payment, taxes, insurance, and association dues, rather than on your personal income. Learn more about DSCR loans.
Ground-Up Construction Loans
Ground-up construction loans help investors and builders finance new homes on a lot, such as spec homes or build-to-rent projects. Funds are commonly released in draws as construction milestones are completed. Lenders typically review plans, budgets, timelines, and the builder. Learn more about ground-up construction loans.
Loan programs at a glance
| Program | Best for | Typical use | How it's usually qualified | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard money | Investors buying property that needs work | Purchase + rehab, fix & flip | Mainly the asset and the deal | /hard-money-loans/ |
| Private money | Deals that need flexible guidelines | Purchase, rehab, new builds | Varies by private lender; often the asset and the deal | /private-money-loans/ |
| DSCR | Long-term rental investors | Rental purchase or refinance | Mainly property cash flow | /dscr-loans/ |
| Ground-up construction | Investors and builders building new | Spec homes, build-to-rent | The project: plans, budget, builder | /ground-up-construction/ |
Which loan program fits your deal?
The right fit depends on what you're doing with the property and how long you plan to hold it. Here are common starting points.
Buying a property that needs work
If you're buying a property to renovate and resell, or to renovate and rent, investors often start with a hard money or private money loan. Lenders typically look at the purchase price, rehab budget, after-repair value, and your exit plan.
Holding a rental long term (BRRRR exit to DSCR)
If you plan to keep the property as a rental, a DSCR loan may fit. Many BRRRR investors (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) buy and renovate with short-term financing, then refinance into a DSCR loan once the property is rented.
Building new on a lot
If you own a lot or are buying one to build a spec home or rental, a ground-up construction loan is designed for that. Expect lenders to review your plans, budget, timeline, and builder.
Need a fast or flexible close
Some deals need speed or flexibility that bank financing may not offer. Hard money and private money lenders are often more flexible, but timing always depends on the lender, the property, and how quickly documents come together. Tell us your timeline up front so we can look for lenders whose process may fit.
How the process works
- Share your deal. Submit the property and loan details through our quote form or by phone.
- We review it against lender guidelines. We look for lenders we work with whose programs may fit your scenario.
- Lender issues terms. If a lender is interested, the lender provides its own terms.
- You close with the lender. You choose whether to move forward, and the loan closes directly with the lender.
What to have ready before you request a quote
You don't need everything to start, but these details help us review your deal:
- Property address
- Purchase price
- Rehab budget
- ARV (after-repair value)
- Completed flips or experience
- Estimated credit score
Areas we serve
SpaceCoast Unlimited is based in Melbourne, on Florida's Space Coast, and works with real estate investors nationwide. Our home markets include Brevard County, Melbourne, Palm Bay, and Orlando. See all service areas. Program availability varies by lender, property, and location.
Loan program FAQs
What's the difference between hard money and private money?
Both are non-bank, business-purpose loans that often focus on the property and the deal. "Hard money" usually refers to loans from lending companies with set programs. "Private money" can also come from private individuals, and guidelines may vary more. Many investors use the terms loosely, so the details of each lender matter more than the label.
What is a DSCR loan and who uses it?
A DSCR loan is a rental property loan where many programs qualify you mainly on the property's rental income compared with its monthly payment, taxes, insurance, and association dues. It's commonly used by long-term rental investors, BRRRR investors, and self-employed investors.
Do you lend the money?
No. SpaceCoast Unlimited is a loan broker, not a lender. We connect you with third-party lenders, and lenders make all credit and approval decisions.
Can I use these loans for a home I'll live in?
No. These are business-purpose loans for investment property only.
Does requesting a quote affect my credit?
SpaceCoast Unlimited does not pull credit. Lenders may run a soft credit inquiry to provide a quote, which does not affect your credit score.
Can I refinance a hard money loan into a DSCR loan?
Often, yes. Many investors refinance a renovated, rented property into a DSCR loan. Eligibility depends on the lender, the property, and your file.
Request a quote
Have a deal in mind? Tell us about it and we'll look for lenders whose programs may fit.
Request a free quote · Call 321-499-2652 · Follow us on Facebook
SpaceCoast Unlimited LLC · Mailing address: 4880 Stack Blvd Ste E6 #806, Melbourne, FL 32901 · 321-499-2652 · tommy@spacecoastunlimited.com · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm ET.
SpaceCoast Unlimited, LLC is a loan broker, not a lender. We do not fund loans, extend credit, or make credit decisions. All loans are made by independent third-party lenders and are subject to lender approval, terms and conditions. Business-purpose loans for real estate investors only; we do not offer consumer or owner-occupied residential loans. See our full Disclaimer.
SpaceCoast Unlimited is a loan broker, not a lender. All loans subject to lender approval. Business-purpose loans only.