Lima One Capital Review: The Loan Shark or the Lifeboat for Real Estate Investors?
- Jason Feimster
- Mar 4
- 5 min read
If you’re a real estate investor, entrepreneur, or self-employed hustler, you already know the traditional banking system treats you like a second-class citizen. You walk into a bank, drop your tax returns, credit score, and business plan on the table, and the loan officer looks at you like you just asked for a kidney. No W-2? No predictable paycheck? No cushy, white-collar 9-to-5? Sorry, we can’t help you.
And that’s why companies like Lima One Capital exist. They’re one of the biggest players in the real estate investment lending game, offering financing to people like you—real estate investors, fix-and-flippers, rental property moguls in the making, and even those brave souls tackling ground-up construction.
But the real question is: Are they actually here to help you build wealth, or are they just another glorified loan shark in a tailored suit? Buckle up. We’re about to take a deep dive into the good, the bad, and the “what the hell were they thinking” aspects of Lima One Capital.
Who is Lima One Capital, and What Do They Offer?
Lima One Capital is a private lender specializing in real estate investor loans. They don’t mess around with primary home mortgages (so if you’re looking for a place to live, go cry to Fannie Mae). Instead, they cater specifically to investors who need short-term and long-term financing solutions for real estate deals.
Here’s a quick rundown of their loan offerings:
Fix-and-Flip Loans – Need cash to buy a junker, turn it into a dream home, and flip it for profit? That’s their bread and butter.
New Construction Loans – For those of you crazy enough to build from the ground up, they’ve got financing to help you through the process.
Rental Loans – Want to expand your rental empire? They offer 30-year rental property loans.
Multifamily Loans – Got your sights set on a 10-unit apartment building? They’ll fund that too.
Bridge Loans – Need fast, temporary financing to snatch a deal before your competition? That’s what these are for.
So far, so good. But let’s talk about the real deal—are they actually investor-friendly, or are they just another suit-and-tie operation looking to squeeze every last dime out of you?
The Good: Why Lima One Capital Might Actually Be a Lifesaver
✅ They Actually Understand Real Estate Investors
Unlike traditional banks that clutch their pearls every time they see a tax return with “self-employed” scribbled on it, Lima One Capital actually caters to people who make money the real way—through investments, not paychecks. They understand that tax deductions exist (gasp) and that just because your AGI looks low doesn’t mean you’re broke.
✅ No Personal Income Verification (For Some Loans)
One of their best features? Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans. This means they’re not combing through your personal finances like the IRS during an audit. Instead, they focus on whether the property itself generates enough income to cover the loan. If the numbers make sense, you’re golden.
✅ Fast Closings & Competitive Rates (For Private Lending)
Speed is the name of the game in real estate. If you’re waiting for a traditional bank to approve your loan, you might as well start knitting a retirement sweater while you wait. Lima One moves fast—closings can happen in as little as two weeks. And while their rates aren’t going to beat your grandma’s 3% fixed mortgage from 2015, they’re competitive for the private lending space.
The Bad: Where Lima One Capital Might Break Your Spirit
❌ The Interest Rates Will Remind You That This is NOT a Charity
If you’re expecting single-digit interest rates that rival a conventional mortgage, bless your heart—but let’s get real. Private lending is expensive. You might be looking at 7-10% interest on a rental loan and 10-12% on a fix-and-flip loan, depending on your experience, deal structure, and the mood of the underwriter.
If that makes you clutch your chest, remember: you’re paying for speed and flexibility. No one’s giving out fast money for free.
❌ Fees, Fees, and More Fees
Oh, you thought the interest rate was the only cost? Think again. Lima One, like all private lenders, charges origination fees (often 1-3%), processing fees, and—depending on the loan—potentially prepayment penalties if you dare to pay them off too quickly.
Yes, you read that right: You could be penalized for being TOO responsible.
❌ Stringent Underwriting for Some Loans
While Lima One is friendlier to investors than a traditional bank, don’t mistake them for a “no-questions-asked” lender. They still underwrite your deal hard, especially on construction and fix-and-flip loans. If you don’t have experience flipping houses, be ready for extra scrutiny.
So, Should You Use Lima One Capital?
It depends. Are you an investor who needs a reliable, fast-moving lender that actually understands your business? Then Lima One Capital might be a solid choice. Their loan products are diverse, their closing process is efficient, and they won’t reject you just because you don’t have a W-2.
However, if you’re looking for cheap money with no strings attached, this is not your fairytale ending. Lima One Capital is a business, not a charity, and they will absolutely make sure they get paid handsomely for taking on risk.
Final Verdict?
Great for experienced investors who need fast, scalable financing.
Decent for newer investors who have a solid deal but might need to jump through some extra hoops.
Terrible for anyone who thinks they’re getting “cheap” money—because private lending ain’t cheap.
Final Thoughts: Friend or Loan Shark?
Lima One Capital is neither your best friend nor your worst enemy. They’re the well-dressed, slightly intimidating business partner who’s willing to take a gamble on you—for a price.
If you’re a savvy real estate investor who knows how to run the numbers and negotiate, they can be an invaluable resource. If you’re a clueless newbie hoping for hand-holding and low interest rates, you’re gonna get eaten alive.
Bottom line? Know what you’re signing up for, use them wisely, and make damn sure your deal is profitable enough to handle the cost of borrowing.
Because if there’s one universal truth in real estate investing, it’s this: The lender always gets paid. Whether or not you do? That’s entirely up to you.
What’s Your Experience with Lima One Capital?
Ever used them? Love them? Hate them? Got horror stories or success stories? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear how it went.
And if you’re looking for more straight-talk, no-BS insights on real estate investing, subscribe to the blog. I promise to always tell it like it is.
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