Hey there, fellow flipper! If you’re knee-deep in the real estate game, chasing that next diamond-in-the-rough property to turn into profit, you know the drill. You’ve spotted a killer deal, but your current house hasn’t sold yet, or you need cash fast to snag it before someone else does. Enter bridge loans—the short-term saviors that let you “bridge” the gap until your long-term financing kicks in. In 2026, with interest rates stabilizing around 6-7% and inventory still tight in hot markets like Phoenix and Atlanta, these loans are more crucial than ever for flippers like us.
But not all bridge loans are created equal. Some are cheap and flexible, others come with fees that eat your margins. I’ve scoured the landscape, talked to lenders, and crunched the numbers to bring you the top options tailored for real estate flips. We’ll dive into what makes a bridge loan flipper-friendly, spotlight the best providers, and even throw in a comparison table so you can pick the right one without the headache. Let’s get you funded and flipping.
What Exactly Is a Bridge Loan, and Why Do Flippers Love ‘Em?
Picture this: You’re under contract on a fixer-upper in Tampa that screams “triple my money after reno.” Your old flip is under contract too, but closing is 60 days out. Without a bridge loan, you’d lose the deal. These loans give you quick cash—usually 6-12 months—to buy and flip, repaid when you sell or refinance.
For flippers, they’re gold because traditional mortgages drag on with appraisals and underwriting. Bridge loans? Often funded in days, based on the property’s after-repair value (ARV) rather than your credit score alone. Expect loan-to-ARV ratios up to 90%, interest-only payments, and minimal red tape. In 2026, with flip profits averaging 30% ROI in top markets (per ATTOM Data), a good bridge can juice your returns if you keep terms short.
The catch? Higher rates (8-12% these days) and points (2-4% upfront). But for a 4-month flip turning $100K profit, that’s peanuts. Pro tip: Always calculate your all-in cost—rates, fees, and exit strategy—before signing.
Key Factors to Nail When Picking a Bridge Loan for Flips
Alright, let’s talk shop. Not every bridge lender gets the flip game. You need ones that fund fix-and-flips, not just refinances. Here’s what to hunt for:
- Speed: Under 10 days to close. Life moves fast in flips.
- LTV/ARV Flexibility: 70-90% of ARV means more buying power.
- Terms: 6-18 months, interest-only, no prepay penalties.
- Fees: Origination under 3%, no junk fees.
- Markets: Nationwide or strong in your hotspots (e.g., Sunbelt states).
- Experience: Lenders who’ve funded 1,000+ flips.
Ignore credit minimums below 620—they’re flipper-friendly. And in 2026, watch for lenders offering digital apps to skip the bank visits. Your goal? A loan that doesn’t nickel-and-dime your profit.
Top Bridge Loan Providers for Flippers in 2026
I’ve narrowed it to the heavy hitters based on recent fundings, flipper reviews on BiggerPockets, and 2025 performance data. These guys dominate for speed and terms. Let’s break ’em down.
RCN Capital: The Flippers’ Go-To Workhorse
RCN Capital has been flipping pros’ best friend since 2010. They’re all-in on fix-and-flips, funding up to $2.5M per deal nationwide. In 2026, expect rates from 8.95% with 2-3 points. What sets them apart? Their ARV-based underwriting—they’ll lend 85-90% if your comps are solid.
I chatted with a flipper in Denver who closed a $400K bridge in 7 days last year. “No B.S. appraisals,” he said. Drawbacks? Higher min loan ($75K). Perfect for mid-sized flips in competitive markets.
Kiavi (Formerly LendingHome): Tech-Savvy Speed Demon
Kiavi’s your pick if you hate paperwork. Their app spits out terms in minutes, funds in 5-10 days. Rates hover at 9.5-11%, up to 95% LTC (loan-to-cost) for renos. They’re huge in Cali, Texas, and Florida—over $10B funded last year.
Flippers rave about the portal for draws during rehab. One Austin guy flipped three in 2025, averaging 45-day holds. Con: Rates tick up for riskier deals. If you’re tech-comfortable, this is your jam.
New Silver: The Interest-Only Innovator
New Silver flipped the script with no-interest bridges—you pay points but defer interest until exit. Rates equivalent to 10-12%, but funds in 7 days up to $5M. They specialize in flips and ground-up rehabs, nationwide.
A Nashville flipper told me it saved him $15K on a quick turn. Their model shines for short holds (under 6 months). Downside: Higher points (3-5%). Great if you’re confident on timelines.
CoreVest Finance: Big-Money Backup for Portfolios
For serial flippers with multiple deals, CoreVest offers lines up to $100M. Rates 9-11%, 12-month terms, 85% ARV. They’re GSE-backed, so more stable in 2026’s rate world.
Pros love the portfolio options—no per-deal underwriting after approval. A Phoenix team funded 20 flips last year. It’s less ideal for one-offs due to $100K mins.
Visio Lending: The Reliable Underdog
Visio flies under radar but delivers. Rates from 9.25%, up to 90% ARV, nationwide except a few states. Closes in 10 days, with flip-specific programs.
Flippers dig the personal brokers—no black hole support. Solid for beginners scaling up.
Comparison Table: Bridge Loans at a Glance (2026 Averages)
| Lender | Rates (Interest-Only) | LTV/ARV Max | Term Length | Closing Time | Min/Max Loan | Best For | Fees (Points) |
| RCN Capital | 8.95-11% | 85-90% | 12 months | 7-10 days | $75K-$2.5M | Mid-sized flips | 2-3 |
| Kiavi | 9.5-11% | 90-95% LTC | 6-12 mo | 5-10 days | $75K-$3M | Tech-savvy flippers | 1.5-3 |
| New Silver | 10-12% (deferred) | 85-90% | 6-12 mo | 7 days | $100K-$5M | Short holds | 3-5 |
| CoreVest | 9-11% | 85% | 12 mo | 10-14 days | $100K-$100M | Serial flippers | 2-3 |
| Visio | 9.25-10.75% | 90% | 12 mo | 10 days | $50K-$2M | Beginners scaling | 2 |
Note: Rates/fees based on Q4 2025 data; actuals vary by deal. Always get quotes.
How to Qualify and Close Your Bridge Loan Like a Pro
Securing a bridge isn’t rocket science, but prep work pays off. Start with a rock-solid ARV comps report—use tools like PropStream. Lenders want 3-5 recent sales within 0.5 miles.
You’ll need:
- 6 months bank statements.
- 620+ credit (flexible).
- Experience: 3+ flips or a sponsor.
- Exit plan: Signed purchase contract or listing.
Apply to 3 lenders for terms—shop like it’s Black Friday. Budget 1-4 points total cost. In 2026, digital closers like Kiavi save trips. Post-close, track draws tightly; delays kill profits.
Real talk: I know a guy in Orlando who botched comps and got denied. Lesson? Overestimate costs by 20%, underestimate ARV conservatively.
Pros and Cons of Bridge Loans for Flipping
Pros:
- Lightning-fast funding.
- High leverage on ARV.
- Flexible for rehabs.
- Builds your track record.
Cons:
- Steep rates eat short-term holds.
- Fees add up (aim under 4% total).
- Balloon payoff risks if flip stalls.
- Market-dependent—soft sales hurt exits.
In hot 2026 markets (projected 5% appreciation per NAR), pros crush cons. Cold spots? Tread light.
Real-World Case Studies: Bridge Loans in Action
Let’s make it real. Meet Jake, a Charlotte flipper. He used RCN for a $250K colonial—ARV $400K post-renos. Borrowed $225K at 9.5%, held 4 months, sold for $410K. Profit after costs: $85K. “Bridge made it possible,” he says.
Contrast Sarah in Vegas with Kiavi. $150K loan, 95% LTC covered full rehab. Closed in 5 days, flipped in 90, netted 35% ROI. New Silver saved a Miami duo $8K interest on a 45-day lightning flip.
These stories show: Match lender to your style.
2026 Trends Shaping Bridge Loans for Flippers
Heads up—2026 brings shifts. Rates dip to 8-10% if Fed cuts hold. Private credit funds enter, offering better terms for proven flippers. Green rehabs get discounts (energy-efficient flips).
Risks? Inventory boom in suburbs could slow sales. Hedge with 6-month terms. Tech like AI appraisals speeds everything—Kiavi’s ahead here.
Alternatives If Bridges Aren’t Your Vibe
Not sold? Hard money’s similar but shorter (12 months max). HELOCs work if you own free-and-clear. Seller financing skips banks. DSCR loans for rentals post-flip.
But for pure speed, bridges win.
Read More: Why Startups Need HR Software in 2026
Final Tips to Maximize Your Bridge Loan Flip
Hunt undervalued pockets—think secondary cities like Boise. Partner with GCs for fast renos. Exit via cash buyers or iBuyers. Track metrics: Aim for 1.5x loan-to-ARV profit buffer.