Fix and Flip Loans: Flexible Financing for Real Estate Investors

Finding the right property is only half the battle. Securing fast, reliable financing is what allows investors to actually close deals and turn opportunities into profits. Traditional banks often can’t move quickly enough, and their requirements rarely fit the needs of real estate entrepreneurs.

That’s where Fix and Flip Loans, also called Residential Transition Loans (RTL), come in. These short-term, investment-focused mortgages are designed specifically for purchasing, renovating, and selling properties — or for holding them long enough to refinance into a long-term rental loan.

Call Today! 800-401-1363

Family standing outside their new home

What This Loan Is

A Fix and Flip Loan is a short-term mortgage solution that provides funding for both the purchase and renovation of an investment property. Unlike conventional loans that focus on W-2 income, tax returns, or property condition, these programs evaluate the project’s after-repair value (ARV) and your overall investment strategy.

Key features include:

  • Loan terms typically ranging from 6 to 24 months
  • Interest-only payments during the project period
  • Ability to finance purchase price plus renovation costs with as little as 10% down payment 
  • Funding timelines as quick as 5–10 days

This structure makes Fix and Flip Loans ideal for investors who need speed, flexibility, and a loan built around the property itself. 

Business owner reviewing financial documents at a desk

Who It’s For

Fix and Flip Loans are built for real estate investors only — not primary residences. They’re best suited for:

  • Property flippers seeking short-term profits
  • Investors using the BRRRR method (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat)
  • Renovators purchasing distressed or undervalued homes
  • Builders taking on ground-up construction or heavy rehab projects
  • Entrepreneurs scaling portfolios with multiple active deals
Financial paperwork and calculator on a desk

Why Borrowers Choose This Option

Fix and Flip Loans solve challenges that traditional mortgages cannot. Investors choose this option because:

  • Speed matters – Close in as little as 5–10 days, often competing directly with cash offers
  • Rehab costs included – Fund both acquisition and renovation in one loan
  • Flexible underwriting – Focus on property value and investment plan rather than W-2s or extensive income verification
  • Short-term structure – Loans match renovation timelines so you’re not tied to long-term debt
  • Investor-friendly – Works for both experienced investors and those starting their first project
Borrowers meeting with a mortgage advisor at a property

How to Get Started

  1. Plan Your Project – Identify the property, renovation scope, and exit strategy (sale or refinance).
  2. Submit Your Scenario 
  3. Receive Fast Approval – Funding can be secured in days, not weeks.

Close and Renovate – Access funds for purchase and rehab, then sell or refinance when complete.

Financial paperwork and calculator on a desk

Model Your Fix-and-Flip Deal

Review the purchase price, renovation budget, financing costs, projected sale price, and potential profit before committing to a property. SEI Mortgage can help you evaluate the financing assumptions behind the deal.

Financial paperwork and calculator on a desk

Learn More About Fix-and-Flip Financing

Listen to the Mortgage Strategies Podcast for practical explanations of fix-and-flip financing, project analysis, and the numbers investors should review before taking on a renovation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fix and Flip

Answers to common questions about Fix and Flip, eligibility, documentation, qualification, and how the program works.

Are Fix and Flip Loans considered commercial loans?

Yes, they are structured as investment-purpose loans, but they can be used on residential properties such as single-family homes, townhomes, and multifamily units.

Do I need prior experience to qualify?

No at all. While experienced investors may access higher leverage, first-time flippers qualify too.

How much funding can I access?

Loan amounts depend on the project scope and after-repair value. Many programs finance up to 90% of the purchase price and 100% of renovation costs.

What is the typical loan term?

Most Fix and Flip Loans range from 6 to 24 months, with interest-only payments during the term.