Rental investor programs
Bridge-to-Rental Financing
Bridge-to-rental financing is a short-term loan used to acquire or stabilize a property, with a planned refinance into a long-term rental loan. It fits value-add purchases and properties that need renovation before they can support permanent debt.
At a glance
| Best for | Investors buying or stabilizing a property that will become a rental |
|---|---|
| Property types | Single-family, 2-4 units, condos, townhomes; rehab scopes vary |
| Loan purpose | Bridge purchase or refinance with rehab |
| Term | 6-24 months; extension options vary |
| LTV | Up to 70-75% of ARV; confirm with the investor |
| Exit | Long-term rental refinance; DSCR reviewed at take-out |
| Credit | 660+ typical; asset and exit drive approval |
| Entity | LLC, corporation, or limited partnership |
| Documentation | Scope, comps, entity docs, insurance, exit analysis |
| Close time | 7-21 days typical |
Who it fits
This program fits investors who need speed and rehab capital, then want to move into a long-term rental loan. It is not a permanent product; the exit matters as much as the purchase.
- Buying a distressed or value-add property
- Funding a renovation before the rental stabilizes
- Refinancing a property that is not yet eligible for permanent debt
- Investors with a clear exit to a DSCR loan
What the investor reviews
The investor reviews the asset, the scope, the after-repair value, and the exit. The take-out lender's criteria matter before the bridge is approved.
- Purchase price, rehab budget, and ARV
- Scope, contractor, and draw schedule
- Exit DSCR and take-out eligibility
- Credit, reserves, and entity structure
- Insurance and title
How the process works
We underwrite the exit before the bridge. That reduces the risk of a property that cannot refinance when the bridge matures.
- Scenario review: purchase, scope, ARV, exit
- Investor match: bridge appetite and take-out fit
- Application and documents: scope, comps, entity, insurance
- Draws and inspections during the rehab
- Refinance into a long-term rental loan
What to prepare
Bridge files need a realistic scope and a credible exit.
- Purchase contract
- Rehab scope, budget, and contractor information
- Comparable sales and ARV support
- Entity documents and guarantor information
- Insurance and exit analysis
Frequently asked questions
What is bridge-to-rental?
It is a short-term loan for purchase or rehab, with a planned refinance into a long-term rental loan.
How do rehab draws work?
The investor releases funds against completed milestones after inspection. The exact draw process varies.
When can I refinance into a rental loan?
Stabilization and seasoning requirements vary. The exit lender sets the final criteria.
What LTV is available?
Up to 70-75% of ARV is typical, but the final number depends on the asset, scope, and exit.
What if I go over budget?
A contingency and additional funds may be required. The investor reviews the scope before closing.
What credit score do I need?
660+ is typical, but the asset and exit drive approval more than the score.
How long is the bridge term?
6-24 months is typical. Extension options vary by investor.
Related programs
Tesni, LLC is a U.S. business lending marketplace and broker, not a direct lender. We do not approve loans, fund loans, or set pricing. All credit decisions are made by third-party investors subject to their own underwriting and program availability. Guidelines, eligibility, and availability vary by investor and state.