Kiavi vs Tidal Loans
Tidal Loans has deeper Texas market expertise and can close in 7 days; Kiavi offers better tech and more products. Texas-only investors should consider Tidal; multi-state investors need Kiavi.
Shared products: Hard Money, Fix & Flip, DSCR, Bridge · Updated March 2026
4.5
Kiavi
Wins 2 categories
4.0
Tidal Loans
Wins 1 categories
Full Comparison
| Feature | Kiavi | Tidal Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Interest Rates | 6.5%–12%Better | 7%–13% |
| Max LTV | 80% | 80% |
| Min Credit Score | 640 | 620Better |
| Loan Range | $100K–$3M | $75K–$2M |
| Origination Fee | 1–2 points | 1.5–3 points |
| Speed to Close | 10–21 days | 7–14 days |
| Experience Required | No experience required | No experience required |
| LLC Borrowing | Yes | Yes |
| Interest-Only | Available | Available |
| Prepayment Penalty | 3-2-1 step-down (DSCR) | 3-2-1 step-down (DSCR) |
| Foreign National | No | No |
| Coverage | Nationwide | Regional |
| Property Types | SFR (1-4), Condo, Townhouse | SFR (1-4), Multifamily (5+), Mixed Use |
| Loan Products | 4 products | 4 products |
| Founded | 2013 | 2014 |
| Editor Rating | 4.5 / 5.0Better | 4.0 / 5.0 |
Pros & Cons
Kiavi
Pros
- +Fully digital platform — apply to close online
- +Competitive rates for experienced borrowers (volume discounts)
- +Bridge-to-DSCR conversion available (one-loan BRRRR)
- +Fast closings for repeat borrowers (10–14 days on flips)
- +No experience required for DSCR loans
Cons
- –Limited to 1-4 unit residential (no multifamily or commercial)
- –No foreign national programs
- –Minimum loan $100K (excludes low-cost markets)
- –DSCR prepayment penalty (3-2-1)
Tidal Loans
Pros
- +Deep Texas market expertise
- +Very fast closings (7 days possible)
- +Works with first-time investors
- +Local relationships and market knowledge
- +Multiple product types under one roof
Cons
- –Limited geographic coverage (primarily Texas)
- –Higher origination fees for hard money
- –Smaller lender — less scalable than national players
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kiavi or Tidal Loans better for real estate investors?
Tidal Loans has deeper Texas market expertise and can close in 7 days; Kiavi offers better tech and more products. Texas-only investors should consider Tidal; multi-state investors need Kiavi.
What loan types do Kiavi and Tidal Loans both offer?
Both lenders offer Hard Money, Fix & Flip, DSCR, Bridge. Both offer 4 products.
Which has lower rates, Kiavi or Tidal Loans?
Kiavi advertises rates starting at 6.5% while Tidal Loans starts at 7%. Kiavi has the lower starting rate, but actual rates depend on your credit score, LTV, property type, and loan product. Always get quotes from both lenders.
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