Lima One Capital Review
Founded 2010 · Greenville, SC · Nationwide
4.3
Editor Rating
Lima One Capital is a full-service investment property lender offering fix-and-flip, bridge, rental (DSCR), construction, and multifamily loans. Known for broad product range and willingness to work with newer investors.
Editor's Take
Lima One is the best choice for investors who want one lender relationship across every product type. If you're doing BRRRR, flips, ground-up construction, and multifamily — Lima One can handle all of it. They're also one of the more welcoming lenders for first-time investors, and their foreign national program opens doors for international investors. Rates aren't quite as aggressive as Kiavi for volume borrowers, but the breadth of products compensates.
— Bill Rice, 30+ year mortgage lending veteran
Lima One Capital Review: The Full Breakdown
Lima One Capital has one of the better origin stories in this space. It was founded in 2010 in Greenville, South Carolina by two U.S. Marine Corps veterans, John Warren and John Thompson, who served together in Iraq — the company is named after their "Lima One" Marine call sign. They came home, got into real estate, and built a lender for investors. That veteran-founded identity is still part of the brand.
The company has since grown into an institution. In 2021, MFA Financial (NYSE: MFA), a publicly traded mortgage REIT, completed its acquisition of Lima One, which now operates as an MFA subsidiary while keeping its Greenville headquarters. Lima One reports having funded well over $10 billion across tens of thousands of loans.
For investors, the draw is breadth: Lima One is a genuine full-service shop, covering DSCR rental loans, fix-and-flip, bridge, new construction, and multifamily — so you can grow from a single rental into a portfolio without changing lenders. That institutional backing means deep capital and staying power, with the usual trade-off that a larger, process-driven lender is less flexible than a local hard-money contact. Verify current pricing for your specific loan type before applying.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Broadest product range — flips, DSCR, construction, and multifamily
- Works with first-time investors
- Ground-up construction financing available
- Foreign national programs
- Multifamily up to 5+ units
Cons
- Slightly higher rates than Kiavi for experienced borrowers
- Origination fees on the higher end (1.5–3 points)
- Draw process for construction can be slow
Loan Products Offered
Eligible Property Types
Best For
Compare Lima One Capital
Lima One Capital Review: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lima One Capital a legitimate lender?
Lima One Capital is an established lender founded in 2010 and headquartered in Greenville, SC. It lends nationwide and specializes in DSCR loans, fix-and-flip loans, bridge loans, construction loans and fix-and-rent loans. To verify it for yourself, confirm Lima One Capital's current NMLS registration and state licensing, check its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile and reviews, and compare written quotes before you apply.
What are the pros and cons of Lima One Capital?
Pros: Broadest product range — flips, DSCR, construction, and multifamily; Works with first-time investors; Ground-up construction financing available. Cons: Slightly higher rates than Kiavi for experienced borrowers; Origination fees on the higher end (1.5–3 points); Draw process for construction can be slow.
What credit score do you need for Lima One Capital?
Lima One Capital's published minimum credit score is 660. A higher score generally unlocks better rates and higher leverage. Requirements vary by loan program and are subject to change.
What rates and fees does Lima One Capital charge?
Lima One Capital's rates run approximately 7%–12.5% with origination fees of 1.5–3 points, on loans from $75K to $5M (up to 80% LTV). All figures are approximate and subject to change — request a written quote for your scenario.
Can you close with Lima One Capital in an LLC?
Yes. Lima One Capital allows investors to take title in an LLC, which many use for liability protection and cleaner portfolio organization.
How fast can Lima One Capital close a loan?
Lima One Capital typically closes in 14–21 days, depending on the loan program, the property, and how quickly you provide documentation.
Disclaimer: Rates, terms, and requirements shown are approximate and based on publicly available information as of March 2026. Actual terms may vary based on your credit profile, property details, and market conditions. Always verify current terms directly with the lender before making financing decisions. ProInvestorHub provides editorial reviews for educational purposes and does not guarantee loan approval or specific terms.