Your project is ready, but the bank isn't moving fast enough. These five hard money lenders for contractors understand construction timelines and can get you funded in days, not months.
The Hard Money Lending Landscape for Contractors
Traditional banks often fail contractors because they prioritize perfect credit and lengthy financial histories over real-world project needs. Hard money lenders fill that gap by focusing on the property's value and your project's potential, not just your credit score. For contractors, this means faster approvals, flexible terms, and funding that aligns with construction cash-flow cycles. Whether you need to cover materials, bridge a gap between jobs, or finance a ground-up build, hard money can be the difference between winning a bid and watching it slip away. The lenders in this roundup specialize in construction and understand the unique pressures you face.
How We Evaluated These Lenders
We looked at five key factors: service scope (do they offer short-term, hard money, and construction-specific loans?), pricing clarity (are rates and fees transparent?), local fit (do they understand regional markets and contractor needs?), speed (how fast can they fund?), and borrower flexibility (do they work with imperfect credit?). Each lender brings something different to the table. Rasin Funding stands out for its contractor-first approach and Hawaii roots. American Heritage Lending offers high-leverage construction loans up to 95% LTC. Gauntlet Funding provides nationwide hard money with a focus on new developments. Easy Street Capital delivers fast fix-and-flip and new construction products. RCN Capital brings nationwide direct lending with a broker-friendly model. We didn't rank them by who's best overall, but by how well they serve specific contractor scenarios.
Here's a quick look at the five lenders, their specialties, and who they serve best.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| American Heritage Lending | High-leverage new construction financing |
| Rasin Funding – Fast Lending For Contractors | Contractors needing fast, flexible funding |
| Gauntlet Funding | Developers with complex or time-sensitive projects |
| Easy Street Capital | Fix-and-flip and new construction speed |
| RCN Capital | Investors seeking a direct lender with broker options |
A Closer Look at Each Lender
#1 American Heritage Lending
A screenshot of the American Heritage Lending website.
American Heritage Lending is a direct lender that specializes in new construction hard money loans up to 95% loan-to-cost. They offer rates starting at 8.25% and can close in as little as three weeks. Their programs include zero-point and deferred-point options, plus virtual draw inspections for convenience. If you're a real estate investor or builder looking for high-leverage financing, they're worth a look. They lend in over 40 states and have no prepayment penalties.
#2 Rasin Funding – Fast Lending For Contractors
A screenshot of the Rasin Funding – Fast Lending For Contractors website.
Rasin Funding is a Hawaii-based loan brokerage built by contractors, for contractors. They specialize in short-term business loans and hard money loans, with funding in as little as 3-7 days. Unlike banks, they don't require perfect credit and focus on your project's real-world potential. They're licensed in 47 states and work with a broad lender network to find the right fit for your cash-flow needs. Whether you need equipment financing or gap funding between jobs, they understand the trades.
#3 Gauntlet Funding
A screenshot of the Gauntlet Funding website.
Gauntlet Funding offers hard money and private money loans for construction projects nationwide. They cater to real estate developers and investors who need to move quickly on time-sensitive deals. Their asset-based underwriting focuses on the property's value, not just your credit score. They provide flexible terms and fast closings, making them a solid choice for ground-up developments. If you're dealing with zoning challenges or unconventional projects, they can help.
#4 Easy Street Capital
A screenshot of the Easy Street Capital website.
Easy Street Capital is a leading lender for fix-and-flip, bridge, and new construction loans. Their EasyBuild product offers 48-hour draws and options for first-time builders. Rates start at 8.90% and they can close in as little as 24 hours on some products. They serve investors, wholesalers, and real estate agents with a range of loan programs. If you need speed and leverage for your next project, they're a strong contender.
#5 RCN Capital
A screenshot of the RCN Capital website.
RCN Capital is a nationwide private direct lender established in 2010. They offer short-term fix-and-flip financing, long-term DSCR loans, and ground-up construction financing. They work with both retail and wholesale clients, including a broker referral program. Their focus on partnerships and flexible lending options makes them a reliable choice for real estate investors. If you value a direct lender with a strong broker network, consider them.
How to Choose the Right Hard Money Lender
Start by defining your project's needs. Are you building from the ground up, fixing and flipping, or covering a short-term cash gap? Next, check each lender's loan limits, rates, and fees. Speed matters, so ask about approval and funding timelines. Consider their experience with contractors and construction cycles. Finally, read reviews and ask for references. The right lender will understand your business and offer terms that keep your project moving.
Streamlining Your Funding Search
Use online comparison tools and lender marketplaces to quickly filter options by loan type, amount, and state. Set up alerts for rate changes and new programs. Many lenders offer online pre-qualification, so you can get an idea of terms without a hard credit pull. Automate your document collection and submission to speed up the process. With the right digital tools, you can go from search to funded in days.
The Bottom Line
Hard money lending isn't one-size-fits-all. American Heritage Lending excels at high-leverage construction loans. Rasin Funding is your go-to if you're a contractor who needs speed and flexibility, especially in Hawaii. Gauntlet Funding handles complex developments. Easy Street Capital delivers speed for fix-and-flips. RCN Capital offers nationwide direct lending with broker support. Evaluate your project, compare terms, and choose the lender that aligns with your goals. With the right partner, you can turn your next project into a profitable reality.