Cosmetic Rehab Loans for Real Estate Investors
Fast, Flexible Financing for Light Renovation Projects
Cosmetic rehab loans are designed for real estate investors who want to acquire or refinance properties and complete non-structural improvements quickly—without the complexity of full-scale construction financing.
At LM2 Investment Group, we provide fast approvals, flexible terms, and up to 95% LTC so you can move quickly on opportunities and maximize returns.
Whether you’re updating a rental, preparing a flip, or improving a recently acquired property, our cosmetic rehab loan program gives you the capital to execute efficiently.
What Is a Cosmetic Rehab Loan?
A cosmetic rehab loan is a short-term, interest-only loan used for properties that require light to moderate improvements—not structural renovations.
Common Cosmetic Improvements Include:
- Flooring, paint, and interior finishes
- Kitchen and bathroom updates (non-structural)
- Fixtures, cabinets, and countertops
- Landscaping and curb appeal improvements
- Minor repairs and property refreshes
These projects are typically faster, lower risk, and more predictable than full gut rehabs.
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Loan Highlights
- Loan Purpose: Purchase, rate/term refinance, delayed financing, or cash-out
- Up to 95% LTC
- Up to 75% ARV
- Loan Terms: 12, 15, 18, 21, or 24 months
- Interest-Only Payments
- Loan Amounts: $100,000 to $3,000,000
- Property Types: SFR, 2–4 units, condos (including non-warrantable)
- Entity Borrowers Only
Eligible Property Types
- Single-family residences (attached or detached)
- 2–4 unit residential properties
- Warrantable condos
- Non-warrantable condos (eligible with LTV adjustment)
Ineligible Projects (Important)
This program is strictly for non-structural renovations.
Not Allowed:
- Ground-up construction
- Structural modifications
- Full gut rehabs (down to studs)
- Adding square footage or additional units
- Roof removal or exterior wall removal
- Major mechanical, plumbing, or electrical work
- Fire or water-damaged properties with extensive repairs
If your project includes these elements, a full rehab or construction loan would be more appropriate.
Cash-Out vs. Limited Cash-Out
Cash-Out Refinance
- Initial loan proceeds exceed total cost basis
- (Purchase price + documented improvements)
Limited Cash-Out / Delayed Financing
- Loan proceeds do NOT exceed cost basis
- Common for recently acquired properties
Program Options
Below is a simplified breakdown of available leverage tiers for cosmetic rehab loans:
|
Program |
95% LTC |
90% LTC |
85% LTC |
80% LTC |
|
Experience |
6+ projects |
2+ projects |
2+ projects |
0+ (no experience) |
|
Min FICO |
700 |
700 (660 w/ experience) |
660 |
720 |
|
Max LTC |
95% |
90% |
85% |
80% |
|
Initial Advance |
Up to 95% |
Up to 90% |
Up to 85% |
Up to 80% |
|
Rehab Holdback |
100% of budget |
100% of budget |
100% of budget |
100% of budget |
|
Max Budget |
No limit |
No limit |
No limit |
$250,000 |
|
Non-Warrantable Condo |
Not eligible |
5% LTC reduction |
5% LTC reduction |
Not eligible |
|
Declining Markets |
Not eligible |
5% reduction |
5% reduction |
Not eligible |
|
Cash-Out |
Not eligible |
Not eligible |
Limited allowed (5% reduction) |
Not eligible |
|
Max LTV (ARV) |
75% |
65–75% (based on experience) |
70% |
65% |
|
Funding |
100% of budget (equity required upfront) |
Same |
Same |
Same |
|
Reserves |
5% of holdback + borrower equity gap across all tiers |
Special Property Considerations
- Vacation / Seasonal Markets:
- Max 85% LTC
- Additional 5–10% reduction depending on market strength
- Declining Markets:
- 5% reduction in LTC and LTV
- Minimum 2+ projects experience required
- Rural Properties:
- Case-by-case basis
Experience Requirements
- No minimum experience required
- First-time investors capped at $250,000 rehab budget
- Larger loans or complex projects require demonstrated experience
Why Investors Choose Cosmetic Rehab Loans
Faster Project Timelines
No structural work means quicker renovations and faster exits.
Lower Risk Profile
Simpler scopes reduce construction uncertainty and cost overruns.
Higher Velocity Investing
Complete more deals per year with shorter hold periods.
Flexible Financing
LM2 focuses on property value and investment potential, not traditional income documentation.
Why Work with LM2 Investment Group?
- 24-hour loan approvals
- Funding in 10-14 days
- Asset-based lending approach
- Local Arizona market expertise
- Flexible deal structuring
- Relationship-driven lending
LM2 is built to help investors move fast, compete with cash buyers, and scale their portfolios efficiently.
Call to Action Blocks
Ready to Fund Your Next Deal?
Get approved in as little as 24 hours and secure financing for your next cosmetic rehab project.
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