Hilton Financial Corporation has provided private money loans to Arizona real estate investors since 1980. With over $1 billion funded across more than 35 years, we are one of the longest-tenured private money lenders in Phoenix and across the state. Our asset-based lending program is designed for investors who need fast, flexible capital that traditional banks cannot deliver.
What Is Private Money Lending in Arizona?
Private money lending is a form of asset-based real estate financing where the loan is secured by the value of the property rather than the borrower’s credit history or income documentation. Private money loans are typically funded by individual investors or specialized firms like Hilton Financial Corporation rather than traditional banks. They close fast, often within days, and offer flexibility on property condition, borrower profile, and loan structure.
For Arizona real estate investors, private money is the working capital behind most fix-and-flip projects, value-add rentals, and time-sensitive acquisitions. Bank financing typically requires 30 to 60 days, full appraisal, and strict debt-to-income qualification. Private money funds in days based on property equity and exit strategy.
Who We Lend To
Our private money loans serve experienced and new real estate investors across Arizona, including:
- Fix-and-flip investors acquiring distressed properties for renovation and resale
- Buy-and-hold investors building rental property portfolios
- Wholesalers needing transactional funding to close double escrows
- Builders requiring construction or rehab capital
- Investors purchasing REO, foreclosure, or auction properties
- Self-employed borrowers who cannot qualify with traditional bank documentation
- Real estate professionals executing 1031 exchanges with tight timelines
What We Finance
Our private money program funds the following Arizona property types:
- Single-family residences (non-owner-occupied investment properties)
- Multi-family properties up to four units
- Small commercial properties
- Mixed-use buildings
- Vacant land with development plans
- Construction and ground-up development projects
- Distressed and value-add properties requiring renovation
Private Money Loan Program Highlights
- Loan amounts: $50,000 to $5,000,000+
- Loan-to-value: Up to 70% of as-is value (higher with cross-collateral)
- Term length: 6 months to 3 years (interest-only with balloon)
- Closing time: 3 to 7 business days from completed application
- Property condition: No condition restrictions; we lend on distressed assets
- Documentation: Streamlined; no income verification required for asset-based qualification
- Credit: No minimum FICO; equity and exit strategy drive approval
- Prepayment: Flexible terms; no long-term lock-in penalties
How Private Money Differs From Traditional Financing
Banks underwrite borrowers; private money underwrites assets. The practical differences for an Arizona real estate investor:
- Speed: Bank loans take 30 to 60 days. Private money closes in 3 to 7 business days.
- Property condition: Banks require move-in-ready properties. Private money funds distressed assets, including those needing major renovation.
- Documentation: Banks require W-2s, tax returns, and full income verification. Private money relies on the asset and exit plan.
- Credit profile: Banks require 680+ FICO and clean credit history. Private money is equity-driven; credit issues are not disqualifying.
- Property type: Banks restrict commercial, mixed-use, and unique properties. Private money has fewer category restrictions.
Our Application Process
- Initial inquiry: Call (602) 375-8951 or submit a quote request. We discuss the property, your investment plan, and target funding date.
- Property review: We evaluate the property’s as-is value, after-repair value (if applicable), and exit strategy. Most reviews complete within 24 hours.
- Term sheet: You receive a written term sheet outlining loan amount, rate, points, term, and conditions.
- Documentation: Streamlined paperwork covering the property, your entity, and exit plan. No tax returns or W-2s required.
- Closing: We typically fund 3 to 7 business days from completed application, often faster on time-sensitive deals.
Why Arizona Investors Choose Hilton Financial Corporation
- 40+ years of operational history — funded since 1980, currently the longest-tenured private money lender in Phoenix
- Over $1 billion funded across more than 35 years of continuous operation
- NMLS Licensed: Jack W. Hilton, NMLS #143636; Arizona Banking Department BK #1001945
- Direct lender — we make our own credit decisions and fund from our own capital, not a broker chain
- Repeat-investor focus — most loans are to investors who have closed multiple deals with us; references available on request
- Flexible structures — cross-collateral, multi-property packages, draws against rehab budgets, and bridge structures all available
- Phoenix-based decision-making — no committee delays; principal-to-principal communication
Beyond Arizona: Where Else We Lend
While Arizona is our home market, Hilton Financial Corporation also actively lends in Texas, Colorado, Tennessee, Ohio, Hawaii, and Utah. Investors with multi-state portfolios benefit from our cross-collateral and portfolio loan structures.
Licensing & Compliance
Hilton Financial Corporation operates under full Arizona Department of Financial Institutions oversight:
- Arizona Banking Department License: BK #1001945
- NMLS Identifier: #143636 (Jack W. Hilton, Principal)
- Member: Arizona Real Estate Investors Association (AZREIA)
- Compliant with all federal and Arizona state lending regulations
Frequently Asked Questions About Private Money Lending
How fast can you fund a private money loan in Arizona?
Most loans close in 3 to 7 business days from a completed application. Time-sensitive deals can close in 48 to 72 hours when title work and property documentation are ready.
What is the difference between private money and hard money?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Both describe asset-based, short-term real estate financing secured by the property rather than the borrower’s credit. Private money typically refers to capital sourced from private individuals or firms, while hard money is the broader industry term. Hilton Financial Corporation provides both under a single asset-based program.
What credit score do I need for a private money loan?
There is no minimum credit score. Approval is driven by the property’s value, the loan-to-value ratio, and your exit strategy. Investors with credit issues, prior foreclosures, or non-traditional income routinely qualify.
Can I use a private money loan to buy at auction?
Yes. We regularly fund auction acquisitions, including REO sales, sheriff sales, and trustee sales. We can provide proof-of-funds letters in advance and close within the auction’s redemption window.
What loan-to-value ratio do you offer?
Standard LTV is up to 70% of the property’s as-is value. Higher leverage is available with cross-collateral against additional properties or with after-repair-value (ARV) underwriting on rehab deals.
Do you finance investors from outside Arizona?
Yes. Out-of-state investors purchasing Arizona property regularly use our private money program. We also lend on properties in our six other active markets: Texas, Colorado, Tennessee, Ohio, Hawaii, and Utah.
Related Loan Programs
Private money is one of several asset-based programs we operate in Arizona. If your deal scenario does not fit the private money structure, one of these may be a better match:
- Hard Money Loans in Arizona — the broader asset-based program covering all 8 loan types we offer in Arizona
- Bridge Loans in Arizona — short-term financing for 1031 exchanges, time-sensitive acquisitions, and property repositioning
- Fix and Flip Loans in Arizona — acquisition + rehab capital for renovate-and-resell investors
- Construction Loans in Arizona — ground-up and major-rehab capital with milestone-based draws
Get Started
Call (602) 375-8951 or request a quote online. We respond within one business day with a clear next step. If your deal is time-sensitive, mention the closing date and we will prioritize your application.