For Self-Employed Borrowers and Real Estate Investors
From Florida to California, we have alternative lending options
for self-employed and investor borrowers that requires little to no income documentation
As a W-2 employee, your consistent paychecks and verifiable employment make qualifying for a mortgage faster and easier. Discover loan options designed for salaried professionals today!
With over 20 years of mortgage experience, and countless scenarios, our one goal is to provide smarter financing solutions, regardless
of your real estate experience
Low Doc Mortgage Miami
A low doc mortgage in Miami is a home loan designed for borrowers who don't have traditional income documentation, letting you qualify with bank statements, tax returns, or asset verification instead of pay stubs. If you're self-employed, run a business, invest in real estate, or earn income in ways that don't fit a W-2 mold, this type of financing can open doors that conventional lenders close. Horizon Lending Services specializes in these alternative solutions across Florida and beyond, helping Miami residents and investors secure the capital they need without the paperwork burden.
1. You Don't Need Two Years of Tax Returns
Traditional lenders typically demand two years of filed tax returns before they'll even talk to you. With low doc mortgage options in Miami, you have more flexibility. Many lenders, including Horizon Lending Services, will work with one year of returns or even bank statements showing consistent deposits over a shorter period. This matters enormously if you've recently started a business, changed careers, or taken on new income streams. Because documentation requirements are loosened, you can move faster and qualify sooner, which is crucial when you're competing for the right property in Miami's active real estate market.
2. Bank Statements Become Your Income Proof
Instead of filing paperwork that proves your income through the tax system, bank statement loans let your actual cash flow tell the story. Lenders look at your business deposits and personal account activity to calculate your qualifying income. For Miami borrowers who are freelancers, consultants, contractors, or business owners, this approach is often faster and more accurate than traditional methods. Horizon Lending Services reviews your statements for consistency and deposits-typically averaging 12 to 24 months of history-to determine what you can actually borrow. Because your bank statements show real money moving in and out, underwriters can see your financial picture more clearly than a tax return ever could.
3. Self-Employed Professionals in Miami Have More Options Than Ever
Miami's economy thrives on entrepreneurship, consulting, real estate development, and creative businesses. Yet conventional lenders still treat self-employed professionals as risky. That outdated thinking doesn't match the reality of Miami's business community. Horizon Lending Services offers self-employed and non-QM loans specifically designed for professionals like you-whether you're a contractor building a portfolio, a consultant with variable income, or a business owner with legitimate deductions that reduce your tax liability. These programs recognize that deducting business expenses is smart tax planning, not a red flag.
4. Real Estate Investors Can Use DSCR Loans to Qualify Faster
If you own rental properties or are building an investment portfolio in Miami, a DSCR loan (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) skips personal income entirely and focuses on the property's ability to pay for itself. Lenders calculate what the rental income covers and approve based on that number, not your W-2 or personal tax return. This is a game-changer for Miami real estate investors because you're no longer limited by personal income limits or employment history. Horizon Lending Services offers DSCR investment property loans up to $5 million, so whether you're buying your first rental home or expanding a larger portfolio, your investment property's cash flow is what matters.
5. Jumbo Loans and VA Benefits Still Apply to Low Doc Borrowers
Just because you don't have traditional documentation doesn't mean you're locked out of larger loans or veteran benefits. Horizon Lending Services provides jumbo financing up to $5 million with flexible underwriting, and offers VA loans for eligible veterans who choose to buy in Miami. These programs work alongside low doc mortgage requirements, so a self-employed veteran or a high-net-worth investor in Miami can access both the documentation flexibility and the favorable terms those programs provide. You're not choosing between alternative lending and jumbo financing or VA benefits-you get both.
6. Miami's Market Moves Fast, and Low Doc Approval Is Quicker
In Miami's competitive real estate environment, speed matters. Conventional underwriting takes weeks because lenders are digging through every document to verify employment, income history, and tax compliance. With low doc mortgage approval, the process is streamlined. Because Horizon Lending Services focuses on alternative borrowers, the underwriting team knows exactly what documents to request and how to evaluate them quickly. You'll move from pre-qualification to clear-to-close faster, which means you can make offers with confidence and close before another buyer steps in.
7. Asset-Based Lending Gives You Another Path to Approval
If your income documentation is complicated but you have significant assets-cash, investments, retirement accounts, or real estate-asset-based lending may be your answer. Lenders calculate your qualifying income based on your total assets rather than requiring active income documentation. This is especially useful for Miami borrowers who are semi-retired, going through a career transition, or have invested heavily in real estate and other holdings. Horizon Lending Services offers asset-based loans as part of their alternative lending toolkit, recognizing that net worth and financial stability come in many forms.
If you're a self-employed professional, real estate investor, or non-traditional earner in Miami ready to move past the frustration of conventional lending rejections, Horizon Lending Services can help. Reach out to discuss your specific situation and learn how low doc mortgage solutions can work for you. The team has two decades of experience finding creative financing paths for borrowers just like you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documentation do I need for a low doc mortgage in Miami?
Requirements vary by program, but typically include 12 to 24 months of bank statements, one to two years of tax returns, and proof of assets or reserves. Some programs may accept profit and loss statements or business licenses instead of full tax documentation. Horizon Lending Services will review your specific situation to determine the exact documents needed.
Can I get a low doc mortgage if I'm self-employed in Miami?
Yes. Self-employed borrowers are exactly who these programs are designed for. Bank statement loans, asset-based lending, and non-QM programs all work well for self-employed professionals, freelancers, and business owners. Horizon Lending Services specializes in helping self-employed borrowers qualify.
How fast can I close on a low doc mortgage in Miami?
Timelines vary, but low doc mortgages often close faster than conventional loans because underwriting is streamlined and the lender already understands alternative documentation. Many borrowers can move from application to closing in 3 to 4 weeks, though this depends on your specific situation and how quickly you provide required documents.
What's the difference between a low doc mortgage and a DSCR loan for Miami rental properties?
A low doc mortgage is based on your personal income or assets and is typically used for owner-occupied homes. A DSCR loan is based on the rental property's income and is used for investment properties. If you're buying a rental in Miami, a DSCR loan is usually the better choice because approval depends on the property's cash flow, not your personal finances.
Do I qualify for a low doc mortgage if I have bad credit?
Credit is still a factor, but many alternative lenders are more flexible with credit scores than conventional banks. Horizon Lending Services evaluates your full financial picture, not just your credit score. Discuss your credit history directly with the team to understand your options.
Can I get a jumbo low doc mortgage in Miami?
Yes. Horizon Lending Services offers jumbo financing up to $5 million with flexible underwriting, so high-net-worth borrowers and large-scale investors in Miami can access both jumbo loan amounts and low doc documentation requirements.
Are low doc mortgages available to veterans buying in Miami?
Yes. Horizon Lending Services offers VA loans for eligible veterans with alternative documentation options. You can combine VA benefits with low doc underwriting, so your veteran status and income documentation flexibility work together.
DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio)
Maximize your portfolio potential with Non-QM loans designed for first time or savvy investors; no tax returns, just smart financing.
Self Employed
Our Self-Employed Non-QM Loans are designed for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business owners who don’t fit the traditional lending mold. Qualify using bank statements, 1099s, a P&L or asset-based income. No Tax Returns or W2’s Required! 1 Year Self-Employed History Allowed!
VA
With a VA home loan, eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses can buy or refinance with zero down payment, no PMI, and competitive interest rates. Whether you’re purchasing your first home or refinancing, we make the process simple, fast, and tailored to your service.
Jumbo Loans
Unlock high-value properties with creative jumbo loan solutions up to $5 million; perfect for self-employed borrowers, luxury homebuyers, and investors with unique income streams. We go beyond the traditional box to deliver flexible financing that fits your vision.
First Time Buyer
Whether you’re eyeing an FHA loan with low down payment options or a Conventional loan with competitive rates, we help first-time home buyers navigate the path to homeownership with confidence. Get expert guidance, flexible financing, and personalized support every step of the way.
Cash-Out Refinance
Consolidate high-interest debt into one low monthly payment; using the equity you’ve already built. Pay off credit cards, personal loans, or medical bills, update your home, and regain control of your finances with a streamlined, cost-effective solution backed by competitive conventional rates.
We can’t thank Scott Simmons enough for all his help during both our original purchase of our home, as well as our recent refinancing. Scott was able to get us an incredible rate and was extremely detailed and explanatory the entire way. We, of course, had rookie questions being first-time home buyers, but he made himself available to answer and explain any of our questions and made helpful suggestions, as well as great advice given our individual situation. I highly recommend Scott for your mortgage needs!
Sarah Lati
Marcus and HLS went above and beyond the call of duty to get a loan processed in record time and a “clear to close” on Christmas Eve! Highly recommend!!!
David Holmes
Have always had a great experience with Horizon Lending Services. Scott and his team are the BEST! They helped us in 2021 with a refinance of our first home. Then this year they helped us with getting a loan for our property! Scott was patient and always willing to go over everything multiple times to ensure we understood everything. Kept us updated on status’ as well as just to check in.
Samantha Mellott
Just recently had the experience of working with Marcus on a loan for an investment property. Not only did he help me find the lowest cost strategy to purchase the property, he kept me updated, helped jumped through the various hurdles that came up to make sure we didn’t have any delays and the purchase was as smooth as possible. Marcus is an incredible lender and is my go to for any and all loan questions or needs