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
Mortgage Pre Approval Florida
A mortgage pre approval in Florida is a lender's written statement that you qualify for a specific loan amount based on your financial situation, before you make an offer on a home. Horizon Lending Services specializes in getting borrowers approved quickly, even when traditional banks say no. If you are self-employed, earn income through 1099 forms, run a real estate investment portfolio, or simply have non-traditional finances, Horizon Lending Services offers the flexible underwriting and minimal documentation requirements that make approval possible.
Florida's real estate market moves fast. Whether you are buying in Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, or anywhere across the state, having pre approval in hand means you can act when the right property appears. Horizon Lending Services understands that Florida buyers come from everywhere and have diverse financial backgrounds. That is why the company has built its entire approach around serving borrowers who do not fit the cookie-cutter mold.
What Does Pre Approval Actually Mean?
Pre approval is not a promise to lend. It is a qualified yes. A mortgage broker or lender reviews your income, assets, debts, and credit, then tells you the maximum amount you can borrow and under what terms. Think of it like getting a green light before you walk into traffic. For self-employed borrowers and real estate investors in Florida, this step used to be nearly impossible with traditional lenders because they rely heavily on W-2 income and two years of tax returns. Horizon Lending Services changes that by using bank statements, asset documentation, and rental income verification through DSCR loans to prove you can pay.
Once you have pre approval, real estate agents take you seriously. Sellers see that you are not just curious, you are ready to buy. If you are competing with other offers in Florida's active market, pre approval can be the difference between winning and losing.
How Is Pre Approval Different for Self-Employed Borrowers?
Self-employed professionals and business owners face a hurdle with conventional lenders: your income does not show up as a simple W-2. A freelancer, contractor, consultant, or small business owner may have excellent cash flow, but a traditional bank sees tax returns that reflect business deductions and gets confused. Horizon Lending Services offers bank statement loans and 1099 loans that sidestep this problem. Instead of asking for two years of tax returns, the company uses your recent bank statements, typically the last two to four months, to verify income. Your actual deposits tell the real story of what you earn.
For real estate investors in Florida, Horizon Lending Services offers DSCR investment property loans, which stand for Debt Service Coverage Ratio. This approach focuses on the rental income the property generates, not your personal W-2 income. If you own rental units in Tampa, Orlando, or anywhere in Florida and want to refinance or buy another property, DSCR loans often qualify you when personal income is too complex or too low on paper.
What Documents Do You Need for Mortgage Pre Approval in Florida?
Traditional mortgage companies ask for extensive documentation: two years of tax returns, W-2s, paycheck stubs, bank statements, investment account statements, and more. This stack of paperwork is designed for salaried employees. For entrepreneurs and non-traditional earners in Florida, Horizon Lending Services streamlines the process. Depending on your loan type, you may provide:
Bank statements (typically two to four months of recent activity)
Proof of assets if you are applying for an asset-based loan
Business licenses or corporate documents if self-employed
Rental income documentation and leases if investing in property
A valid ID and credit authorization
Because Horizon Lending Services focuses on what actually proves your ability to pay, you spend less time gathering papers and more time moving forward. The company can often provide pre approval within days, not weeks. For borrowers in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or rural Florida counties, this speed matters when you are trying to stay competitive in a fast-moving market.
Who Qualifies for Pre Approval Through Horizon Lending Services?
Horizon Lending Services serves a wide range of borrowers across Florida and beyond. Veterans qualify for VA loans with flexible documentation. First-time home buyers without extensive credit history can get conventional loans with guidance. High-net-worth individuals seeking jumbo loans up to five million dollars have options tailored to their situation. Real estate investors building portfolios find DSCR and jumbo financing. Freelancers, contractors, and business owners with irregular income use bank statement and 1099 loans. W-2 employees with straightforward finances get conventional home loans, often faster because Horizon Lending Services has already built relationships with multiple lenders.
The company does not turn away borrowers because their story is different. That difference is usually exactly why they call. If you have been rejected by traditional banks or want to explore faster, smarter options for buying in Florida, Horizon Lending Services has the expertise and loan programs to match your actual situation.
Getting your mortgage pre approval in Florida is the first step toward owning the home you want. Horizon Lending Services makes that step clear, fast, and honest. Reach out to discuss your situation and learn which loan programs fit your goals. There is no obligation, just a conversation with experienced professionals who have spent over twenty years helping borrowers like you move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get mortgage pre approval in Florida?
With Horizon Lending Services, pre approval typically takes two to five business days once you submit your documents. Traditional lenders often take two to three weeks because they require extensive paperwork and multiple review stages. The speed depends on document completeness and loan type, but self-employed and non-traditional borrowers often see faster turnaround with alternative lending programs.
Can I get pre approval in Florida if I am self-employed?
Yes. Horizon Lending Services specializes in pre approval for self-employed borrowers using bank statement loans, 1099 loans, and asset-based options. Instead of requiring two years of tax returns, the company verifies income through your recent bank deposits, which often provides a clearer picture of what you actually earn month to month.
What is the difference between pre approval and pre qualification?
Pre qualification is informal and based on information you provide verbally or on a form, with no documentation verification. Pre approval is formal and backed by actual financial review of your bank statements, credit report, and assets. Pre approval carries much more weight with real estate agents and sellers in Florida because it proves you can actually borrow the stated amount.
Does pre approval affect my credit score?
Pre approval involves a hard credit inquiry, which may lower your credit score by a few points temporarily, usually bouncing back within weeks. Multiple pre approval inquiries from different lenders within fourteen to forty-five days typically count as a single inquiry, so comparison shopping does not harm you. Horizon Lending Services can explain the timing to minimize any impact.
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