Creative Mortgage Solutions

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

Stable Income? Check.

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!

Financing That Broadens Your Horizon

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 Prosper

Getting mortgage pre approval prosper means securing written confirmation that a lender is willing to finance your home purchase, based on a preliminary review of your financial situation. For self-employed professionals, real estate investors, and borrowers with non-traditional income, this pre-approval is often the difference between moving forward with confidence and hitting roadblocks at every turn.

You know the feeling. You have found the property you want. The market is moving fast. But when you mention your income to traditional lenders, they ask for two years of tax returns, ask why your W-2 doesn't match your bank deposits, or tell you that your self-employment income "doesn't count" because it hasn't been documented the same way as a salaried employee's. Horizon Lending Services specializes in situations exactly like yours. Over twenty years of mortgage experience has taught us that the most qualified borrowers often have the least conventional paperwork.

This guide walks you through the process of obtaining a mortgage pre-approval that actually reflects your real financial picture, not a template designed for salaried employees. By the end, you will have a clear roadmap and the confidence to move forward with your real estate plans.

Step 1: Gather Your Financial Documentation

Start by assembling the financial records that tell your real story. Unlike traditional lenders, Horizon Lending Services works with bank statement loans, DSCR investment property loans, 1099 income verification, and asset-based lending. This means your documentation package looks different, and that is intentional. You will need the last twelve to twenty-four months of personal and business bank statements, depending on the loan program. These statements show actual cash flow, which is often more reliable than tax returns alone.

Prepare copies of your most recent tax returns, business licenses, and proof of assets. If you are a real estate investor seeking DSCR financing, gather recent property tax statements and rental agreements. Veterans applying for VA loans should have their Certificate of Eligibility ready. Self-employed borrowers should compile profit-and-loss statements or accountant-prepared financial statements. The key is showing your income in the way it actually flows through your life, not forcing it into categories that were designed for traditional W-2 earners.

Step 2: Choose the Right Loan Program for Your Situation

Horizon Lending Services offers multiple pathways to pre-approval, and selecting the correct program accelerates your entire process. Self-employed borrowers and non-QM applicants benefit from bank statement loans, which rely on twelve to twenty-four months of bank statements rather than income tax returns. Real estate investors typically qualify for DSCR investment property loans, where the property's income-to-debt ratio determines approval rather than your personal income. High-net-worth buyers and investors may qualify for jumbo financing up to five million dollars with flexible underwriting. Veterans have access to VA loans with minimal down payment requirements. W-2 employees and first-time home buyers seeking conventional financing also have streamlined pathways.

The table below compares these programs at a glance:

Loan Program Best For Primary Documentation Income Documentation
Bank Statement / 1099 Loans Self-employed, freelancers, business owners 12-24 months bank statements Bank deposits, minimal tax returns
DSCR Investment Property Loans Real estate investors, rental property owners Property documents, lease agreements Property income (DSCR ratio)
Jumbo Loans High-net-worth borrowers, luxury properties Assets, tax returns, bank statements Asset-based or traditional income
VA Loans Veterans, active-duty military Certificate of Eligibility Traditional W-2 or self-employment
Conventional Home Loans W-2 employees, first-time buyers Pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns Verifiable W-2 employment

Your choice here determines which documents matter most and which lending criteria will apply. Horizon Lending Services evaluates your entire financial profile and recommends the program that gives you the strongest pre-approval outcome.

Step 3: Submit Your Application and Documentation Package

Contact Horizon Lending Services and provide your complete application along with all supporting documents. The team will verify that your package is complete and answer any questions about what you have submitted. Because alternative lending programs exist for borrowers like you, this step is faster than you might expect. Unlike bank tellers who process one application type day after day, the mortgage experts at Horizon Lending Services have spent two decades learning how to evaluate non-traditional income streams, self-employment patterns, and investment property cash flows.

Once submitted, your application moves into underwriting review. The underwriter examines your bank statements for consistent deposits, reviews your business stability, assesses your asset position, and calculates your debt-to-income ratio using the standards that apply to your specific loan program. You will receive a preliminary decision within a few business days in most cases. This is not yet your final approval, but it is the pre-approval letter that tells sellers and real estate agents that you are a serious buyer with genuine lending capacity behind you.

Step 4: Receive Your Pre-Approval Letter and Move Forward

Your pre-approval letter from Horizon Lending Services shows the maximum loan amount you qualify for, the property type you can purchase, and any conditions that remain to be cleared before final approval. This letter is your credential in the real estate market. It tells sellers that you have already been through a rigorous financial review and that your financing is not speculative. For self-employed borrowers and non-traditional income earners, this letter is especially powerful because it proves that legitimate lending products exist for your situation.

With pre-approval in hand, you can shop for property with confidence. When you find the home or investment property you want, your real estate agent can submit an offer backed by genuine lending power. The pre-approval letter remains valid for a set period, usually sixty to ninety days, giving you time to search without rushing. When you locate your property, you will move into the formal loan application and appraisal phase, but the hardest part is already complete. Your financial credibility is established. Horizon Lending Services will guide you through final approval, appraisal, and closing.

Getting your mortgage pre approval prosper starts with understanding that your income and assets are valuable, even if they do not fit traditional lending templates. Horizon Lending Services has spent more than two decades proving that self-employed professionals, real estate investors, and non-traditional borrowers deserve lending solutions designed for them, not forced into molds that were never meant to fit. If you are ready to move forward with confidence, reach out to discuss your situation. The team can walk you through the right loan program for your needs and answer any questions about the pre-approval process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get mortgage pre approval prosper?

Most pre-approval decisions come within three to five business days of submitting a complete application package. Since Horizon Lending Services specializes in alternative lending for self-employed and non-traditional borrowers, underwriters are familiar with evaluating bank statements, 1099 income, and investment property cash flow without delay. Final approval takes longer and depends on the property appraisal, but pre-approval is typically the fastest step.

What documents do self-employed borrowers need for pre-approval?

Self-employed borrowers typically provide twelve to twenty-four months of personal and business bank statements, recent tax returns, profit-and-loss statements, and proof of business license. Bank statement loans, offered by Horizon Lending Services, rely heavily on actual cash flow shown in bank deposits rather than on tax return income alone, which is often more favorable for entrepreneurs and freelancers.

Can real estate investors get pre-approval for investment properties?

Yes. Horizon Lending Services offers DSCR investment property loans designed specifically for real estate investors. Pre-approval for investment properties focuses on the property's income-to-debt ratio rather than your personal income, and requires recent rental agreements, property tax statements, and documentation of the property's cash flow.

Is there mortgage pre approval prosper available for veterans?

Absolutely. Veterans can obtain pre-approval for VA loans through Horizon Lending Services with minimal documentation requirements. You will need your Certificate of Eligibility and standard income verification, and VA loans offer advantages including no down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and favorable interest rates.

What is the difference between pre-approval and pre-qualification?

Pre-qualification is an informal estimate based on information you provide over the phone. Pre-approval is a formal written commitment after Horizon Lending Services has verified your financial documents, reviewed your credit, and confirmed your borrowing capacity. Pre-approval carries much more weight with sellers and real estate agents.

Can I get pre-approval if my income is too high for conventional lending programs?

Yes. Horizon Lending Services offers jumbo loans up to five million dollars with flexible underwriting for high-net-worth borrowers. Jumbo pre-approval considers your asset position and overall financial strength rather than applying the same debt-to-income restrictions as conventional programs.

Does pre-approval guarantee that I will be approved for a mortgage?

Pre-approval is a conditional commitment based on the information provided at that time. Final approval depends on factors including the property appraisal, title search results, and confirmation that your financial situation has not changed significantly. However, pre-approval means Horizon Lending Services has already verified your core qualifications.

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

Richard Berman

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903-225-9881

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