SD Equity Partners is a San Diego-based hard money lender specializing in fix-and-flip loans with 100% purchase price financing and no monthly payments during the rehab period.
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SD Equity Partners is a family-owned hard money lending company founded by Evan and Liila Harris of Poway, California. The owners transitioned from actively flipping properties themselves to the financing side of the business after starting a family. Their direct experience as real estate investors informs their lending approach and loan product design. The company operates in San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, and Phoenix counties, serving both borrowers and investors in the real estate investment space.
SD Equity Partners offers hard money loans primarily designed for fix-and-flip projects and property rehabilitation. Their signature loan product provides 100% financing of the purchase price, eliminating the need for borrowers to front a down payment. The loans carry no monthly payments during the project period, allowing investors to preserve capital for rehabilitation costs and subcontractor payments. The company also operates an investment program where individuals, partnerships, and corporations can fund loans in exchange for higher returns secured by real estate trust deeds. Investors can utilize 401k or IRA funds if authorized by their specific fund structure.
SD Equity Partners distinguishes itself through its owners' direct experience in the flipping business, fast turnaround times (as few as 7 days from application to funding), and emphasis on transparency and flexibility. The company positions itself as smaller and more nimble than larger lenders while maintaining sufficient resources to handle complex deals. They evaluate borrowers on deal quality, experience, resources, and loan application criteria rather than relying solely on credit scores or traditional banking metrics. The testimonial from Brian Mollo of Trusted House Buyers characterizes them as "big enough to handle anything" while remaining "small enough to be nimble, always available, and perform at a very higher standard."
SD Equity Partners is legitimately focused on a niche market—real estate investors and fix-and-flip specialists—rather than serving as a general business lender. Borrowers should understand that hard money loans typically carry higher interest rates than traditional financing and are secured by real estate. The company's emphasis on "no monthly payments" specifically refers to the project period; loans must ultimately be repaid, typically when the property is sold or refinanced. This is appropriate for experienced investors but not suitable for those seeking conventional business financing or personal loans.
Yes. SD Equity Partners: San Diego Hard Money Lenders is a registered company, headquartered in Poway, CA.
Results vary by individual situation. Contact the provider to discuss expected timelines for your specific needs.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
SD Equity Partners is best for experienced real estate investors and fix-and-flip professionals who need fast, flexible acquisition financing without down payment requirements and can exit through property sale or refinance. The critical caveat is that hard money loans are significantly more expensive than traditional financing and are exclusively for real estate deals, not general business needs; borrowers must have a clear exit strategy and proven ability to execute profitable projects.
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Read guide →New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.
The total yearly cost of borrowing money, including the interest rate plus any fees the lender charges. Think of it as the 'true price tag' on a loan.
Lenders must show APR by law (Truth in Lending Act) because the interest rate alone can hide fees. Comparing APR across lenders is the most reliable way to find the cheapest loan.
Example
You borrow $10,000 at 6% interest for 3 years, but there's a $300 origination fee. The interest rate is 6%, but the APR is 6.9% because it includes that fee. You'd pay $304/month and $946 total in interest.
The percentage a lender charges you for borrowing their money, calculated on the amount you still owe. It's the lender's profit for taking the risk of lending to you.
Even a 1% difference in interest rate can cost you thousands over a loan's life. Lower rates mean less money out of your pocket.
Example
On a $20,000 car loan for 5 years: at 5% you pay $2,645 in interest. At 8% you pay $4,332. That 3% difference costs you $1,687 extra.
A person who agrees to repay your loan if you can't. They're equally responsible for the debt, and their credit is affected by your payment behavior.
Cosigning helps people with thin credit get approved or get better rates. But it's a huge risk for the cosigner — they're on the hook for the full amount if you default.
Example
A parent cosigns their child's $30,000 student loan. The child stops paying after 6 months. The parent is now legally required to make the payments or face collections, lawsuits, and credit damage.
How long you have to repay the loan, measured in months or years. A shorter term means higher monthly payments but less total interest paid.
Longer terms feel more affordable monthly but cost much more overall. A 30-year mortgage costs almost double in interest compared to a 15-year mortgage on the same amount.
Example
Borrowing $200,000 at 6.5%: A 15-year term costs $1,742/month ($113,561 total interest). A 30-year term costs $1,264/month ($255,088 total interest). You save $141,527 with the shorter term.
A one-time fee the lender charges to process and set up your loan. It covers their costs for underwriting, verifying your information, and preparing paperwork.
Origination fees are usually 1-8% of the loan amount and are often deducted from your loan proceeds — so you receive less than you borrowed.
Example
You're approved for a $10,000 personal loan with a 5% origination fee. The lender deducts $500 upfront, so you receive $9,500 in your bank account but owe $10,000 plus interest.
The original amount of money you borrowed, before any interest or fees are added. It's the 'real' amount of your debt.
Your interest is calculated on the principal. Paying extra toward principal (not just interest) is the fastest way to reduce your total cost and pay off a loan early.
Example
You borrow $25,000 for a car. That $25,000 is your principal. Your first payment of $450 might split as $150 toward interest and $300 toward principal, bringing your balance to $24,700.
The process where a lender evaluates your finances — income, debts, credit history, assets — to decide whether to approve your loan and at what rate.
Understanding what underwriters look for helps you prepare a stronger application. They check your DTI ratio, employment stability, credit score, and the asset's value.
Example
You apply for a mortgage. The underwriter reviews your pay stubs (income), bank statements (savings), credit report (history), and orders an appraisal (home value). This takes 2-4 weeks.
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