InstaLend

InstaLend is a direct private lender specializing in short-term real estate loans, primarily fix-and-flip loans, bridge loans, and rental property financing for residential investors. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in New York, the platform has positioned itself as a tech-enabled alternative to traditional hard money lenders, offering streamlined online applications and faster closings than conventional banks. InstaLend lends on non-owner-occupied residential and small multifamily properties across most U.S. states.

The platform's core value proposition is speed and accessibility: borrowers can receive a term sheet within 24 hours and close in as little as 10 business days. InstaLend underwrites primarily on the asset — specifically the after-repair value (ARV) of the property — rather than requiring the rigorous income documentation that bank lenders demand. This makes it accessible to self-employed investors or those with complex tax situations, but the trade-off is a significantly higher cost of capital compared to conventional financing.