Bryan Hanley

Aurum and Sharpe was founded in 2017 by me, Bryan Hanley, and one of my best friends, Rudy Renelique. After many years working at big banks like Chase, and Wells Fargo, we decided we could bring value to a mortgage market that was starving for independent thinkers. So we started Aurum and Sharpe over a phone call about financing a multi-family deal in Brooklyn. Since starting this business we’ve been on many adventures from financing a $20 million portfolio of single families, to meeting the President of Rwanda and Finance Minister of Namibia.

Team and our partners at Maya’s Hope Fundraiser

Rudy has gone on to start his own firm, Overture Capital, while I’ve stayed on to grow Aurum and Sharpe. Aurum is the original Latin word for gold (that’s why the periodic table has it listed at Au). We chose it because we think of our word as “as good as Gold.” And in that vein, we want to add value to every customer we come in contact with. Our promise is that by working with us, you will increase your Freedom, Purpose, and Fulfillment.

Our process includes learning your overall objectives and where you want to go in your life so that we make sure your financing enhances your life and gets you to your destination much faster. What that means though, is that we are not like every other broker on the street that will only do a surface level amount of learning about you, your life, and your motivations. For us, that is Gold. We want to learn how we can tailor your financing so that you thrive in your life! So before we talk about rates, terms, or anything else, we are going to try and figure out how to add value through financing.

We know this approach isn’t for everyone. But if this resonates with you, lets talk: 917 475 6207

Less well known about me is that I’ve also served as the Head of Marketing at a Y combinator Cyber Security Startup (raised their value by creating winning marketing, twice), served as a marketing specialist, data management contractor for the Cyber Security Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA, which is a division of the United States Department Of Homeland Security), wrote and published “The House Hustle” for Black Entrepreneurs, wear two five-fold Crosses, hold a degree in Africana Studies from Rutgers University (I’ll always be a Scarlet Knight), and am former active firefighter.

Feel free to verify any of this on Linkedin:

Live Free! Break the Chains!

February 9, 2022
Property Portfolio

How to buy a Property Portfolio?

Investing in real estate is a lucrative business opportunity for many. The most beautiful part of it is there are many different niches to choose from when just getting started. An investor can decide to focus on single family rentals, or commercial spaces, or even self-storage. Often they decide to grow a portfolio of properties over time, by buying properties individually. However, the aggressive real estate investor whose looking to scale quickly can opt to instead purchase a property portfolio. While buying a portfolio of real estate works very similar to buying any other property, there are certain nuances that even the savviest investor needs to look out for. In this article, we will walk you through the process of buying a property portfolio, from start to finish. We’ll further outline the benefits as well as key items you’ll need […]
February 8, 2022
Real Estate Loans

What is a Real Estate Portfolio Loan?

If you’re a first-time real estate investor with no credit and cash, or a small business owner looking to refinance all your rental properties into one loan, chances are you’ll have a hard time finding a lender. Real estate mortgages are among the most highly regulated industries, imposing some of the most stringent requirements on borrowers in order to ensure another Great Recession does not occur. As such, real estate investors looking for more flexible and creative financing often have to look outside the box at alternatives. As a group, the alternative loan programs available out there are largely considered portfolio loans, and in this article, we’ll discuss what they are, the different types available for real estate investors, and the benefits and downsides to them. The definition of a Portfolio Loan A portfolio loan is any real estate mortgage […]
February 7, 2022
Refinance your mortgage

How to Refinance my Portfolio of Single-family Homes?

Rather than buying apartment buildings, many real estate investors are focusing on acquiring multiple single-family homes and creating a portfolio. With the rising cost of single-family homes, the decrease in overall home inventory, and the increased requirements to qualify for a first-time homebuyer loan program homeownership has dropped, and more people are renting. Specifically, they’re opting to stay long-term in single-family homes in a semblance of achieving the American dream. However, as a real estate investor with a portfolio of single-family homes, you may be wondering how to refinance them. This can be a difficult process, but rest assured it is not impossible. In this article, we’ll outline the steps you need to take in order to refinance a portfolio of homes, as well as the benefits and potential risks. What is a Single-family Home Portfolio? Before jumping into how […]
January 31, 2022
Real Estate Investors

Who Are the Richest Real Estate Investors?

Most major business publications will agree that real estate makes up more than two-thirds of the net worth around the world. Real estate is a lucrative investment opportunity that has created hundreds of millionaires and billionaires. As a budding real estate investor, especially one just getting started, there is much you can learn from those who have already walked in your shoes. This is why in this article we share with you who are the top 10 the richest real estate investors in the world, and what they did to get there. 10. Sam Zell Net Worth: $4.8 billion Investments: Multifamily, Office, Manufactured Housing, REITs In our list, Sam Zell starts as number 10 of the world’s richest real estate investor. Often regarded as a leader within the industry, Sam Zell’s start in real estate began young. Sam was born […]
January 28, 2022
Non-Qualified Loans

What is a Non-QM Mortgage?

When trying to buy a home or investment property you’ve most likely considered getting a mortgage, or outside financing to help you make the purchase. Between FHA loans, conventional loans, jumbo loans, hard money loans, and private money loans there are seemingly endless options. Despite all of the loans that are available, there are two major distinctions you should know about: qualified versus non-qualified mortgages. Unlike a qualified mortgage, a nonqualified loan is not subject to certain restrictions such as a debt-to-income ratio requirement. This makes non-qualified mortgages an attractive option for borrowers who don’t necessarily fit the ‘standard’ mold when buying a home, or for buyers that are looking to acquire a property that doesn’t meet FHA or conventional loan requirements, as is often the case for real estate investors. In order to know whether or not a non-qualified […]
January 27, 2022
What credit score do I need to buy an investment property

What credit score do I need to buy an investment property?

Buying an investment property is a major step in becoming an active real estate investor. Purchasing a property in hopes of developing it in the future, flipping a single-family home like you see on TV for a profit, or buying an asset that generates passive rental income can all be exciting ways and reasons to invest in real estate. There are, however, a lot of things you have to do in order to prepare and set yourself up for success. Naturally, you’ll need to do your research, work with the right real estate agent, and find a good deal. And once you do, you’re most likely going to want to finance the purchase, as opposed to paying all cash, which will involve getting a loan. Typically, lenders that specialize in making investment property loans will look at the real estate, […]
January 27, 2022
How often should I refinance my investment property?

How often should I refinance my investment property?

Without a doubt, real estate investing is one of the greatest sources of wealth in our country. According to numerous publications, 90 percent of all top earners in the world have their net worth tied to real estate. However, it’s not simply enough to own real estate to generate wealth necessarily, but rather the cash flow that the real estate you own creates. Unlike the typical 3 bedroom 2 bathroom single-family home where you and your family live, an investment property that is rented out to either a residential or commercial tenant and brings in a consistent source of passive income revenue is where the true power of real estate unfolds. Staying cash flow positive on your real estate, however, is not easy, as there are many expenses to having a rental that are not equally offset by rent. Rising […]
January 26, 2022
Should I Refinance my Rental Property?

Should I Refinance my Rental Property?

Refinancing your investment property can sound a bit confusing. What is the benefit of a refinance? How do I know if I am getting a reasonable rate? This may be your first rental property or one of multiple, and you’re considering, “Is now the time to refinance?”You’ve likely heard the benefits of refinancing your primary residence, but did you know that you can apply those same benefits toward your investment property? Investment property refinances can create opportunities to manage your loan while providing money to reinvest into the property or additional properties. Let’s Break it Down: Currently, mortgage rates are experiencing record lows and they are predicted to stay that way.According to Fannie Mae, the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage rate should estimate around 2.7 to 2.8% for the year.Typically, investment property rates run higher than that of your primary residence. The […]
December 28, 2021

The Step by Step Guide to Refinancing Your Underlying Co-op Mortgage

There are a lot of benefits to refinancing your underlying co-op mortgage. These include a lower interest rate and changing your loan term. Depending on your why, refinancing may be the right choice for your co-op mortgage. Borrowers save an average of $2,800 annually by refinancing their loans. With a 10-year loan, this would equal out to $28,000.  Underlying co-op mortgages have shorter terms than residential mortgages and often have balloon payments at the end, so refinancing is common with these types of loans.  Keep reading to understand how to refinance an underlying co-op mortgage.  What is an Underlying Co-Op Mortgage? It’s important to understand what a mortgage is and how an underlying mortgage differs. Co-ops have special mortgages and rules on how funding works. What is a Mortgage? A mortgage is a loan that uses a form of real estate as […]
December 28, 2021

10 Best Practices for Getting a Mortgage in an LLC

“You’re self-employed. You’ll never get a mortgage.” If you’re making money on your own, you’ve likely heard these statements before. And, you’ve likely believed them. But, we’re here to break these rumors. You can get a mortgage if you’re self-employed. In fact, the best LLC mortgage lenders can help you get the best mortgage deal depending on your situation. In order to get the mortgage deal that you’re looking for, keep reading. We’re going to cover everything you need to know about getting a mortgage for your LLC. And, we’re going to share all the tips and tricks that you need to use when you’re looking for an LLC mortgage. 1. Get All of Your Legal Affairs in Order Before you start looking for the perfect mortgage deal, you need to get all the legal affairs for your LLC in order. If you’re […]