investments

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!

July 16, 2024

The Lifecycle of a Residential Real Estate Investor

The Lifecycle of a Residential Real Estate Investor Investing in residential real estate is a journey that offers the potential for significant financial rewards, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and learning curves. Understanding the lifecycle of a residential real estate investor can help prospective investors prepare for the various stages and make informed decisions along the way. Here, we explore the typical stages that investors go through, from initial planning to building and managing a robust real estate portfolio. Stage 1: Education and Planning The journey of a residential real estate investor often begins with education and planning. Aspiring investors start by educating themselves about the real estate market, investment strategies, and financial principles. This stage involves: Stage 2: Market Research and Property Search Once investors have a solid foundation of knowledge, they move on […]
May 5, 2023

What is Freddie Mac Small Balance? (For multifamily 5+ unit properties)

Freddie Mac Small Balance is a lending program offered by Freddie Mac, a government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) that provides liquidity and stability to the U.S. housing market. The Small Balance program is designed to provide financing for smaller, multifamily properties with 5 to 50 units. These properties are typically owned by individuals or small businesses and are often located in less urban areas. The program offers competitive interest rates, fixed or floating-rate loan options, and flexible loan terms to eligible borrowers. It also includes streamlined underwriting and financing processes, which can make it easier for borrowers to obtain financing for their properties. Overall, Freddie Mac’s Small Balance program provides an important source of financing for small multifamily property owners, helping to support the availability of affordable rental housing in the United States. The maximum loan amount that can be borrowed through […]
October 6, 2022

Best way to get a Mortgage for Investment Properties over $2,000,000

The most country considers a two-million dollar property to be expensive, and it is. Obviously, the housing market is robust and will most likely remain so for some time. In light of this, purchasing a home for $2,000,000 or more is sensible if you have the means. And besides, price and rent increases are certain to continue due to inflation. Generally, you shouldn’t spend more than three times your annual gross income on a property. Helping people make responsible purchases is a component of the 30/30/3 rule for acquiring a property. Consequently, you must earn a minimum of $667,000 annually to purchase a $2 million home. You should also have sufficient money for a 20% down payment, or $400,000, and an additional $100,000 in cash reserves just in case of any unforeseen event. With the current cheap mortgage rates, you can […]
October 5, 2022

How to Cash-out Refinance Investment on Your Property: A Step-by-step Guide

Real property is known to be a good investment because historically, its prices are on the up and up. When value appreciates, so does the profit of real estate investors. With that in mind, real property investors should always be on the lookout for ways to expand their real estate portfolio. Cash-out refinancing is one way to do that. What is Cash-out Refinancing? Cash-out refinancing is the process of taking out another mortgage to “finance again” the property. With a refinancing, you can convert your home equity into cash, which can then be used for various things. Since we are talking about property investments, then that cash can be used as a down payment for another property, hence expanding your real estate portfolio. When you apply for a new mortgage, it has to be larger than the balance of the […]
October 5, 2022

Investment Property Mortgage Rates

Real estate is always regarded as a profitable investment. Initially, income from investment properties was considered a secondary source of income. However, they can now be sufficiently profitable to serve as a primary source of income. This means you can consider making a direct living out of it. But, there is a catch, and that drawback is that investment property loans have higher interest rates, which makes them more challenging to obtain.  One of the various methods to provide income and long-term wealth is purchasing an investment property, often known as an income or rental property. As with any investment, there are dangers associated with purchasing and owning this kind of property, and financing requirements differ considerably from those for a permanent house. The interest rates that lenders charge on loans for investment properties are known as Investment Property Mortgage Rates. […]
October 5, 2022

Rental Property Mortgage Rules

A growing number of people in the U.S. are looking at investment properties as the best way to boost their incomes because they prove to be excellent sources of income for ambitious investors. But first-time owners have discovered that buying a rental property is far trickier than anticipated. This is especially true regarding eligibility for that crucial supplementary mortgage, the mortgage for a rental property. A primary dwelling and a rental property are not financed similarly. First-time purchasers should be prepared to meet some rather strict standards before they can expect to be approved for a mortgage because lenders tend to be more cautious about underwriting loans on rental properties. Even though it sounds complex, it simply requires comprehension. In this article, we’ll explain how you can get a mortgage for a rental property, the options available, the requirements for […]
October 4, 2022

Best way to get a Mortgage for Investment Properties over $3,000,000

Getting a mortgage of over $3,000,000 for investment properties can be challenging as most lenders consider many factors and place stringent requirements due to their risk. In most of America, a home worth $3 million is expensive. Technically, when your income exceeds $3 million, you are officially living in luxury. Admittedly, the average cost of a home in America is over $400,000. As a result, the price of a three million dollar home is 7.5 times the median. In locations like San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, Seattle, and New York, $3 million alone won’t get you home because of its location. The pricey seaside cities have nice homes available for $3 million. However, the location of your $3,000,000 home is important. If you are looking to buy an investment property with a mortgage, there are requirements you need to […]
October 4, 2022

Investment Property Mortgage Rates

An investment property mortgage is a loan obtained to fund an asset with the potential to generate income. The best way to profit from real estate is through investment properties. Investment properties are purchased to rent out or sell for a profit, unlike primary. Investors can fund the acquisition or construction of investment properties with the aid of loans. Investment mortgages—also referred to as loans for rental property—are backed by the asset being financed. In other words, if you don’t comply with the loan agreements, the lender has the power to foreclose on your home. Investment property loans come in various forms, such as conventional loans, hard money loans, private money loans, and home equity/HELOC loans. Each loan has a distinct feature, prerequisites, advantages, and disadvantages. But one thing all these loans have in common is that their rates are […]
October 4, 2022

Best way to get a mortgage for investment properties over $5,000,000

Owning an investment property provides an excellent opportunity to make money from real estate. However, getting an investment property requires a lot of financing and is, thus, mostly funded through mortgages. Getting a mortgage for an investment property is quite difficult already. But when it comes to investment properties over $5 million, it’s almost mission impossible. However, there are ways around it – there are effective ways to get mortgages for that luxurious property, whether you’re an individual or a group. This piece expires some of those ways. What qualifies as an Investment Property? A real estate property is considered an investment property if it was purchased to make a profit through rental income, potential resale, or both. Investment properties may be owned by an individual investor, investment firm, or corporation. These properties may be held for the long term […]
October 4, 2022

Best way to get a Mortgage for Investment Properties over $10,000,000

Real estate investment requires a significant amount of money. With five or ten thousand dollars, you can comfortably get into the crypto or stocks market and make a healthy profit. However, when buying property, you need hundreds of thousands of dollars. Most times, you will need to get a mortgage to be able to afford a real estate property. Buying an investment property is one of the best ways to make money from real estate. Investment properties enable you to generate income through rent payments or equity appreciation. Getting a mortgage for an investment property is usually tricky. Lenders typically set steeper requirements to offset their increased risk on this type of loan. While it may be easy to meet these requirements on smaller amounts, getting an investment property loan for amounts running in the millions is usually herculean. This […]