investment property

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 […]
January 10, 2024

DSCR Loan FAQs

Why does a DSCR lender need an operating agreement for my LLC if its not required by the state? This question comes up at least half the time in DSCR loans. Often, DSCR lenders will not close unless there is an operating agreement in the borrower’s file. The reason for this is that the borrower on the loan technically is the LLC. The person behind the LLC is the sponsor, or guarantor. The lender wants to know who legally has right to the property through the LLC. One of the jobs of the operating agreement is to outline who owns the LLC and what percentage they own. Typically any sponsor who owns 20-25% or more of the LLC would be required to be a signer on the loan as well. If you need a mortgage and need help with this, […]
September 29, 2023

Navigating the World of Retail Commercial Real Estate Deal Financing

Retail Commercial Real Estate Deal Financing
September 13, 2023

5 Super Effective, Killer, Unique Ways Real Estate Investors Find Deals

Real estate investment is a dynamic and lucrative field that offers numerous opportunities for investors to grow their wealth. However, finding the right deals is often the most challenging aspect of real estate investment. While traditional methods such as working with real estate agents or scouring online listings can be effective, seasoned investors often employ more innovative and unique strategies to discover hidden gems. In this article, we will explore five super effective, killer, and unique ways real estate investors find deals. Driving for Dollars One of the most unconventional yet highly effective methods used by real estate investors is “Driving for Dollars.” This technique involves physically driving through neighborhoods, particularly those with high potential for investment, and scouting properties that appear distressed or neglected. This hands-on approach allows investors to identify opportunities that may not be listed on the […]
April 27, 2023
Which cities have rent control

Which Cities Have Rent Control?

There are many cities in the US that have some form of rent control, although the specifics of the policies can vary widely. Here is a list of some of the major cities with rent control policies: New York City, NY San Francisco, CA Los Angeles, CA Washington, D.C. Berkeley, CA Santa Monica, CA West Hollywood, CA Oakland, CA San Jose, CA East Palo Alto, CA Richmond, CA Hayward, CA Los Gatos, CA San Diego, CA Cambridge, MA Somerville, MA Brookline, MA Cambridge, MA Boston, MA Portland, OR Portland, ME It’s important to note that rent control policies are often subject to change and can vary in their specifics from city to city. Additionally, some cities may have other forms of tenant protection laws, such as just cause eviction ordinances, that provide additional protections to renters. Mortgage Rates Calculate Your […]
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 […]
December 28, 2021

Where to Get LLC Loans for Investment Property

New real estate investors commonly ask the internet and other investors, “can I obtain mortgage LLC loans for an investment property?” The answer to that burning question is “yes”! Obtaining an LLC mortgage loan for your investment property comes with a slew of unique benefits. If you are new to getting a loan under an LLC can be very challenging if you don’t know where to start or where to look. No need to worry; we did all of that research for you. In this comprehensive LLC loans for investment property guide, we will go over everything you need to know about getting a rental property under your LLC name and who you can reach out to for more information! Benefits of LLC Loans for Investment Property Rental property investors use an LLC to protect their assets for their investment […]
December 28, 2021

What is the maximum LTV (loan to value) for a cash out refinance on an investment property?

Refinancing refers to the process where a property owner replaces their existing mortgage with a new one, in order to either save money or capture the equity in the real estate that they own. As of the day of this writing, interest rates in general, for both purchase and refinance loans are at record lows. At the beginning of 2021, the average mortgage interest rate was a startling 2.65%, a full percentage point lower than it had been just a year before. The lowest level it has been in years. During a low interest rate environment, like the one we are currently experiencing, refinancing an investment property opens up a huge opportunity for investors to decrease their monthly operating expense and increase their net cash flow. Furthermore, pursuing a cash out refinance loan, can multiple these benefits by allowing a […]
December 27, 2021
investment real estate appraisal

Does a refinance appraisal affect property taxes?

In recent years, refinancing real estate has become an emerging strategy among real estate investors to build their real estate portfolios. Popularized by the Buy, Renovate, Rent, Refinance, and Repeat method (BRRRR), many real estate investors now purchase properties with the goal to remodel them, rent them out to generate cash flow, and then refinance the property to capture the equity they’ve created and use the cash to buy a new property and do it all over again. In this process, refinancing plays the most critical role, and when it comes to refinancing any property, lenders will usually require another appraisal. Many investors, however, erroneously assume that this second appraisal will cause their property taxes to increase. In this article we dive into detail why this is not necessarily the case. What is an Appraisal A real estate appraisal is […]