loan

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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
July 21, 2017

How to Buy a New Building Using Equity You Already Have

Many property owners try to buy new property all the time. In most cases, this involves coming up with a hefty down payment. However, you can avoid having to organize hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash by buying a new building using equity in other properties you already have, a process called cross collateralization. The bank or lender would write a loan using both properties or a number of properties as collateral for the new property you’re buying. The lender then places a lien on all the properties being used as collateral, which includes the property you’re buying and the other properties you’re using as equity. Cross collateralization is uncommon, but it can be done. To qualify for this type of loan, you need to have significant equity in your other properties. Lenders that do this generally will allow […]
July 21, 2017

What is a Global Debt Service Coverage Ratio and When Does it Affect You?

Not all commercial real estate lenders are created equal. Each lender has their own differences and peculiarities. When evaluating your income for loan purposes, some banks will take the debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) of just the property that you are financing. Others however, will take into account all of your other properties to arrive at what it’s called the global debt service coverage ratio. This can be troublesome for some borrowers. If they are just breaking even on one or a few properties, it could negatively affect them on another property they are trying to find. It is useful to get a sense of which lenders use the global debt service coverage ratio and which do not. Aurum & Sharpe has extent extensive experience in navigating the confusing lending environment. We evaluate whether your global debt service coverage ratio […]
July 21, 2017

How to Ensure that your Application for a Commercial Real Estate Mortgage Loan will be Approved

If you’ve looked to finance a commercial property in the last 3 to 5 years, you know that banks are happier to say no then they are to say yes. In this environment, it is imperative that you know your options. The first and most important step to ensuring that your application will be approved is making sure that your loan officer puts together a winning loan package. The loan package describes who you are to the lenders. It needs to put your best foot forward as it explains your challenges in the most honest and accurate way. Banks and lenders will deny your loan on the slightest pretense of instability. Provided that you are qualified, as long as you follow the steps in this outline, your loan application should be successful. Step 1: Gather all your financial documentation and […]
June 8, 2017

How to Get Your Loan Past the Loan Committee, and Get It Approved

Commercial mortgage lenders look at hundreds of loan applications each month. How can you make sure yours stands out? Many borrowers try to get a loan without first investigating what a lender might want to see on his application before approving the loan. These days, lenders are especially cautious because of the financial regulation environment, and of course, the elephant in the room, heavy losses from the recent recession.   What lenders look for There are three things that the the lender looks for in general when evaluating loan scenarios. The first is credit. This can also be looked at as character. How is your credit? Are all your bills paid on time? And more importantly are all your bills related to real estate paid on time? One of the easiest ways to kill a deal is to have a […]
May 31, 2017

How to Calculate Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR)

If you’re looking to obtain a loan to finance commercial property, one important metric you’ll need to provide your lender with is the DSCR, or debt service coverage ratio. The DSCR shows how well you will be able to repay the loan, and helps your lender determine the size of the loan. You can calculate it by dividing your business’s net operating income (NOI) by the total debt service. Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) = Net Operating Income (NOI) / total debt service A DSCR of 1.0 means that you’ll be able to pay back your loan with no wiggle room. Obviously, this is not ideal. The DSCR requirement varies by lender, loan type, and property type, but it will always be above 1.0 to provide a cushion in case something goes wrong.   Calculating your NOI Your NOI is defined […]