Let’s face it: 2025 is not an easy time to be a commercial real estate (CRE) investor. 

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Interest rates are unpredictable, competition is fierce, and capital is harder to come by, so knowing the best commercial real estate lenders is becoming more important if you want to stay in the game – and win.

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The problem is, many lenders hold investors back from purchasing commercial property because of:

• Slow and rigid approval processes that miss tight deadlines
• Limited flexibility with deposits, equity, and simultaneous deals that kill momentum
• Overly cautious underwriting that doesn’t reflect real CRE risks or timelines

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In short, you need more than capital. You need speed, strategy, and a lender who knows that timing and soft deposits are where deals get real.

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In this guide, we’ve done the hard work of sifting through the stacks of lending options out there to bring you the six best commercial real estate lenders for investors in 2025.

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Read on and you may just find one that can unlock your next deal – and close it fast.

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Table of contents:

• Why commercial real estate lenders are so important for property investors
• The 6 best commercial real estate lenders for investors right now
• What to look for in a commercial real estate lender in 2025

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Want to see how a top CRE lender can help you grow your portfolio? Contact Duckfund, and we’ll show you the way to faster, more flexible financing.

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Why commercial real estate lenders are so important for property investors

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It’s a simple truth: the right commercial real estate lender can make or break your deal. 

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In 2025, real estate investors need commercial property loans more than ever, but they also need fast approvals, flexible financing options, and terms that support long-term strategy.

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Strong lenders understand key dynamics that help a property deal along, including how:

• Structure commercial loan terms
• Optimize loan-to-value (LTV) ratios
• Tailor products like bridge, construction, and permanent loans to match the project. 

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This is especially critical for non-conventional deals, like mixed-use, multifamily, or owner-occupied properties, where timing, cash flow, and underwriting can get complicated.

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“For many lenders, success now hinges on more than servicing a loan,” says Sam Sidhu, the CEO of Customers Bank. “It hinges on the potential to develop a full banking relationship over time that can benefit all parties involved.”

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This relationship might see a great CRE lender also help borrowers manage risk, factoring in things like the debt service coverage ratio (DSCR), origination fees, and repayment plans. These help make sure deals don’t stall halfway through due to rigid conditions or red tape.

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If you're competing for high-value commercial assets, choosing from the best commercial real estate lenders in 2025 can even be your edge over your rivals, who struggle to find the same level of support.

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The 6 best commercial real estate lenders for investors right now

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1. Duckfund

In a market where speed can make or break a deal, Duckfund makes it easy for CRE investors to move fast and secure properties without tying up their own capital. 

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We specialize in soft deposit financing (also known as earnest money deposits or good faith deposits) and provide refundable, upfront funding so you can make stronger offers and close faster.

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With Duckfund, you can:

• Get approved in 24 hours  with no collateral required
• Win the deal by offering a higher deposit than your rival bidders
• Get your deposit paid in 48 hours
• Work on several deals at once, increasing your chances of success

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No bloated paperwork, no credit checks, no bank-style delays. Just the upfront capital you need to strengthen your bid – and the excellent fees (and customer service) that you won’t find at top banks.

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With over $1.5B in property acquisitions supported to date, Duckfund is the go-to for investors who need to stay liquid and competitive.

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Target market

Duckfund is ideal for CRE investors, developers, wholesalers, and even first-time buyers looking to make fast, confident moves without draining cash reserves. 

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We support deals across most U.S. states and work across a wide range of property types – from mixed-use and multifamily to industrial real estate market portfolios.

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Key takeaway for investors

Our soft deposit financing gives you an edge in competitive markets. With funding in 48 hours, no collateral requirements, and the flexibility to pursue multiple deals at once, Duckfund helps you scale faster – and win more bids – with less risk.

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2. JP Morgan Chase

JPMorgan Chase brings heavyweight resources to the table, including a full menu of lending options that spans everything from conventional mortgages to commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) and construction loans. 

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A deep bench of experts and the backing of a major institution mean they’re built to support complex, high-value investment property.

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Their deep expertise, a solid commercial banking team, and competitive rates for strong borrowers mean they’re a great fit for major acquisitions or long-term refinancing – provided you can wait for the paperwork to clear.

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Target market

Large-scale developers with clean credit, big balance sheets, and time to navigate a traditional commercial lending process.

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Key takeaway for investors

If you’ve got the track record and time, Chase offers access to some of the most solid business financing structures in the market.

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3. Bank of America

Bank of America gives you scale and convenience.  They serve everyone from small business owners to mid-sized CRE firms, thanks to their full suite of commercial real estate loans, including SBA 7(a) and 504. 

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Their strength is reach. Need a local branch? A mobile app? A personal banker? Done. But with size comes bureaucracy, so don’t expect lightning-fast approvals or flexible terms, especially on more complex deals.

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Target market

Borrowers with solid credit who are seeking SBA loans or traditional financing for acquisitions, renovations, or a way to refinance their project. They’re great for mid-sized firms or entrepreneurs purchasing commercial space for their businesses.

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Small business owners looking to buy or refi owner-occupied properties or tap into working capital with predictable, fixed-rate financing may also have success.

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Key takeaway for investors

A familiar, stable option with broad loan offerings, but less suited for investors who need to move fast or structure creative deals.

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4. Levine Capital

Levine Capital specializes in earnest money deposit (EMD) financing tailored for commercial real estate transactions. 

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They understand how crucial quick upfront capital is for CRE investors trying to win competitive deals. Instead of locking up personal funds, investors can access short-term capital through Levine's streamlined lending process.

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Levine offers clear disclosures from the outset, so borrowers know the exact loan amount, terms, and fees before committing. 

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While their solutions aren't structured for amortization or long-term mortgage loan needs, they're a fast fix for capital-intensive closings.

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Target market

Wholesalers, developers, and active real estate investors needing fast commercial real estate financing for EMDs in competitive or off-market deals.

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Key takeaway for investors

Levine Capital is a reliable, business banking-style partner offering short-term business loans that help you move fast. Just make sure you keep a separate lender in place for the acquisition phase.

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5. Stratton Enquiries

Stratton Equities offers flexible, non-QM loans and commercial real estate financing nationwide. 

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Their focus is on borrowers who don’t fit traditional bank requirements, and they support deals involving distressed properties, renovations, or creative acquisition strategies – all situations where many credit unions and member FDIC institutions may hesitate.

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Stratton’s strength lies in its customized loan options and fast approval. They offer hard money, soft money, and bridge loans with terms that prioritize the property’s value and the investor’s experience rather than rigid credit benchmarks. 

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Investors can apply for various loan amounts, often without needing perfect credit or deep documentation. Their structure allows for deal-by-deal flexibility, which is useful for professionals who regularly come up against complex financing demands.

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Target market

Investors needing alternative business loans for renovation, fix-and-flip, or other high-velocity transactions that traditional mortgage loan providers often avoid.

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Key takeaway for investors

Stratton Equities is built for CRE professionals who need speed, flexibility, and loan options according to the deal – not the borrower’s FICO score.

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6. Oakstone Lending

Oakstone Lending delivers fast, creative funding for EMDs, double closings, and seller carrybacks — all crucial tools for savvy real estate investors. 

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Their services fill a gap left by conventional banks and credit unions, which often lack the flexibility or turnaround time needed for short-term or layered transactions.

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Oakstone’s loan amount range is deal-specific, with disclosures clearly laid out to eliminate surprises. Though not structured for long-term amortization, their transactional funding model supports fast deal execution, so they’re a solid complement to more traditional business banking or mortgage loan providers. 

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They also offer detailed FAQs to help investors understand when and how to best use their funding services.

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Target market

Wholesalers and CRE professionals who need fast capital for short-term plays or creative closings, especially when traditional lenders can't move quickly enough.

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Key takeaway for investors

Oakstone Lending is a trusted partner for transactional business loans thanks to its fast, flexible, and purpose-built solutions for investors who need capital without delay.

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What to look for in a commercial real estate lender in 2025

In 2025, CRE investors face tighter timelines, fiercer competition, and more complexity across all asset classes, from office buildings to industrial spaces. 

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This means the right lender can offer not just more money, but added momentum. Today’s market demands lenders who move fast, structure smartly, and act as true partners in growth.

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To make sure you get this, look for lenders that offer:

• A flexible loan program that fits your deal structure and timeline
  
  
• A simple loan application followed by fast decisions
  
  
• Funding options that aren’t limited by your personal credit score
  
  
• Access to a line of credit or soft deposit financing for multiple deals
  
  
• A relationship-driven approach that treats investors like long-term partnerships, not one-off clients
  
  

Duckfund ticks all these boxes – and then goes further. 

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With fast, no-collateral soft deposit financing, you can secure properties within 48 hours, strengthen your offers, and keep capital free to pursue more deals.

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Duckfund helps you keep your head when all around are losing theirs, and acts as the strategic edge you need to scale your portfolio faster.

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Looking for the best CRE lenders to accelerate your investments? Sign up for Duckfund to experience a financing process that moves as fast as your ambitions.

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