Loan Options | VA, FHA, DSCR, Self-Employed & More | Tony Fitzgerald | 1st Response Mortgage
160+ lender network

Every loan.
One Mortgage Jedi.

From your first home to your tenth investment property — from W2 simple to self-employed complex — if there's a loan for your situation, I have access to it. And if it doesn't fit the standard playbook, I'll find a way.

26+
Programs
160+
Lenders
49
States

You don't need 20% down

Whether it's your first home or you've done it before — these programs are built to get you in the door with the least friction and the best terms available to you.

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Popular

VA Loan

Zero down. No PMI. You earned it.

If you're a veteran, active-duty service member, or eligible surviving spouse — this is the best loan in the game. No down payment, no mortgage insurance, and consistently the lowest rates available. Tony is a veteran advocate and will make sure you use every dollar of your benefit.

  • 0% down payment required
  • No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
  • Competitive interest rates
  • Available for primary residences
First-time

FHA Loan

Low down payment. Flexible credit.

Perfect if your credit isn't perfect. FHA loans offer flexible qualification guidelines and low down payments — making it easier to get approved even if you've been turned down elsewhere. Great for buyers who want a second chance to win.

  • 3.5% down with 580+ credit score
  • More flexible credit guidelines
  • Seller can contribute to closing costs
  • Gift funds allowed for down payment
Standard

Conventional Loan

Stable. Predictable. Proven.

This is the standard most people know. Locked-in rate, consistent monthly payments, and no surprises. Ideal for buyers with solid credit who want long-term stability and a clean, straightforward transaction.

  • As low as 3% down for primary homes
  • No upfront mortgage insurance
  • PMI removable once equity hits 20%
  • Wide range of term options (10–30 yr)
Rural

USDA Loan

Zero down in qualifying areas.

If you're buying in a qualifying rural or suburban area, USDA loans offer zero down payment and strong rates. A great fit for buyers purchasing just outside city limits — and many Florida communities qualify.

  • 0% down payment required
  • Low monthly mortgage insurance
  • Competitive fixed rates
  • Many suburban FL areas qualify
Low down

Jumbo Loan

Luxury homes. No compromise.

For high-value homes that exceed standard loan limits (above $766,550 in most Florida counties). Jumbo loans offer flexible options and strong rates for qualified buyers — Siesta Key, Longboat Key, luxury Sarasota, and beyond.

  • Loan amounts above $766,550
  • As low as 10% down available
  • Fixed and adjustable rate options
  • Primary, second home, and investment

Tax returns don't tell your whole story

Business owners, freelancers, contractors, and commission earners often write off income the right way — and then get penalized for it at the mortgage desk. Not here.

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Top pick

Bank Statement Loan

12 or 24 months of deposits. That's it.

If you're self-employed or don't show income the traditional way, this program lets you qualify using your bank deposits instead of tax returns. Perfect for business owners — sometimes even if you're only 1 year in business.

  • 12 or 24 months bank statements
  • Personal or business accounts
  • No tax returns required
  • 1 year in business may qualify
Simple

1099-Only Loan

Contractors, freelancers, gig workers.

If you're a contractor, freelancer, or gig worker, this loan uses your 1099s to qualify — no tax returns or W2s required. Perfect for independent earners with strong gross income and clean credit.

  • 1099s only — no W2 or tax returns
  • Strong gross income qualifies
  • For contractors and freelancers
  • Good credit required
CPA-approved

P&L Only Loan

Qualify on your profit & loss statement.

Qualify using just a CPA-prepared profit and loss statement. No bank statements. No tax returns. Ideal for self-employed clients who manage their business income strategically and want a clean, simple qualification path.

  • CPA-prepared P&L only
  • No bank statements required
  • No tax returns required
  • Self-employed 2+ years typically
Asset-based

Asset Qualifier Loan

Savings & investments as income.

Strong savings or investment accounts but don't show regular income on paper? We take your assets and calculate a monthly income based on what you already have. No tax returns, no pay stubs — just smart use of your money.

  • Assets converted to income
  • No employment verification
  • Retirement & investment accounts count
  • Ideal for high-net-worth borrowers
No ratios

No Ratio Loan

No income. No employment. No problem.

These loans don't require debt-to-income ratios. Ideal for well-qualified buyers with strong assets or large down payments who want privacy and speed over paperwork. No income or employment verification required.

  • No DTI ratio required
  • No income documentation
  • Strong assets or large down payment
  • Privacy-first qualification
Not sure which program fits? Tony reviews your full picture and tells you straight — no sales pitch, just the right answer.

Build wealth. Scale your portfolio.

From your first rental to a multi-property portfolio — Tony specializes in investor financing and understands how to structure deals that actually pencil out.

Investor consultation
Investor

Investment Property Loan

Second homes & rentals. As low as 15% down.

Designed for non-owner-occupied properties with options that support long-term investment goals. Whether it's your second home, first rental, or tenth property — Tony structures deals that work.

  • As low as 15% down payment
  • Single-family to multi-unit
  • Short and long-term rental income
  • Second home options available
Fast

Fix & Flip Loan

Move fast. Maximize profit.

Short-term financing for buying and renovating homes fast. Ideal for real estate investors who need to move quickly, close on distressed properties, and maximize return on renovation projects.

  • Short-term bridge financing
  • Based on after-repair value (ARV)
  • Fast close times
  • Can cover purchase + rehab costs
Equity

Bridge Loan

Bridge the gap between properties.

Need to buy a new property before selling your current one? A bridge loan uses your existing equity to fund the new purchase. Temporary financing that gives you flexibility without being contingent on a sale.

  • Use existing home equity
  • Buy before you sell
  • Short-term — typically 6–12 months
  • No sale contingency needed

Build it. Fix it. Finance it all.

Found the right home but it needs work? Building from scratch? These programs combine purchase and improvement costs into a single loan so you're not juggling multiple closings.

Discuss my project
Ground-up

Construction Loan

Build from the ground up.

Building from scratch? This loan releases funds in stages as construction progresses and can convert into a permanent mortgage when it's done — one loan, one close, no double costs. Tony has active construction deals across Southwest Florida.

  • Funds released in draw stages
  • Can convert to permanent mortgage
  • One-time close option available
  • New builds and lot + build
Purchase + Reno

Rehab Loan

Buy it and fix it. One loan.

Found the right home but it needs work? This option lets you finance both the purchase and the repairs in one loan — so you're not scrambling for a separate contractor line of credit after closing.

  • Purchase + renovation combined
  • Single loan — one closing
  • FHA 203k and conventional options
  • Can include cosmetic or structural work

Your equity is a tool. Use it.

Whether you want to lower your rate, pull cash out, or access your equity without refinancing — these programs put your home's value to work for you.

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Lower rate

Rate & Term Refinance

Lower your rate or shorten your term.

Reduce your interest rate, shorten your loan term, or switch from an adjustable to a fixed-rate mortgage. A straightforward way to reduce monthly payments or pay your home off sooner without taking cash out.

  • Lower your interest rate
  • Shorten term (30 → 15 yr)
  • ARM to fixed-rate conversion
  • Potentially reduce monthly payment
Cash out

Cash-Out Refinance

Tap your equity for cash.

Refinance for more than you owe and take the difference in cash. A smart way to access equity for debt consolidation, home improvements, investment capital, or other goals — primary, second home, and investment properties.

  • Access equity as cash
  • Consolidate high-interest debt
  • Fund home improvements
  • Primary, second home, investment
VA only

VA Refinance (IRRRL)

Streamline your existing VA loan.

Already have a VA loan? The Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) lets you lower your rate with fewer steps and lower costs than a standard refinance. You can also do a VA cash-out refi to pull equity.

  • Streamlined — minimal documentation
  • No appraisal required in most cases
  • Lower funding fee than purchase
  • Cash-out version also available
Flexible access

HELOC & Home Equity Loans

1st, 2nd & 3rd lien options.

Use your equity smarter — primary home, second home, or investment property. First or second lien to renovate, invest, or eliminate debt. Access funds without touching your main mortgage. We structure it around your goals, not just your loan balance.

  • Primary, second home & investment
  • 1st, 2nd, and 3rd lien options
  • Revolving HELOC or lump-sum
  • Don't disturb your first mortgage
62+

Reverse Mortgage

Turn equity into tax-free income.

Homeowners age 62 and up can convert their home equity into tax-free cash with no required monthly mortgage payments. Tony will help you understand if this is the right fit for your retirement plan — no pressure, just the full picture.

  • Age 62+ and own your home
  • No monthly mortgage payments required
  • Tax-free proceeds
  • Stay in your home

The hard files are Tony's specialty

Life doesn't always fit the standard qualification box. Tony spent 28 years solving problems that didn't fit the playbook. That same mindset applies to every loan file.

Call Tony directly
Second chance

Recent Credit Event Programs

Bankruptcy, foreclosure, short sale — we have options.

Life happens. Whether it's a bankruptcy, foreclosure, short sale, or serious late payments — we have loan options that let you bounce back faster than you think. Some programs allow financing just one day out from the event with solid income and a down payment.

  • Some programs: 1 day out of BK
  • Foreclosure & short sale options
  • Income and down payment key factors
  • Path back to homeownership
Non-QM

Non-QM Loans

Outside the standard box.

Non-qualified mortgage loans serve borrowers who don't fit conventional or government loan guidelines but are creditworthy by any reasonable measure. Tony has access to dozens of non-QM programs across 160+ lenders.

  • No strict income documentation rules
  • Unique property types
  • Foreign national programs
  • High-balance and specialty scenarios

Beyond residential. Built for business.

Buy commercial property, expand your business, or access powerful SBA financing with competitive terms designed for growth.

Talk to Tony
Commercial

Commercial Real Estate

Retail, office, industrial, mixed-use.

Buy or refinance retail, office, industrial, or mixed-use properties. Whether you're an investor or owner-occupant, Tony structures commercial deals to match your cash flow and long-term investment plans.

  • Purchase and refinance
  • Investor and owner-occupant
  • All commercial property types
  • Flexible term structures
SBA

SBA 7(a) Loan

Real estate, working capital, equipment, business acquisition.

Flexible SBA financing for business owners who want to buy commercial property, expand operations, invest in equipment, or even buy a business. Lower down payments, longer payback periods, and competitive terms built to support growth.

  • Real estate, equipment, working capital
  • Can finance a business acquisition
  • Low down payment options
  • Long repayment terms
SBA 504

SBA 504 Loan

Owner-occupied CRE & fixed assets.

Specifically designed for owner-occupied commercial real estate and large fixed assets — with lower rates and longer terms than conventional commercial financing. If you occupy at least 51% of the property, this is often the strongest option available.

  • Owner-occupied CRE required
  • Often lower rates than conventional
  • Long fixed-rate terms (10–25 yr)
  • As low as 10% down

Not sure where you fit?

Tell Tony your situation. In one conversation he'll tell you exactly which program fits, what you qualify for, and what your next step is. No runaround. No sales pitch.

First responders

Tony is a former Fire Lieutenant. He knows what it means to serve and will make sure you get every advantage available.

Recently turned down

Banks say no for reasons that don't matter to the right lender. 160+ lenders means more options than any single institution.

Complex income

Multiple streams, self-employed, commission, RSUs, rental income — Tony has seen every combination and structured loans for all of them.

Relocating to Florida

Tony can coordinate financing in your home state and your new Florida purchase simultaneously through the Barrett Financial network.