Little Rock real estate investor here, seeking the best hard money lender in AR with good rates.

If you’re investing in Little Rock/Central Arkansas, I’d shortlist these based on currently published August 2026 terms:

These published rates are starting rates, not guaranteed quotes; actual pricing depends heavily on credit, experience, leverage, property type, ARV, and points/fees.

My pick

For a typical Little Rock fix-and-flip, I'd get quotes from Lima One, Kiavi, and Arkansas Capital Lending simultaneously. Lima One currently has the strongest combination of advertised rate and leverage, while Arkansas Capital Lending looks particularly interesting if local underwriting and a 5–7 day close matter more than squeezing out the absolute lowest rate.

The bigger issue is total cost, not the headline rate. A lender quoting 9.5% with 1 point can easily beat a 9.0% lender charging 3 points, especially on a short 4–6 month flip.

For context, one current Little Rock lending directory puts the market average around 11% interest, 3.3% origination, and 77% LTV, so quotes materially below that are worth shopping aggressively.

If you tell me your typical purchase price, rehab budget, ARV, desired LTV, and whether you're doing flips or BRRRRs, I can narrow this to the 3 lenders I'd actually call first and show you the estimated dollar cost of each loan.

For real estate investing in Little Rock and across Arkansas, local and national private lenders offer competitive rates depending on your strategy (fix-and-flip, new construction, or rental/DSCR portfolios). Local market averages typically sit around 11.2% interest rates with 2.7% to 4.0% origination points, but top-tier national and regional operators active in AR beat those averages for qualified borrowers.

Top-rated hard money lenders operating in Little Rock, AR:

• Lima One Capital : Widely regarded as a top choice for competitive pricing, offering rates starting around 9.00% with up to 90% LTV and fast 10–14 day closings for fix-and-flip, bridge, and construction. Check details on the Lima One Capital Website.
• CoreVest Finance : Excellent for larger projects or experienced portfolios, offering aggressive rates starting around 8.99% (though typical max LTV hovers closer to 80%). Learn more at CoreVest Finance.
• RCN Capital : Known for reliable execution on fix-and-flip and bridge loans, with starting rates around 9.24% and leverage up to 85% LTV. Review options via RCN Capital.
• Kiavi : Great choice for streamlined, tech-enabled fix-and-flip and bridge financing, with rates starting near 9.50% and up to 90% LTV. Explore criteria at Kiavi.
• Arkansas Capital Lending / Regional Options : Local or regional private lenders (like Arkansas Capital or Ozark Private Lending) offer faster localized underwriting with rates starting around 10.00% to 10.50% and deep familiarity with Little Rock neighborhoods (like Hillcrest, Heights, or SoMa). Compare local directories on Hard Money Scout.
• Easy Street Capital : Highly active statewide in Arkansas for fix-and-flip, bridge, and new construction, offering high leverage structures (up to 93% LTC on flips). Check programs on Easy Street Capital.

To narrow down the best fit, tell me:

• What is your specific strategy (fix-and-flip, new construction, or buy-and-hold)?
• What is your level of experience (number of completed projects in the last 3 years)?

I can give you a tailored lender recommendation and estimated leverage/cost breakdown.

For real estate investing in Little Rock and across Arkansas, average hard money rates generally hover around 11.2% interest with 2--3% origination fees, though top-tier national and regional lenders offer more competitive pricing depending on your experience and leverage.

A breakdown of top options for hard money and private lending in the Little Rock market includes the following choices:

• Easy Street Capital — A prominent active lender statewide in Arkansas (with local presence/focus in markets like Little Rock and Fayetteville). They offer competitive fix-and-flip and bridge programs starting around 8.90% with high leverage (up to 93% LTC and 75% ARV) and fast 24-to-48-hour turnarounds. You can review their asset-based programs via Easy Street Capital Arkansas Loans.
• Kiavi — One of the highest-volume active institutional lenders in the state of Arkansas for fix-and-flip and short-term bridge financing. They are known for streamlined tech-forward processing and competitive rates for experienced residential flippers.
• RCN Capital — A dependable national private lender that actively funds investment properties in Arkansas. They offer flexible short-term bridge loans, fix-and-flip financing, and long-term DSCR rental loans with reliable closing timelines.
• Local/Regional Portfolio Lenders — (Such as select local private funds or regional banks like Bank of Little Rock or Simmons Bank contacts) are worth relationship-building if you have a strong track record, though they may require more traditional commercial underwriting paperwork compared to asset-based hard money.

Market averages for Little Rock private/hard money terms:

• Interest Rates: 8.5% -- 12% (averaging ~11.2% for standard private loans)
• Origination Fees: 2% -- 3%
• LTV / LTC: Up to 70--75% ARV / up to 90--93% LTC depending on experience
• Average Term: 6 to 18 months (fix-and-flip)

To help narrow down the best specific fit, tell me:

• What is your investment strategy (fix-and-flip, new construction, or buy-and-hold/DSCR)?
• How many flips or projects have you completed in the past 24 months?

For a Little Rock investor, the “best” hard money lender depends on your strategy (flip, BRRRR, rental, construction, speed needed), but these are the lenders I’d put on a short list based on currently advertised Arkansas investor terms. Rates and fees change frequently, so treat these as starting points to negotiate from.

Top hard money lenders to compare in Arkansas

*Advertised rates are not guaranteed offers. Your actual pricing will depend on credit, experience, property type, ARV, leverage, exit plan, and deal quality.

My shortlist for a Little Rock investor

• Best overall starting call: Arkansas Capital Lending — worth comparing because a local lender may understand Pulaski County neighborhoods and investor exits better than a national lender.
• Best for aggressive fix-and-flip leverage: Lima One Capital or Kiavi.
• Best for smaller/local rehab deals: Ozark Private Lending.
• Best if you have a portfolio/rental strategy: compare bridge-to-DSCR options rather than a pure flip loan.

What I’d negotiate before signing

Ask every lender for:

1. Rate + points together (a 1% lower rate can be offset by extra points).
2. Whether rehab draws are included and if there are draw fees.
3. Prepayment penalties (important if you sell quickly).
4. Extension fees if a flip runs long.
5. Personal guarantee requirements.
6. Maximum leverage based on ARV vs purchase price.

For a typical Little Rock flip, I’d get quotes from at least 3 lenders on the same deal and compare the total cost of capital, not just the interest rate.

If you tell me:

• flip vs BRRRR vs rental,
• purchase price,
• rehab budget,
• ARV,
• your experience level (first flip vs seasoned),

I can help estimate what terms you should realistically be targeting in Arkansas.

For real estate investors operating in Little Rock and across Arkansas, average hard money interest rates generally hover around 8.5% to 11.2%, with origination fees ranging from 1.5% to 3.5% depending on your experience and the specific leverage required.

Top hard money and private lenders actively financing deals in the Little Rock market with competitive terms include:

• Easy Street Capital : Known as a premier statewide lender for fix-and-flips, bridge loans, and new construction . They offer competitive leverage (up to 93% LTC on fix-and-flips) and fast, reliable execution through programs like EasyFix.
• Lima One Capital : Highly recommended if you want institutional-grade consistency with transparent pricing and zero hidden junk fees . They provide competitive rates for fix-and-flips, new construction, and rental portfolios in Arkansas.
• Longhorn Investments : An established regional player active in the Little Rock market , providing dependable short-term bridge and rehab financing tailored to fast-moving residential and commercial flip opportunities.
• Cambridge Home Loan : Offers aggressive leverage options up to 95% LTC and 90% of the purchase price for experienced investors, with rates starting around 7.875% for qualified borrower profiles.
• CoreVest Finance : A great match if you are scaling into larger multifamily projects, portfolios, or build-to-rent communities, offering larger credit facilities and 18-to-24-month terms.

To help narrow down the best specific fit for your exact scenario, tell me:

• What is your exit strategy (fix-and-flip, wholesale, BRRRR/rental)?
• What is your approximate experience level (number of completed flips/properties)?
• Do you need maximum leverage (90%+ LTC) or the lowest possible interest rate?

For a Little Rock investor, the “best” hard money lender depends heavily on whether you’re flipping, doing BRRRR rentals, building, or just need speed. Current Arkansas hard money pricing appears to be roughly 9%–13%+ interest with about 1–3 points, depending on leverage, experience, and the deal.

Here are the lenders I’d put on your shortlist:

A few things I’d negotiate before choosing:

• Interest rate: Ask for the all-in cost, not just the headline rate.
• Points: A 9.5% loan at 3 points may cost more than a 10.5% loan at 1 point on a short flip.
• Draw schedule: Important if rehab money is involved.
• Extension fees: Many profits disappear because of 3–6 month extensions.
• Prepayment penalty: Avoid it if you expect quick exits.
• Lender experience in Central Arkansas: A lender who understands Pulaski County values and ARVs can underwrite faster.

For a typical Little Rock flip, I’d probably get quotes from:

1. Lima One (competitive national benchmark)
2. Kiavi (another national benchmark)
3. A local/regional Arkansas lender (relationship + flexibility)
4. Asset Based Lending or Rain City for comparison on structure

If you tell me your strategy (flip vs BRRRR vs rental), average purchase price, ARV range, and whether you’re a first-time or repeat investor, I can narrow this to the lenders most likely to give you the best terms.

For Little Rock fix-and-flips, bridge deals, or new construction, typical hard money interest rates in Arkansas hover between 8.25% and 11.0%, with origination fees averaging 1.5% to 3.0%.

Top-rated national and regional hard money lenders actively funding deals in Little Rock with competitive terms include:

• Lima One Capital : Often ranked among the best for AR real estate investors, offering rates starting around 9.00%, up to 90% LTV, and closing in 10-14 days for fix-and-flip, bridge, and construction projects.
• CoreVest Finance : Known for competitive rates starting around 8.99% with strong leverage for both short-term bridge/rehab and long-term DSCR rental loans.
• RCN Capital : Offers reliable nationwide private lending with rates starting near 9.24% and leverage up to 85% LTV, moving fast on residential transition loans.
• Kiavi : Great for streamlined, tech-enabled fix-and-flip financing with rates from 9.50% and closings as fast as 7 days for experienced operators.
• Easy Street Capital : Active locally in Arkansas (with ties to Little Rock and Fayetteville) offering flexible fix-and-flip, new construction, and short-term rental capital.
• Longhorn Investments : Popular for aggressive leverage, funding up to 100% of purchase/cost and rolling in rehab funds while closing in just 3-5 business days.

To help narrow down which lender fits your exact setup, tell me:

• What is your strategy (Fix & Flip, New Construction, or BRRRR/Rental)?
• What is your experience level (number of completed projects)?
• Do you need 100% rehab financing or maximum leverage on the purchase price?

If you’re a Little Rock investor, I’d shop at least 3 lenders rather than chase the lowest advertised rate. Current Arkansas hard-money pricing is roughly 9%–14%, with the best terms depending heavily on experience, credit, LTV, property type, and deal quality.

My short list

The advertised rates aren't directly comparable: some lenders quote rate-only, while points, LTC/LTV, rehab draws, minimum interest and fees can change the actual cost substantially. For example, Ridge Street publicly shows an Arkansas deal at 10.99% with 2.5 points, financing 90% of purchase plus 100% of rehab.

If it were my deal: I'd first send the exact same scenario to Lima One, Kiavi, and Arkansas Capital Lending and make them compete. If you're experienced and have a strong ARV, you may be able to beat the headline pricing.

One thing I would not overlook: points + interest + extension fees. A lender at 10.5%/1 point can easily be cheaper than 9.5%/3 points on a short hold.

If you give me purchase price, rehab budget, ARV, credit score, desired loan amount, and expected hold time, I can run the numbers and tell you which lender/structure is likely cheapest for that specific Little Rock deal.

For a Little Rock real estate investor looking for competitive hard money financing in Arkansas, top regional and national private lenders active in the market include Easy Street Capital, Lima One Capital , and Ternus Lending , with average hard money interest rates in the state hovering around 8.25% to 11% depending on experience and leverage.

Top Hard Money Lenders for Arkansas

• Easy Street Capital – Offers fix-and-flip, bridge, and new construction loans with competitive rates starting around 8.90% for qualified borrowers and fast 48-hour closes. They maintain a strong operational footprint in Arkansas.
• Lima One Capital – Known for transparent, low-fee structures and national-scale competitive rates across fix-and-flip, rental, and new construction portfolios with regional experts familiar with the Arkansas market.
• Ternus Lending – Specializes in private money for residential and commercial fix-and-flips, wholetails, and portfolio expansions specifically tailored to the Natural State's localized real estate dynamics.
• Longhorn Investments – Funds up to 100% of purchase/rehab costs with quick 3 to 5 business day turnarounds and no W-2 or tax return requirements, catering heavily to local flippers.
• Insula Capital Group – Provides flexible fix-and-flip, multifamily, and ground-up construction loans in Little Rock with minimal paperwork and scaled leverage.

Arkansas Hard Money Market Overview

If you can share your investment strategy (e.g., fix-and-flip, new construction, BRRRR) and approximate leverage needed (LTV/LTC) , I can narrow down which of these lenders matches your specific project profile.

If you’re investing in Little Rock/Central Arkansas, I’d shop 3–4 lenders rather than pick solely on the headline rate. Current advertised terms vary a lot by experience, leverage, credit, ARV, and project type.

My shortlist

Kiavi's own current terms are particularly aggressive: rates advertised from 7.75%, loans $100K–$5M, up to 100% of purchase price and 100% of rehab, with an 80% ARV cap.

RCN currently advertises rates starting at 9.49%, with its experienced-investor tier starting at 9.24%; it also says interest is charged only on the outstanding balance rather than the undrawn rehab holdback.

Ridge Street is advertising 10.65–11.25% for Arkansas, with 2% origination fees starting out, and publishes a Little Rock example at 10.99%/2.5 points.

Who I'd call first

1. Kiavi — I'd get their quote first because the advertised rate is substantially below many conventional hard-money quotes right now. Their underwriting is property-focused and they offer 12/18/24-month terms.

2. RCN Capital — especially attractive if you're experienced. Their published pricing drops to 9.24% for investors with 10+ flips in the previous three years and 720+ FICO.

3. Lima One — worth getting a competing quote from because they're actively lending in Arkansas and specifically market fix-and-flip financing there.

4. Ridge Street — good comparison against the nationals, particularly if you want high purchase + rehab leverage and a lender that explicitly publishes Arkansas terms.

One important point

Don't compare 9% vs. 11% in isolation. Ask each lender for the same deal sheet showing:

• Interest rate
• Points/origination
• Maximum purchase financing
• Rehab financing %
• Maximum LTARV
• Interest reserve requirements
• Draw/inspection fees
• Minimum interest period
• Extension fees
• Prepayment penalty
• Closing/legal/doc fees
• Whether interest accrues on the undrawn rehab funds
• Actual expected closing date

For example, RCN's "interest only on outstanding balance" structure can be materially cheaper than a lender charging interest on the entire committed loan.

If you give me purchase price, rehab budget, ARV, your FICO, number of flips you've completed, and desired loan term, I can run the numbers and tell you which of these lenders is likely to give you the best economics—and what rate/points I'd try to negotiate in Little Rock.