Real estate investment loans can be obtained from savings banks and commercial banks, savings and loan associations, thrifts and loans, and from credit unions. Other sources from where a loan can be sought are insurance companies, mortgage bankers, finance lenders, pension funds, mortgage trusts and investment trusts. Real estate investment loans and property investment loans are even offered by private individuals.

The two types of real estate investment loans are residential and commercial. Residential category loans, which are often called as Non-Owner Occupied (NOO), include those investment properties (less than 4 units) that are bought and are planned for rental income and future appreciation. While a commercial category consist of those apartment buildings with 5 or more units, warehouse, mix-used buildings, and stores. The interest on the investment property loan is paid from the rental incomes. The major factors that are considered before an investment property loan is granted are investor's income, credit scores and reserves.

For a real estate investor seeking a loan, there are many options. Some of the mortgage financing options include commercial loans, bonds or stocks, syndicate equity financing, and security agreements. The five essentials needed for a loan are interest rate, terms, payment, final value, and principal. These mathematically interrelated elements alter automatically when there arise any small change in any one of the values.

To get a loan, there are no pre-determined limits set for the real estate investors. Real estate investment loans are provided as interim, short term and as long term loans. Various types of loans offered include permanent debt, construction debt, structured financing, bridge/interim financing, equity financing, mezzanine financing, foreclosure investor money, hard money loans and residential repair funding. To those investors in metropolitan areas who like to buy houses, fix them up, and resell them, the hard money loans are the best choice.