information about the property they need to move forward over breakfast, and receive conditional approval and projected terms by lunch. By the end of the week, they’re under contract and preparing to break ground. It’s a level of efficiency that traditional lending models were never designed to support. Rigid qualification requirements, overreliance on personal credit scores, and multiweek underwriting timelines often delay or derail deals. In contrast, technology-driven lenders are rewriting the playbook, making it possible to fund flips, scale rental portfolios, and compete with all-cash buyers in real time. FROM BORROWER-CENTRIC TO ASSET-CENTRIC A core advantage of tech-powered lending is the shift from borrower- centric to asset-centric underwriting. Instead of focusing entirely on a borrower’s W2 income or FICO score, modern platforms use data to assess a property’s true potential. Machine learning models can evaluate local comps, renovation scope, market trends, and neighborhood risk—all in real time. This gives investors, especially those who may not fit a traditional borrower profile, the opportunity to compete on equal footing. It also means better alignment between funding and deal quality, unlocking higher leverage and more tailored terms for properties with strong fundamentals. SMART, DATA-DRIVEN DECISION MAKING Speed is only one part of the equation. Smart investing requires strong
decision-making. That’s where AI and analytics are creating another leap forward. Technology gives investors tools that go far beyond traditional financing. Platforms are now offering predictive modeling for after-repair values (ARVs), risk scoring at the property level, and real-time pricing insights based on market conditions. Instead of relying on third-party appraisals or back-of-the-napkin math, investors can now evaluate deals with institutional-grade precision. They can model different financing structures, understand their risk exposure, and even receive guidance on optimal leverage—all before making an offer. This level of insight was once reserved for large institutional investors with dedicated data teams. Now, it’s accessible
connection; it’s removing the friction that can get in the way of real support.
A NEW STANDARD FOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE Real estate has always rewarded those who move quickly and think ahead. In today’s market, that means leveraging technology as a strategic advantage. Investors who adopt AI-powered lending platforms are closing faster, scaling smarter, and positioning themselves for long-term success in an industry that’s only becoming more dynamic. The future of real estate investing is coming in hot—and the smartest players are already using it to their advantage.
CHARLES GOODWIN
to everyday investors, giving them the tools to act faster and smarter.
TECHNOLOGY THAT ENHANCES, NOT REPLACES, RELATIONSHIPS
The fear that automation might remove the human element is
Charles Goodwin is the vice president and head of bridge and DSCR lending for Kiavi, one of the nation’s largest private lenders to residential real estate investors (REIs), with more than $27 billion in funded loans. In this role, he oversees the sales and operations functions for Kiavi’s fix-and-flip, bridge, and single-asset rental products. His customer- centric and consultative approach to helping REIs scale their businesses is driven by his experiences as a real estate investor himself. He has renovated and sold more than 50 single-family homes in Northern California and has a growing rental property portfolio in Texas.
understandable, but in practice the opposite is happening. By automating repetitive, low-value tasks, LendTech platforms are freeing up real people to offer more meaningful support and strategic guidance. Instead of chasing down documents or waiting for manual approvals, investors can focus on deal strategy. And instead of navigating opaque underwriting processes, they can work with a partner who understands both the tech and the transaction. Ultimately, AI doesn’t replace human
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