Lending standards aren’t what they were a few years ago, and if you haven’t shopped for commercial debt recently, the shifts could cost you. Owen Dashner, Co-Founder of Liquid Lending Solutions, breaks down what changed after interest rates spiked in 2022, why banks are underwriting more conservatively today, and what that means for real estate investors navigating refinances and new acquisitions.

From last-minute term changes to more cautious appraisals, the risks are real but avoidable. Investors who understand their numbers, build in cash reserves, and partner with a transparent lender are best positioned to close without surprises. Read on for a candid look at today’s lending landscape, straight from someone in the thick of it.

Liquid Lending Solutions is halfway through its biggest year yet. Co-founder Owen Dashner sat down to share what's driving record loan activity, how a new partnership with a real estate coaching group has tripled incoming deal flow, and why bulk portfolio acquisitions are one of the most exciting strategies on the table right now.

For borrowers, the message is clear: speed still wins. While traditional banks face uncertainty and slow timelines, Liquid Lending continues to close deals in as little as a week. For investors in the fund, a diversified portfolio of 70–80 active loans is targeting 8–10% annual returns. Read on for a candid mid-year update from the team.