Capital partners

Earn passive returns backed by real estate

Laker Lending offers capital partners the opportunity to participate in short-term, asset-secured loans originated and serviced by an experienced team with deep roots in residential real estate.

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A straightforward participation model

Capital partners participate alongside Laker Lending in individual loans secured by residential real estate. We originate, underwrite, and service every loan — you participate in the ones that fit your goals.

1

We originate the deal

Laker Lending sources, underwrites, and structures each loan. Every deal is secured by residential property with conservative loan-to-value ratios.

2

You review and participate

We present qualifying deals to our capital partners. You choose which loans to participate in based on your own criteria and risk appetite.

3

We manage everything

Laker Lending handles all servicing, borrower communication, draw management, and collections. You receive payments according to the terms of your participation.

Why Laker Lending

Your capital, our expertise

We don't just lend — we've been on the other side of the table. That experience shapes how we underwrite, structure, and protect every deal.

500+ acquisitions, 300+ renovations

We've acquired over 500 single-family homes, renovated more than 300, and taken on an apartment complex. We know what realistic rehab budgets and timelines look like — and we underwrite accordingly.

Skin in the game

We invest our own capital in every loan we originate. Our interests are aligned with yours — we only fund deals we believe in.

Financial engineering background

Our approach to structuring and risk management goes beyond standard hard money lending. Every deal is evaluated with institutional-level discipline and creativity.

Direct relationship

You work directly with the person managing your capital. No layers, no middlemen — just transparent communication and clear reporting.

Leadership

The person behind your capital

Every investment decision at Laker Lending runs through one person.

SS

Shay Smith

Managing Member

Shay brings a rare combination of institutional finance and hands-on real estate operating experience to every loan Laker Lending originates.

He spent over a decade in investment banking, most recently as an Executive Director at J.P. Morgan, where he advised on complex financial transactions and capital raising — building the analytical discipline that now drives Laker Lending's underwriting.

In 2022, Shay transitioned to entrepreneurship, acquiring over 500 homes and renovating more than 300 across four Midwest markets, while building a vertically integrated property management company from the ground up. That operating experience isn't just a credential — it means that in the event of a default, Laker Lending has the in-house capability to take control of collateral, stabilize the asset, and operate or sell the property to protect investor capital.

MBA — Chicago Booth CFA Charterholder CPA

Short-term loans secured by real property

Every loan in our portfolio is backed by residential real estate. Here's a general profile of the deals we originate.

Loan type
Bridge & rehab
Term length
4–12 months
Max LTV
Up to 80%
Collateral
Residential
Geography
MI, OH, IL
Security
First lien

Interested? Let's talk.

Tell us a bit about yourself and we'll schedule a call to discuss how a partnership with Laker Lending could work for you.

✓ Thank you for your interest. We'll be in touch within 24 hours to schedule a conversation.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Any investment opportunity will be made only through appropriate legal documentation provided directly to qualified investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.