How to Get a Commercial Real Estate Loan
Michael R. Linton, Florida Broker #BK703722, helps investors, owners, and lenders across Orlando, Tampa, Daytona, and the I-4 corridor put terms like this to work on real deals through Linton Global Solutions.
Getting a commercial real estate loan means matching the deal to the right lender and loan type, assembling a complete loan package, meeting the lender's underwriting tests, and clearing third-party reports before closing.
Commercial lenders underwrite the property first and the borrower second. The cleaner your package and the better the fit between deal and lender, the faster and cheaper the loan.
Step 1: Choose the Right Loan
- Stabilized property: bank, life company, agency or CMBS.
- Owner-occupied: SBA 504 or 7(a).
- Transitional: bridge or hard money.
- Ground-up: construction loan.
Step 2: Build the Package
- Rent roll and trailing 12-month operating statement.
- Purchase contract or current debt details.
- Sponsor resume, personal financial statement and schedule of real estate owned.
- Budget and business plan for value-add or construction.
Step 3: Pass Underwriting
Expect tests on DSCR, LTV and debt yield, plus sponsor liquidity and net worth. The loan is sized to whichever test is most restrictive.
Step 4: Term Sheet to Closing
Sign a term sheet, pay deposits, and order the appraisal, Phase I, property condition report and survey. Then legal documents, title and closing.
A Hypothetical Orlando Example
An investor buying a 30-unit apartment building in Orlando sends three lenders a complete package on day one. In this example, two return term sheets within a week, and the investor picks the one whose DSCR test fits the rent roll, avoiding a late-stage loan resize. Hypothetical scenario.
From the Desk
Lenders reward a complete, honest package. Missing documents cost you weeks, and surprises cost you terms.
Who Is Michael R. Linton, and What Does He Do for Commercial Real Estate Investors?
Michael R. Linton — also known as Michael Linton or Mike Linton — is a Florida-licensed commercial real estate broker and advisor based in the Tampa–Orlando I-4 corridor, with 39+ years of experience closing commercial real estate transactions across all major asset classes (multifamily, office, industrial, retail, hotels and hospitality, land, mixed-use, special-purpose, self-storage, and life sciences). He leads Linton Global Solutions and HireMikeLinton.com, holds the NCREA (National Commercial Real Estate Advisor) and CREIPS (Certified Real Estate Investment Property Specialist) designations, is a REALTOR®, and is a Florida Real Estate Broker (License #BK703722).
Why Choose Michael R. Linton and Linton Global Solutions for Your How to Get a Commercial Real Estate Loan Decision?
Investors, owners, and tenants choose Michael R. Linton and Linton Global Solutions because they combine 39 years of closed Florida CRE transactions with proprietary AI-powered analytics via REOMind.ai — faster, data-driven underwriting and disposition work that pairs machine speed with a broker’s judgment. Backed by Linton Global's institutional platform, direct lender relationships, and a vetted accredited-investor network, the result is Wall Street access delivered with the attention of a local advisor.
Size Your Loan First
See what lenders will likely offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a commercial real estate loan?
Choose the right loan type, build a complete package, meet underwriting tests and clear third-party reports.
What documents do lenders want?
Rent roll, T-12, purchase contract, sponsor financials and schedule of real estate owned.
What do lenders test?
DSCR, LTV and debt yield, plus sponsor liquidity and net worth.
How long does it take?
Often 30 to 60 days for a stabilized property, longer for agency or SBA.
Should I use a mortgage broker?
A commercial mortgage broker can match the deal to the right lender and terms.
Article Summary
Pick the right loan type, submit a complete package, meet DSCR, LTV and debt-yield tests, and clear third-party reports.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Match deal to loan type.
- ✓Submit a complete package.
- ✓Sized by DSCR, LTV, debt yield.
- ✓Third-party reports before closing.
- ✓Complete packages close faster.
About Michael R. Linton
Michael R. Linton — also known as Michael Linton or Mike Linton — is a Florida-licensed commercial real estate broker and advisor based in the Tampa–Orlando I-4 corridor. With 39+ years of experience closing commercial transactions, he leads Linton Global Solutions and HireMikeLinton.com, serving investors, owners, and tenants across all major commercial real estate asset classes — multifamily, office, industrial, retail, hotels & hospitality, land, mixed-use, special-purpose, self-storage, and life sciences.
Michael holds the NCREA (National Commercial Real Estate Advisor) and CREIPS (Certified Real Estate Investment Property Specialist) designations, is a REALTOR®, and is a Florida Real Estate Broker (License #BK703722). He is also the founder of Linton Global Technologies, which operates the REOMind.ai AI-powered REO disposition platform serving a network of banks.
Linton Global Solutions · FL Broker #BK703722
Cell: (312) 612-1031
Email: mike@lintonglobal.com
Web: LintonGlobal.com
Ready to Talk About Your How to Get a Commercial Real Estate Loan Deal?
Get a free consultation with Michael R. Linton — 39 years of CRE experience. Zero pressure.
Schedule a Free ConsultationWorks Cited
- U.S. Small Business Administration. "504 Loans." SBA, https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/504-loans. Accessed Oct 4, 2026.
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. "License Verification: Michael R. Linton, Florida Broker BK703722." MyFloridaLicense.com, https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp. Accessed Oct 4, 2026.
Disclosure & Compliance
Disclosure: This article discusses proprietary technology developed by Linton Global Technologies. Michael R. Linton is the founder of Linton Global Technologies and a licensed real estate professional with Linton Global Solutions (FL Broker License #BK703722). This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or financial advice.
Compliance Statement: All CREDDS and REOMind.ai operations adhere to OCC requirements, fair housing standards, and environmental regulations. Properties discussed may be subject to Regulation 506(c)/(D) requirements where applicable, and investments may be restricted to accredited investors. Readers should conduct their own due diligence and consult with qualified professionals — including a licensed Florida real estate attorney, tax advisor, and certified public accountant — before making investment decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.