Investor Friendly Lenders

Finding the Right Partner: What Makes a Lender “Investor-Friendly”

Lessons from Stephen Knorr

On this episode of Branching Out: Where Real Estate Meets Real Life, we sat down with Stephen Knorr from Alcova Mortgage to talk about one of the most important — and often misunderstood — relationships in real estate: your lender.

🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube

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Stephen has built his career not around transactions, but around people. Known throughout the Carolinas as an investor-friendly lender, he’s helped countless investors navigate financing with confidence, creativity, and integrity.

How It All Started

Christina and Stephen first met at a real estate networking event — a moment that sparked both friendship and collaboration.

“I really had no idea what I was doing,” Christina recalled. “And you were one of the first people who actually took the time to talk to me. You didn’t just give me a card — you explained things in a way that made sense.”

“God’s always in control,” Stephen replied. “He puts the right people in your path. If you’re showing up with the right intentions — to learn and grow — those relationships will come.”

What Makes a Lender “Investor-Friendly”

Stephen explained that not every lender speaks the “investor language.”

“An investor-friendly lender knows you’re not buying your forever home — you’re building a portfolio. That means understanding cash flow, debt service, leverage, and creative financing options. It’s a different world.”

These lenders don’t just quote rates — they structure deals. They help you think strategically about how a property’s income, tax benefits, and long-term potential fit together.

Stephen shared that a good lender will guide you through:

• DSCR and portfolio loans for scaling

• Creative financing for multi-property strategies

• Understanding BRRRR methods and refinance timing

• Navigating changing markets with flexibility

Relationships Over Rates

A key message Stephen repeated: the lowest rate isn’t always the best deal.

“Everyone wants the lowest rate, but your lender can often save you more money through strategy than a quarter-point ever could.”

He stressed the importance of building a team mindset. Investors who loop in their lender early are better positioned to move fast, make competitive offers, and structure deals that align with long-term goals.

Understanding Loan Types for Investors

Midway through the conversation, Stephen gave a masterclass in loan strategy.

“DSCR loans are a game-changer. They qualify the property based on its income, not your personal income — so you can scale faster without hitting DTI walls.”

He also explained how private and hard money can be powerful tools when used with intention.

“It’s not about how fast you can get into a loan — it’s about how smartly you can get out.”

For anyone building a portfolio, Stephen’s advice was clear: Understand your financing toolbox before you start swinging the hammer.

How to Build Trust with Your Lender

Stephen emphasized that honesty and preparation are the foundation of a healthy lender relationship.

“If you’re honest about your situation, I can help you find a solution. But if you hide things, it’s going to surface during underwriting anyway.”

He encouraged investors to be proactive — communicate your goals, organize your documents, and treat your lender like a financial partner.

“Over time, I get to know my clients’ habits,” he said. “If I know they always close clean and keep their word, that’s someone I’ll go to bat for every time.”

The Faith Factor

Stephen’s approach is built on a deeper foundation — faith and integrity.

“Real estate will test you,” he said. “There are times you’ll wonder if you’re making the right call, but that’s where faith comes in. If you’re doing things the right way and putting in the work, the doors will open.”

5-Minute Fast Fire with Stephen Knorr 🔥

To close out the episode, Christina brought the energy with a new segment: Five-Minute Fast Fire. Stephen had to answer each question in 60 seconds or less — and the insights came fast.

Q: What’s the biggest myth about real estate financing that you want to debunk?

• “That you have to have 20% down to buy a house. You don’t. In fact, first-time buyers can buy with 0% down. Sellers today are even covering closing costs. Some of our clients literally get their earnest money back at closing.”
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Q: What’s the number one piece of advice you’d give to a new investor?

• “Get educated and get specific. Everyone says they want to invest in real estate, but what does that mean? Do you want to flip? Wholesale? Rent? Develop? Pick a lane and learn it.”
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Q: What’s the best actionable step investors can take right now?

• “Reconnect with your network. Call the people who helped you get started and see what you can do together. Relationships open doors that money can’t.”
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Q: Crystal ball prediction — what will the 2026 real estate market look like?

• “Rates will be under six percent. We’ve already made huge progress from the 8% highs last year. My hope is that data reporting improves — if the numbers were accurate upfront, the market would look even better.”
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Q: What’s one book that shaped your mindset?

• “Rich Dad Poor Dad. My uncle gave it to me in college, and it changed everything. It opened my eyes to a different way to earn income and build wealth.”
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Q: Bonus — What’s the question you get asked most as a lender?

• “‘What’s my rate?’ But here’s the truth — you don’t have a rate until you have a property under contract. We approve based on gross income, not take-home pay. My answer is always: ‘More than you can afford — so let’s talk about your budget first.’”
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Practical Tips for Investors

Stephen closed the conversation with these timeless takeaways:

1. Communicate early and often. Bring your lender in at the start of your deal, not at the finish line.

2. Be transparent. Honesty builds trust and keeps your deals smooth.

3. Stay organized. Clean paperwork is the fastest path to approval.

4. Build loyalty. A lender who knows your playbook will move mountains for you.

5. Ask better questions. Don’t just ask “What’s my rate?” — ask “How can I structure this to win?”

How to Connect with Stephen

If you’d like to reach out to Stephen Knorr for mortgage questions or to work with him directly, you can contact him here:

📞 Phone: 704-453-1716 (call or text)

📧 Email: stephen@alcovamortgagegroup.com

Stephen serves investors and homebuyers across North and South Carolina and is passionate about helping clients build wealth through strategic lending.

Closing Thoughts

Working with an investor-friendly lender like Stephen Knorr isn’t just about funding properties — it’s about building partnerships, gaining perspective, and learning how to leverage relationships as assets.

Because in real estate, access to capital is one thing. But access to clarity, character, and collaboration? That’s where real wealth begins.



👉 Want to learn how to build your own investor team?

Explore our free resources and upcoming workshops at branchwealthpartners.com — where we teach everyday people how to invest with confidence and clarity. 💡