Non-Qualified Mortgages and Alternative Financing Options

Exploring Our Diverse Mortgage Portfolio at Bunker Mortgages: Tailored Options for Southern California Borrowers in 2026

As a mortgage broker dedicated to serving Southern California—from the bustling streets of Los Angeles to the sunny suburbs of Orange County, San Diego, and the Inland Empire—Bunker Mortgages (powered by Change Home Mortgage) prides itself on offering loan programs as diverse as the borrowers we serve. In a market where home prices often exceed national averages and unique financial situations are the norm, having flexible options is key. Whether you're self-employed, an investor, a foreign national, or part of an underserved community, our portfolio has something for you.

In this post, we'll break down our core loan programs, highlighting features, qualifications, and how they fit SoCal's high-cost, competitive landscape. Based on our "Change Portfolio Overview," these options are designed to make homeownership or investment more accessible. Let's dive in— and remember, as Bunker Rayner (NMLS #268398), I'm here to personalize these for your needs.

Change Portfolio Overview Infographic (Loans as diverse as the borrowers we serve. Overview of Alt-Doc, Community, Investor, and Foreign National programs. Image courtesy of Change Home Mortgage.)

Alt-Doc Loans: Flexible Documentation for Non-Traditional Borrowers

Alt-Doc (Alternative Documentation) loans are perfect for self-employed professionals, gig workers, or those with complex income streams—common in SoCal's creative and entrepreneurial scenes. We offer multiple qualification methods to suit your situation:

• 18 months Self-Employed (Bus. Stmt. Only): 12-month P&L only; CPA/EIA/ETEC. Asset Qualifier = 125% of outstanding mortgage debt including subject property; no DTI.

• 12 months Self-Employed: Up to 85% LTV.

• Min FICO 680: 0 x 30 x 12.

• Express "Exclusives": No minimum tradeline required; W-2 funds/gift of equity OK; ADU income allowed.

• Flexible Qualification Methods: 12-month bank statements only, P&L only, W-2 only, 1099 only, asset depletion qualifier, written VOE only.

SoCal Tip: In high-cost areas like LA or OC, these are ideal for freelancers in tech or entertainment who lack traditional paystubs but have strong bank flows. Minimum loan amounts start at $350K, with up to $3M available.

Community Loans: Empowering Underserved Borrowers

Our Community program focuses on making homeownership accessible without strict income or employment verification—great for first-time buyers in diverse SoCal neighborhoods.

• Employment not stated on the application.

• Income not documented on the application.

• Primary residence only.

• Asset seasoning 30 days.

• Loan amounts up to $2 million.

• LTV up to 80% purchase/rate-and-term.

• Cash-out options available.

• Reserves as low as 6 months.

• FICO beginning at 680.

SoCal Tip: Pair this with California's down payment assistance programs (like CalHFA) for buyers in underserved areas of San Diego or Riverside. It's a game-changer for community-focused financing without the red tape.

Investor Loans: Smart Options for Real Estate Investors

For those building wealth through property in SoCal's lucrative rental market, our Investor program supports LLC vests and short-term rentals.

• Vest in LLC.

• 2-4 units and condos allowed.

• Up to $2.5 million loan amounts.

• Reserves from 3 months.

• Cash-out can be used as reserves.

• Gift funds allowed.

• Interest-only payments permitted.

• Short-term rental income permitted.

• First-time investor OK.

• ADU income allowed.

• Crypto allowed if converted to US dollar.

• Non-warrantable condos permitted.

SoCal Tip: With Airbnb booming in coastal San Diego or LA investment hotspots, use short-term rental projections to qualify. No minimum tradeline required for "Express Exclusives."

Foreign National Loans: Welcoming International Buyers to SoCal

If you're a foreign national eyeing Southern California's prime real estate, this program simplifies the process without US credit requirements.

• Loan amounts up to $2.5M.

• Qualify using debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) with I/O payment.

• No US credit score or FICO required.

• No credit reference letter required.

• Up to 75% LTV for purchase/rate-and-term.

• Up to 70% LTV for cash-out.

• Cash flow as low as 75 – qualify using property income.

• Asset seasoning 30 days minimum in a U.S. banking institution.

• Foreign funds permitted for reserves.

• Foreign funds may be wired directly to closing.

• No sourcing of large deposits.

• Interest-only options.

SoCal Tip: Ideal for international investors in luxury markets like Beverly Hills or Newport Beach. We handle crypto conversions and non-warrantable condos to make it seamless.

Why Choose Bunker Mortgages for Your Loan Needs?

At Bunker Mortgages, we're not just about loans—we're about building futures in Southern California. Partner with experts like me (Bunker Rayner, Branch Manager/Mortgage Advisor, NMLS #268398) or trusted realtors such as Melissa Coles (DRE #01439103) and Jonathan Realtor (License #12345). Our programs are backed by Change Home Mortgage, ensuring compliance and innovation.

Common FAQs on Our Mortgage Portfolio

• What's the minimum FICO for Alt-Doc loans? Starting at 680, with flexible options like asset qualifiers.

• Can foreign nationals buy investment properties in SoCal? Yes, up to $2.5M with no US credit needed—perfect for vacation homes in San Diego.

• Do you allow crypto for down payments? Absolutely, if converted to USD, in our Investor and Foreign National programs.

• How do Community loans help first-time buyers? By skipping income docs and offering low reserves, making entry into high-cost markets like LA more feasible.