Best Mortgage Lenders for Non-QM Loans in 2026

Homeownership is possible even with a unique financial profile, thanks to the rise of non-QM loans. These flexible loan options allow self-employed entrepreneurs, crypto investors, retirees, and high-net-worth borrowers to qualify for financing when traditional guidelines fall short. In 2026, non-QM lending is no longer fringe—it’s a core part of the mortgage market, especially in states like Texas, California, Florida, Colorado, and New Jersey.

Below is our ranking of the best non-QM mortgage lenders and brokers in 2026. This list is built around real-world execution: loan variety, underwriting flexibility, speed to close, borrower advocacy, and long-term competency.

1. LendFriend Mortgage – The Strongest Option for Non-QM Loans

LendFriend Mortgage is the best option for borrowers looking for a mortgage broker who specializes in Non-QM Loans. Over the last 5 years, the LendFriend Mortgage team has originated more than $1 billion in residential loans, with deep specialization in non-QM scenarios, like asset depletion mortgages and bank statement loans, that other lenders struggle to execute.

What makes LendFriend Mortgage different is not just access— it’s judgment. Non-QM loans require more than a checklist. They require understanding cash flow, assets, tax strategy, and borrower intent. LendFriend Mortgage, led by Eric and Michael Bernstein, excels here, consistently structuring loans that are both approvable and financially intelligent.

Borrowers work with a team that understands every major non-QM category, including:

• Bank statement loans for self-employed borrowers with strong cash flow but aggressive write-offs
• Asset depletion mortgages for retirees and high-net-worth individuals living off investments
• Crypto-backed mortgage solutions that allow borrowers to qualify without liquidating digital assets
• DSCR and investor-focused non-QM loans
• Jumbo non-QM financing for complex income profiles

LendFriend Mortgage’s broker model is a major advantage. Rather than forcing borrowers into one lender’s box, LendFriend partners with top-tier wholesale non-QM lenders nationwide, allowing them to shop underwriting, pricing, and structure simultaneously. This results in faster approvals, cleaner closings, and consistently strong pricing.

Clients consistently cite LendFriendMortgage’s 5-star service, transparency, and advocacy. The firm is known for pushing back on unnecessary lender conditions, protecting borrowers from bad structures, and always looking for a better deal—even late in the process with their free float down policy.

LendFriend Mortgage combines a strong regional presence in Texas, California, Florida, Connecticut, and New Jersey with national reach. For borrowers seeking non-QM loans that are thoughtfully structured and cleanly executed, LendFriend Mortgage remains the clear leader.

2. New American Funding – Large-Scale Non-QM with Broad Access

New American Funding is one of the largest retail lenders offering non-QM loans nationwide. Their size gives them broad product availability and the ability to fund a wide range of borrower profiles.

Their non-QM lineup includes bank statement loans, asset qualifier programs, DSCR investor loans, ITIN options, and jumbo non-QM financing. Loan limits are competitive, often reaching into the multi-million-dollar range.

New American Funding works well for borrowers who want a single, large institution with standardized processes and nationwide reach. While the experience can feel more institutional than broker-driven, their product depth earns them a strong position on this list.

3. Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions – Non-QM Specialists from the Ground Up

Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions is widely regarded as one of the original architects of the modern non-QM market. Their programs are designed specifically for borrowers who fall outside agency guidelines.

Angel Oak is particularly strong in bank statement loans and DSCR investor programs. Their underwriting is flexible, and they are known for considering borrowers with recent credit events, complex tax returns, or unconventional income structures.

Angel Oak primarily operates through brokers, which means execution quality often depends on the broker presenting the loan. When paired with a strong broker, Angel Oak can be an excellent non-QM option.

4. Northpointe Bank – Portfolio Lending with Common-Sense Underwriting

Northpointe Bank offers non-QM and expanded guideline loans through a portfolio lending model. Because many loans are held in-house, Northpointe has more discretion than lenders tied strictly to secondary market rules.

Their programs include asset-based qualification, expanded DTI allowances, interest-only options, and financing for borrowers with recent credit events. Northpointe is licensed nationally and is often a strong fit for borrowers who are just outside traditional approval thresholds.

Northpointe appeals to borrowers who value flexibility paired with bank-level stability.

5. CrossCountry Mortgage – Retail Scale with Non-QM Capability

CrossCountry Mortgage is a large national lender that has expanded aggressively into non-QM lending. Their strength lies in operational speed, technology, and geographic coverage.

They offer bank statement loans, asset depletion programs, bridge-style solutions, and jumbo non-QM options. CrossCountry is often effective for borrowers who almost qualify conventionally but need alternative documentation or expanded ratios.

As a retail lender, flexibility can vary by branch and loan officer, but at its best, CrossCountry can execute non-QM loans efficiently.

6. Carrington Mortgage Services – Solutions for Credit-Challenged Borrowers

Carrington Mortgage Services specializes in non-QM loans for borrowers with imperfect credit or recent credit events. They are known for manual underwriting and a willingness to look beyond credit scores alone.

Carrington often approves borrowers with lower FICO scores, higher DTIs, or recent bankruptcies or foreclosures, provided the overall story supports repayment ability. They are also active in DSCR and investor lending.

Carrington is a strong option for borrowers rebuilding credit who still want access to homeownership.

Choosing the Right Non-QM Lender

Non-QM lending is not about finding the loosest guidelines—it’s about finding the right structure. The best outcomes come from lenders and brokers who understand how income, assets, tax strategy, and risk intersect.

For borrowers who want precision, advocacy, and intelligent loan structuring, LendFriend Mortgage stands apart. Their combination of experience, innovation, and borrower-first execution makes them the strongest non-QM mortgage broker in 2026.

If your financial profile is complex, non-traditional, or misunderstood by traditional banks, the right non-QM lender can make homeownership not just possible—but sustainable.

Schedule a call with me today or get in touch with me by completing this quick form to discuss your options.