Paul Singh · NMLS #406332   |   Petra Cephas Inc. · NMLS #1222300Call Paul · 856-503-9396

Commercial & SBA · The business financing guide

Your next business move.
A clear path forward.

Buying a business, purchasing a building, or funding your next stage? Understand your options, prepare your documents, and take one confident step at a time.

No banking vocabulary required. Free education. No sign-up needed.

Get the free 16-page borrower workbook ↗

Personal financial statement: Excel, fillable PDF & video walkthrough →

01 / Choose your starting point

What are you trying to do?

Pick the closest match. Your checklist will adapt. This is a starting conversation—not an eligibility decision or a loan application.

Understand the options

Different goals. Different loan paths.

These are categories to discuss. Available programs, permitted activities, ownership rules and terms must be confirmed for your transaction.

Financing categoryWhat it may help withWhat to understand first
SBA 7(a)
Examples & details →
Watch Paul →
Eligible business acquisitions, working capital, equipment, real estate and qualifying refinance.Maximum generally $5 million. A participating lender reviews eligibility and repayment. It is a loan, not a grant.
SBA 504
Examples & details →
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Eligible business-use real estate and long-lived equipment.A CDC and senior lender participate. Not for ordinary working capital, inventory or passive rental investment. Each financing portion has its own terms.
SBA microloan
Examples & details →
Watch Paul →
Smaller eligible operating or equipment needs, up to $50,000.Through an approved intermediary. Cannot purchase real estate or pay existing debts. Maximum term is seven years.
Conventional commercial
Examples & details →
Watch Paul →
Business and commercial-property financing under the lender’s own programs.Contribution, guarantees, collateral, rates and maturity vary. Check for a balloon and prepayment charges.
Investment-property financing
Examples & details →
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Properties principally held for rental income.Property income, leases, expenses, reserves and lender rules matter. A small residential rental may use a separate DSCR program.
Mixed-use property
Choose a scenario →
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Buildings combining residential and business uses.Owner-business use, legal units, floor area, income mix and condition can lead to different paths.
Alternative financing
Examples & details →
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Specific equipment, cash-cycle, portfolio, renovation or short-term needs.Compare total cost, repayment frequency, collateral, maturity and a credible payoff source.

SBA eligibility includes the business, intended use, ownership and ability to repay. This guide is independent education and does not imply SBA affiliation or endorsement. See the official sources below.

Find the fit · Detailed financing guides

See your business in the example.

Choose a category to understand what it does, the businesses it may fit, the limits to check, and what to bring. Each guide has its own detailed blue-suit avatar lesson.

SBA 7(a)Buy or grow an operating business

A participating lender makes the loan with an SBA guarantee. It can combine eligible business-acquisition, equipment, working-capital and real-estate needs. The guarantee protects the lender; you still owe the debt.

Businesses and situations to picture

Examples to discuss: a deli or restaurant, dental practice, accounting firm, auto-repair shop, salon, manufacturer, distributor, or eligible franchise. The industry name alone does not establish eligibility.

When to discuss this path

  • Buying an existing business, including eligible goodwill and other acquisition costs.
  • Equipment, renovations to the business premises, inventory and operating cash.
  • Buying a building your eligible business will occupy; qualifying business-debt refinance.

What can change the answer

  • Generally up to $5 million; the lender confirms the applicable loan structure and remaining program eligibility.
  • Passive rental investments and speculative projects are not the ordinary 7(a) use. A startup requires a supported plan, contribution and projections; approval is not automatic.
  • Expect review of cash flow, management experience, ownership eligibility, equity, guarantees and collateral. Do not treat the SBA guarantee as debt forgiveness.

Worked example · Buying a neighborhood deli

Illustrative uses: $600,000 purchase + $50,000 equipment + $75,000 operating cash + $25,000 transaction costs = $750,000. If the lender-approved structure required a 15% contribution, that would be $112,500, with $637,500 financed. The 15% is an assumption—not a universal rule. Lender review determines eligible costs and actual funding.

Why this path comes up: One operating-business project has several types of expense, so 7(a) is a category to discuss. The seller’s sales are not the same as cash available to repay a loan.

Prepare for the conversation

  • Seller and buyer business tax returns and current financial statements, as applicable.
  • Purchase LOI/agreement, proposed price allocation, equipment list and lease or property details.
  • Buyer experience, ownership chart, personal financial information, contribution evidence and projections with assumptions.

A question worth asking

After normal payroll, owner compensation, rent, taxes and other debts, what cash flow will the lender accept for repayment?

Examples are hypothetical. Documents, eligibility, contributions and terms depend on the specific program and lender.

Read the source ↗ · More references and current-rule links are below.

SBA 504Own the building or major equipment

A fixed-asset financing structure involving a senior lender, a Certified Development Company (CDC), and your contribution. The CDC portion and senior loan have separate terms.

Businesses and situations to picture

Examples to discuss: a dentist buying a practice building, a manufacturer buying a plant and durable machinery, a repair business purchasing its shop, or a distributor buying its warehouse.

When to discuss this path

  • Eligible acquisition, construction or renovation of business-use real estate.
  • Eligible long-lived equipment, with a remaining useful life generally of at least 10 years.
  • Certain qualified debt refinancing, subject to the program’s specific rules.

What can change the answer

  • Not an ordinary solution for inventory, payroll or the goodwill portion of buying a business; fund those needs separately.
  • The common 50% senior / 40% CDC / 10% borrower illustration is not a promise. The contribution minimum rises to 15% for a business operating two years or less OR a limited/single-purpose property, and 20% when both apply. A lender may require more.
  • The 504 debenture limit is not the total project-price limit. Ask the CDC about the applicable cap, job/public-policy requirements, interim funding and costs.

Worked example · A manufacturer buys its building

For a hypothetical $2 million eligible project, a 50/40/10 structure is $1 million senior financing + $800,000 CDC financing + $200,000 contribution. If a 15% contribution is required, the borrower contribution is $300,000 and the other pieces must be restructured. Separate operating reserves may still be needed.

Why this path comes up: The company needs a long-term fixed asset it will use. A mixed business-and-building acquisition may require a different combination than a building-only purchase.

Prepare for the conversation

  • Purchase agreement, project budget, construction bids and equipment quotes.
  • Floor plan, space-use/occupancy calculation, entity documents and operating-company lease if applicable.
  • Business financials, contribution evidence, management history and required appraisal/environmental reports.

A question worth asking

What are the terms, payment, maturity, prepayment cost and collateral for each financing piece—not just the CDC portion?

Examples are hypothetical. Documents, eligibility, contributions and terms depend on the specific program and lender.

Read the source ↗ · More references and current-rule links are below.

SBA microloanSmaller equipment and operating needs

A loan of up to $50,000 through an approved community-based intermediary. The intermediary makes the credit decision and may provide business training or technical assistance.

Businesses and situations to picture

Examples to discuss: a home-based baker, barber, cleaning company, small retailer, repair service, or a small childcare business. Certain nonprofit childcare centers also have a program exception; confirm with the intermediary.

When to discuss this path

  • Eligible equipment, furniture, fixtures, supplies and inventory.
  • A smaller working-capital need for starting or expanding an eligible business.
  • Borrowers who would benefit from an intermediary’s hands-on preparation and training.

What can change the answer

  • Cannot be used to buy real estate or repay existing debts.
  • Up to $50,000 and a maximum repayment term of seven years; the actual amount and term depend on the intermediary.
  • A small request still requires a credible repayment plan. Ask about collateral, guarantees, fees and required training.

Worked example · A baker prepares a licensed kitchen

Illustrative request: $18,000 ovens + $7,000 supplies + $5,000 operating cash = $30,000. A microloan could be a conversation for eligible uses. Buying a $300,000 building or paying off an old loan is a different request.

Why this path comes up: The need is modest and tied to operations. The baker still needs legal premises, permits, realistic sales assumptions and enough cash to make payments during slow months.

Prepare for the conversation

  • Simple business plan and monthly budget, including household needs where relevant.
  • Vendor quotes, lease/permit information, business records or startup projections.
  • Bank statements, debts, ownership information and any contribution requested by the intermediary.

A question worth asking

Which intermediary serves my area, what training is available, and what monthly payment works during a slow month?

Examples are hypothetical. Documents, eligibility, contributions and terms depend on the specific program and lender.

Read the source ↗ · More references and current-rule links are below.

Conventional commercialBusiness and property loans under lender rules

Financing under a bank, credit union or other commercial lender’s own programs, without an SBA guarantee. “Commercial” describes a broad family of loans—not one fixed set of requirements.

Businesses and situations to picture

Examples to discuss: an established medical practice, manufacturer, wholesaler, contractor, property investor, or owner of an office, retail, industrial or apartment building.

When to discuss this path

  • Owner-user real estate supported by the operating business’s repayment capacity.
  • Investor commercial property supported by leases and lender-adjusted property income.
  • Business term loans, equipment loans and lines of credit matched to their purpose.

What can change the answer

  • Loan-to-value, contribution, reserves, guarantees and reporting requirements vary by lender and property.
  • An amortization period is not necessarily the maturity date. A loan with payments calculated over 25 years may still have a five-year balloon.
  • Vacancy, short leases, large tenant concentration, repairs and environmental issues can change the terms or prevent financing.

Worked example · A leased professional office building

Illustrative annual lender-adjusted NOI of $150,000 divided by $120,000 annual debt service equals 1.25× coverage. If NOI falls 20%, it becomes $120,000 and coverage is 1.00×. These are arithmetic examples, not approval thresholds.

Why this path comes up: The lender reviews lease durability, actual operating costs, tenants and value. An office rented to independent doctors is different from a doctor buying a building for their own practice.

Prepare for the conversation

  • Rent roll, signed leases and amendments, expiration dates, deposits, concessions and payment history.
  • Property operating statements, tax/insurance costs, repair history and a realistic capital budget.
  • Borrower/guarantor financials, entity/ownership documents, purchase agreement, appraisal and required third-party reports.

A question worth asking

What happens at maturity, and can the project support the debt if a major tenant leaves or a refinance is unavailable?

Examples are hypothetical. Documents, eligibility, contributions and terms depend on the specific program and lender.

Read the source ↗ · More references and current-rule links are below.

DSCR & rental-property financingUnderstand the ratio and the property rules

DSCR means debt service coverage ratio. It is both a calculation used by many lenders and a name commonly used for certain investor rental-loan products. It does not make every rental property eligible.

Businesses and situations to picture

Examples to discuss: an investor purchasing a rental house, duplex, triplex or fourplex; a landlord acquiring a larger apartment building; or an investor buying a storefront with apartments. These may require different programs.

When to discuss this path

  • Eligible residential investment properties under a lender’s residential DSCR program.
  • Some mixed-use properties under a specifically permitted mixed-use investor program.
  • Larger multifamily and commercial properties under appropriate commercial or multifamily financing, which may also use DSCR.

What can change the answer

  • A residential DSCR product often focuses on qualifying rent instead of the borrower’s employment-income calculation, but credit, assets, reserves, property and guarantor rules still apply.
  • Do not assume that an ordinary 1–4 unit DSCR program accepts retail space, owner occupancy, five or more apartments, vacation rentals or a vacant rehabilitation project.
  • Some mixed-use programs test both commercial floor area and commercial income separately. State, unit-count, tenant-use and experience restrictions can apply.

Worked example · Approval coverage versus actual cash flow

Illustrative residential calculation: $3,000 qualifying monthly rent ÷ $2,500 PITIA = 1.20×. The $500 difference becomes −$190 after assumed $150 vacancy, $150 repairs, $150 capital reserves and $240 management. PITIA means principal, interest, taxes, insurance and association dues, if applicable.

Why this path comes up: A lender’s ratio can be acceptable while the investment loses money after other costs. A commercial NOI-based ratio uses different inputs; do not interchange the formulas.

Prepare for the conversation

  • Property type, legal unit count, zoning, leases or proposed rents and rent-supporting appraisal.
  • Taxes, insurance, association charges, expenses, vacancy and repair assumptions.
  • Entity documents, credit/asset/reserve information and current loan details if refinancing.

A question worth asking

Which exact property types does this product accept, and what income and payment figures does this lender use in its ratio?

Examples are hypothetical. Documents, eligibility, contributions and terms depend on the specific program and lender.

Read the source ↗ · More references and current-rule links are below.

Mixed-use propertiesStorefronts, apartments and owner-run businesses

A property combining uses—for example, a deli below apartments, retail with offices, or a business within a home. Legal use, actual occupancy, floor area, income mix and condition determine which financing discussions make sense.

Businesses and situations to picture

Examples: a deli owner who also owns the building; a landlord leasing a salon and two apartments; a physician occupying most of a professional building; or a homeowner running a permitted business in a primarily residential one-unit home.

When to discuss this path

  • Eligible owner-operated business occupying sufficient project space: explore SBA 7(a), 504 or conventional owner-user commercial.
  • Investor-owned property leased to others: explore commercial/portfolio or specifically permitted mixed-use DSCR products.
  • Vacant, heavy-renovation or construction project: discuss a suitable bridge/construction route and a credible permanent-financing exit.

What can change the answer

  • SBA generally requires at least 51% operating-business occupancy for an existing building. New construction starts at 60% with additional expansion and leasing conditions. These are space-use rules, not a percentage of rent.
  • Owning the LLC, managing tenants, living upstairs, or having a commercial tenant does not by itself establish eligible business occupancy.
  • A residential mortgage exception is narrow; a shop plus several apartments is not automatically a residential mortgage or ordinary DSCR loan.

Worked example · The same building, two different borrowers

An existing 5,000-square-foot building has a 3,000-square-foot deli and 2,000 square feet of apartments. If the borrower operates the eligible deli, 60% may satisfy the basic SBA existing-building occupancy test, subject to lender measurement and all other rules. If the borrower leases the deli to an unrelated operator, the borrower is a landlord; that same 60% does not create SBA owner-business eligibility.

Why this path comes up: Who operates the business matters as much as the property description. Confirm the lender’s rentable-area calculation; do not count units instead of square feet.

Prepare for the conversation

  • Measured floor plan with each legal use, unit count and occupied/vacant area.
  • Commercial and residential leases, separate rent totals, actual expenses and tenant business activities.
  • Zoning/occupancy documentation, ownership and operating-company relationship, project condition and improvement budget.

A question worth asking

Who uses every part of the building, what percentage is used by my eligible operating business, and which program accepts the exact mix?

Examples are hypothetical. Documents, eligibility, contributions and terms depend on the specific program and lender.

Read the source ↗ · More references and current-rule links are below.

Alternative financingMatch a specific gap to a suitable tool

Other structures can address a particular need: a portfolio lender, equipment loan or lease, business credit line, receivables facility, community lender, seller financing, or bridge/construction financing.

Businesses and situations to picture

Examples: a manufacturer buying a machine, a wholesaler waiting on customer invoices, a seasonal business building inventory, a buyer negotiating a seller note, or an investor repairing a vacant mixed-use building.

When to discuss this path

  • Equipment financing for a productive asset; compare ownership, lease-end terms and total cost.
  • A line or receivables-based facility for an appropriate operating cash cycle; distinguish borrowing from selling invoices.
  • Bridge or construction financing for a time-limited property plan, with reserves, milestones and a realistic exit.

What can change the answer

  • Alternative does not mean guaranteed approval, no documentation or lower cost. Daily/weekly payments can strain cash flow.
  • A seller note is not automatically accepted as required equity. The senior lender and any SBA rules control repayment, standby and lien priority.
  • A bank-statement or other alternative income-documentation mortgage does not cure an ineligible property type or turn a personal residence into a business-purpose DSCR loan.

Worked example · A vacant storefront and apartments need repairs

Hypothetical budget: $600,000 purchase + $150,000 work + $40,000 financing/carrying costs + $30,000 contingency = $820,000 before any additional reserves. A $600,000 bridge commitment leaves a $220,000 funding gap in this simplified illustration. Loan advances may be staged; approval and eligible costs still require review.

Why this path comes up: The bridge must lead somewhere: completed work, legal occupancy, signed leases and a viable long-term loan or sale. Test delays, lower rent, a lower valuation and a more expensive refinance.

Prepare for the conversation

  • Detailed purpose and cash-flow timeline, full budget and existing debts/liens.
  • Quotes/contracts or invoice-aging reports depending on the financing type.
  • For property work: scope, permits, contractor, contingency, draw schedule, reserves and documented exit assumptions.

A question worth asking

What is the total dollar cost, payment frequency, collateral/guarantee exposure, and fallback if the expected payoff source fails?

Examples are hypothetical. Documents, eligibility, contributions and terms depend on the specific program and lender.

Read the source ↗ · More references and current-rule links are below.

These are educational categories and hypothetical examples, not verified offers available through Paul. We confirm program availability and coordinate with the appropriate lender or specialist.

Mixed-use property guide

One building. Different financing paths.

A storefront with apartments is not automatically an SBA loan, a residential DSCR loan, or a conventional home mortgage. Start with who uses the space.

Three questions come first.

  1. Will you live in any part of the property?
  2. Will your operating business use space there?
  3. Will other people or businesses rent space from you?

This selector explains scenarios. It does not screen your credit or decide eligibility.

Try the space-use and rent examples

Two different calculations answer two different questions. These figures stay on this page; they are not an application or a lender measurement.

How much space does your business use?

Do not count an unrelated tenant’s space or ordinary personal living space as your business occupancy. SBA’s definition of rentable property needs lender review.

Area and rent are separate.

Entered rents are illustrative. A lender may adjust qualifying income and use its own area definitions. No universal mixed-use DSCR cutoff applies.

What changes the answer before you apply?

Use, condition and tenants

Confirm zoning and legal occupancy; commercial tenant activity; lease duration and arrears; vacancies; required repairs; insurance; appraisal and environmental requirements. An illegal unit or unsupported future rent cannot be fixed by changing the name of the loan.

Ownership and cost allocation

An SBA-eligible passive company leasing to an eligible operating company is a specific structure, not a blanket exception for landlords. SBA proceeds generally cannot improve space to be subleased to third parties. Personal residential space has special restrictions; living upstairs does not automatically count toward business occupancy.

Your mixed-use document packet

Common preparation items; the lender confirms exact requirements. Use the lender-provided secure channel for financial documents.

  • Address, state, purchase price, purpose and expected closing date.
  • Measured plan identifying legal uses, each unit and floor area by use.
  • Who occupies each space: your business, you personally, unrelated tenants, or vacant.
  • Separate commercial and residential area totals AND qualifying-rent totals.
  • Complete rent roll, signed leases/amendments, concessions, deposits and expiry dates.
  • Past-due rents, vacant units, proposed tenant changes and related-party leases.
  • Zoning/legal-use evidence and available certificates of occupancy.
  • Property operating statements, tax bills, insurance quotes and owner-paid utilities.
  • Ownership chart and operating-company relationship; business financials if owner-used.
  • Repairs, inspection issues, environmental history and planned improvements.
  • For construction/bridge: permits, contractor, budget, draws, contingency, reserves and exit.
  • Existing debt and liens; for a portfolio, property-level finances and release requirements.

The numbers must tell the whole story.

Residential example: $3,000 rent ÷ $2,500 PITIA = 1.20×. After $690 of assumed vacancy, repairs, capital reserves and management, the monthly result is −$190. A lender’s coverage test is not a complete profit calculation.

Bridge example: If a $700,000 payoff meets a $620,000 refinance approval, the funding gap is $80,000 plus applicable closing costs. A projected refinance is not a guaranteed exit.

Original hypothetical examples. Commercial NOI-based ratios use different inputs; avoid double-counting expenses.

Reviewed October 17, 2026. SBA occupancy and mixed-use details: current SOP ↗ · SBA 504 borrower-contribution rule ↗ · SBA ineligible businesses and EPC exception ↗ · SBA 504 structure ↗ · Fannie Mae: narrow residential mixed-use eligibility ↗ · Fannie Mae: mixed-use appraisal requirements ↗ · A&D: dated mixed-use DSCR example (May 8, 2026) ↗ · Visio: residential DSCR explanation ↗ · OCC: commercial real-estate lending ↗

02 / Know what happens next

From your first question to funding.

Open a step to see your task, who helps, and the next milestone. The sequence and timing can vary by lender and transaction.

01Tell us your goal

Your actionDescribe the project, location, amount and timing. Estimates are fine when labeled.

Why this mattersThis separates a business purchase from owner-used property or rental investment.

Who helpsYou + Paul

What comes nextA clear project summary and an agreed next step.

02Check the financing fit

Your actionReview ownership, business activity, experience, credit, available cash and repayment with the appropriate lender/specialist.

Why this mattersA program name alone does not establish eligibility.

Who helpsPaul + lender/specialist

What comes nextA proposed path and a tailored document request.

03Build a complete file

Your actionGather requested records, mark missing items and use the transaction's secure upload channel.

Why this mattersConsistent, current documents help the lender verify your story.

Who helpsYou + CPA + loan team

What comes nextA package ready for meaningful review.

04Understand the proposed terms

Your actionCompare rate type, payment, loan term, amortization, fees, guarantees, collateral and conditions.

Why this mattersA low payment can hide a balloon, variable rate or longer repayment period.

Who helpsYou + lender + attorney

What comes nextA structure you understand; still subject to its conditions.

05Complete underwriting and diligence

Your actionAnswer lender questions; coordinate valuation, appraisal, environmental or other reports when required.

Why this mattersThe lender checks repayment, eligibility, value and transaction risks.

Who helpsLender + CPA + attorney + report providers

What comes nextA credit decision and any remaining conditions.

06Clear the closing list

Your actionConfirm contracts, insurance, entity authority, funds, signatures and the final sources-and-uses statement.

Why this mattersEach required condition must be resolved before disbursement.

Who helpsYou + lender + closing team

What comes nextClosing instructions and a confirmed funding plan.

07Confirm funding and stay organized

Your actionVerify disbursement, payments, reporting duties, insurance and any future maturity or draw requirements.

Why this mattersLoan obligations continue after closing.

Who helpsYou + lender/servicer

What comes nextA calendar for payments, reporting and important dates.

03 / Get organized

Your document checklist.

Gather what you have. Mark what is ready. Your lender will confirm the exact documents and reporting periods. Checking a box here does not send a document or establish approval.

Keep your documents secure.

Request the correct commercial application and secure upload link from the loan team. Do not send tax returns, account numbers, ID or Social Security numbers through public chat, ordinary email or text. The residential mortgage application is not automatically the right form for this request.

Helpful file name: BusinessName_2025_TaxReturn.pdf. Include every requested page; keep estimates separate from verified records.

Commercial loan worksheets · free to download

Your personal financial statement,
step by step.

Organize what you own, what you owe, your real estate and monthly obligations in one easy-to-follow package. Start with the Excel workbook for automatic totals, or type into the fillable PDF.

Excel: 6 tabs with automatic totals. PDF: 6 pages, fillable fields and manual totals. Download a private copy before entering your information.

1. List your assets

Use current account balances and reasonable values. Show ownership percentages, explain estimates and separate retirement or restricted funds from available cash.

2. List your debts

Record current balances and required monthly payments separately. Explain joint obligations. Keep property loans on the real estate schedule.

3. Add real estate owned

Include addresses, ownership, property values, loan balances, monthly property costs and gross rent. Count each mortgage, tax and insurance expense once.

4. Review monthly obligations

Add household expenses that are not already included. Review guarantees, missing documents and estimates before sharing through the team's secure channel.

We can provide the lender's form. These are preparation worksheets, not an official lender or SBA form. Your lender may require its own form, additional information and supporting documents. Enter zero for none; flag unknown amounts for review.

Watch the worksheet walkthrough

Watch the actual Excel worksheets while Paul explains each field. Includes highlighted cells, illustrative calculations and captions. AI-generated presenter using Paul's approved likeness and voice. Use full screen for a larger view.

4 minutes 33 seconds. Pause as you complete each section, or use the chapter buttons above. Open video in a new tab.

Read the complete walkthrough

Hello, I'm Paul Singh. This is my AI-generated presenter, using my likeness and voice. Let's walk through your commercial loan personal financial statement package.

You do not have to know banking terminology to get started. Download the Excel workbook for automatic totals, or use the fillable PDF. These are preparation worksheets. We can provide the lender's required form, and the lender may ask for additional information.

Start with your name and one as-of date. Use that same date for your account balances and debts. Yellow cells in Excel are for your entries. The calculated cells update automatically. Enter zero when a required amount is truly zero. Leave unknown amounts blank and make a note.

First, list your assets. These may include checking, savings, investments, retirement accounts, vehicles, business ownership interests, and life insurance cash surrender value. Cash surrender value is different from the policy's death benefit. Use reasonable current values, explain estimates, and enter your ownership percentage. A fifty-thousand-dollar asset owned fifty percent gives you twenty-five thousand dollars of attributable value. Keep retirement money separate from cash available for closing.

Second, list your debts. Include credit cards, auto and student loans, personal loans, tax balances, and other amounts you owe. Enter the current balance and required monthly payment separately. A twenty-thousand-dollar balance is not a twenty-thousand-dollar monthly payment. Use the amount you are responsible for reporting, and explain joint obligations. Do not automatically divide a joint debt by your ownership percentage.

Third, complete the real estate schedule. Include your home, rental properties, land, and commercial buildings you already own. Record the address, ownership, estimated market value, all property loan balances, and your reportable liability. Include second mortgages and drawn home equity lines. Put these mortgages here only, so the workbook does not count them again on the debt sheet. Your proposed purchase belongs in your project file, not among property you already own.

For each property, enter your monthly mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, and association charges as one total, counting each expense once. If taxes and insurance are escrowed in the payment, don't add them again. Record gross rent separately. Gross rent is not profit.

Fourth, complete monthly obligations. The workbook brings over debt payments and property obligations. Add household expenses and commitments that are not already included. Convert an annual bill to a monthly amount by dividing by twelve. Keep business operating expenses separate unless they are personally paid obligations you need to explain.

Finally, review guarantees, contingent obligations, missing documents, and any estimates. The summary shows entered assets, reported liabilities, net worth, and monthly obligations. It does not determine loan approval. A high net worth does not mean all of that money is available for a down payment.

Save a private copy. Do not enter Social Security numbers or full account numbers in these worksheets. Ask our team for the correct commercial application and a verified secure upload link. Please keep completed financial documents out of public website forms and ordinary email.

Visit Paul Singh Mortgages dot com, or call eight five six, five zero three, nine three nine six. We will help you organize your next step. Paul Singh, N M L S number four zero six three three two. Petra Cephas Incorporated, N M L S number one two two two three zero zero. Mortgage broker only. All loans subject to lender approval. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Keep Social Security numbers and full account numbers out of these worksheets. Ask the loan team for the correct commercial application and verified secure upload link. Do not submit completed financial documents through public forms, ordinary email or text.

04 / Learn with Paul

One topic. One next step.

Thirteen lessons: six process essentials plus seven detailed guides with business and property examples. Watch at your pace or open the full transcript. AI-generated presenter using Paul’s likeness and voice.

Use the player controls for captions. If the player is still preparing or cannot load, the complete written transcript is available below.

Open this video ↗

Read the full video transcript

Paul Singh · NMLS #406332 · Petra Cephas Inc. · NMLS #1222300. Educational explanation; not a financing commitment.

05 / Make the numbers understandable

Plan the whole project.

Use these educational estimates to prepare questions. These tools do not quote terms, decide eligibility or transmit your entries. Defaults are hypothetical.

How much cash might the project need?

Not a required equity calculation. Financing may exclude some costs. Do not double-count operating cash and reserves. Lender approval is needed for every source and use of funds.

Can property income cover the debt?

Commercial-property example: underwritten annual NOI ÷ annual debt service.

NOI is not gross rent. Debt service includes the obligations specified by the lender. This simplified ratio omits lender adjustments, capital spending and personal taxes; it is not spendable cash or an approval threshold. Business and residential DSCR calculations may differ.

Price is not total cost.

Budget for improvements, lender/broker fees if applicable, legal work, valuation, appraisal, environmental/title work, insurance and operating cash. Ask which costs are refundable and which can be financed.

Payment is not the whole deal.

Compare fixed vs. variable rate, reset dates, term, amortization, balloon balance, prepayment terms, collateral, guarantees and reporting duties. A 25-year payment schedule can still have a 5-year maturity.

Stress-test the plan.

What if a major tenant leaves, sales slow, repairs rise or interest rates change? Keep reserves and an operating plan. A lender approval does not establish that an investment is right for you.

06 / Before you sign

A better-prepared letter of intent.

Use this worksheet to prepare for your attorney and financing conversation. It is not a contract, legal advice or a document to sign.

Which document are we talking about?

Buyer’s purchase LOI: proposed transaction terms between buyer and seller.

Lender term sheet / financing LOI: proposed financing terms, subject to the document’s conditions.

Purchase agreement: the sale contract, with enforceable terms as drafted.

Loan commitment: the lender’s written commitment with conditions; funding still requires those conditions to be met.

“Nonbinding” is not a substitute for legal review. Clauses about deposits, exclusivity, confidentiality or expenses may create obligations. Have your attorney explain every deadline before you sign or pay.

01. People and property

Exact buyer/seller legal names; business or property being purchased; who has authority to sign.

02. What is changing hands?

Assets or ownership interests? Include/exclude real estate, equipment, inventory, receivables, cash and assumed liabilities.

03. Price and allocation

Proposed price, allocation among assets, inventory/working-capital adjustments and who verifies the figures.

04. Deposit and refund rules

Amount, due date, escrow holder, refund conditions and when money could become nonrefundable.

05. Financing terms to discuss

Financing contingency, deadline, required cooperation and any seller note. Lender must approve seller financing treatment.

06. Due diligence

Time to review records, inspect, evaluate value and condition, and investigate legal, tax, environmental and operating issues.

07. Lease, licenses and people

Assignment/landlord consent, required licenses, franchise approval, key employees and transition/training support.

08. Dates and responsibilities

Target closing, contingency dates, document-delivery dates, expiration and who pays transaction expenses.

09. Potential binding clauses

Ask your attorney about confidentiality, exclusivity, deposits, expenses, governing law and remedies.

10. Attorney and lender review

Do not sign this worksheet. Have counsel draft/review the actual LOI and contract; financing approval is separate.

A team with clear responsibilities

Know who handles what.

You + Paul

You provide accurate information and make the business decision. Paul helps clarify the financing path, organize questions and coordinate with an appropriate lender or specialist.

Lender + specialists

The lender underwrites and decides credit terms. A CDC may participate in 504. Appraisers, inspectors and environmental professionals provide required independent reports.

Your attorney + CPA

Your attorney reviews legal obligations and deal documents. Your CPA helps verify financials and advises on taxes/accounting. Closing professionals handle the applicable settlement tasks.

Your closing-day check
  • Read the final loan and sale documents; confirm the borrowing entity and signers.
  • Reconcile the final sources and uses, contribution and all fees.
  • Confirm insurance, title/lease conditions and remaining lender requirements.
  • Verify wiring instructions by calling an independently confirmed trusted number.
  • Confirm actual funding and disbursement; signatures alone do not prove funds were released.
  • Record payment dates, reporting duties, insurance renewals, draw rules and maturity.

Questions are welcome

Start with a clear answer.

I have never borrowed for a business. Can I start here?

Yes. Begin with your goal and what you know today. You do not need every document to have an initial conversation. The lender will explain what is needed for an application and credit review.

Is an SBA loan a grant?

No. It must be repaid. For 7(a), a participating lender makes the loan with an SBA guaranty. You still have loan obligations, and guarantees or collateral may apply.

Can SBA finance a rental building?

Ordinary passive rental investment generally is not eligible. Real estate used by an eligible operating business is different. Certain eligible passive-company/operating-company structures have additional rules and require lender review.

How much space must my business occupy?

SBA real-estate rules generally require the operating business to use at least 51% of an existing building's rentable property, or at least 60% initially for new construction with additional future-occupancy requirements. Confirm the structure before signing a contract.

How much money do I need to put in?

There is no one down payment that fits every deal. Ask the lender for the required cash contribution, unfinanced costs and reserves. Acquisition, startup, special-use property and other transaction rules can change the requirement.

What if my credit or financial history has problems?

Disclose the situation accurately and early through a secure lender channel. Credit, cash flow and the complete circumstances need review. No credit score, deposit or checklist result on this page promises eligibility.

Will I have to personally guarantee the loan?

A personal guarantee can make you responsible for repayment even when an entity borrows. SBA generally requires unlimited guarantees from individuals with 20% or more ownership; additional guarantees may apply. Have the lender and attorney explain the actual obligations.

Does a term sheet mean I am approved?

No automatic assumption is safe. Read its conditions. An initial discussion, preliminary proposal, conditional approval and actual funding are different milestones. Obtain the lender's written explanation of what has been approved.

What if I do not have three years of business returns?

Tell us when the business began. Provide available records and explain gaps. New businesses or ownership changes may require credible forecasts, experience and additional support. Do not create history that does not exist.

How long will the process take?

Timing depends on the transaction, lender, document completeness, contracts and third-party reports. Establish a realistic target after review. Do not waive protections or commit to a closing deadline based only on a general estimate.

Who checks SBA ownership eligibility?

The lender reviews direct and indirect ownership, residency/citizenship, business activity and other current program requirements. These rules can change. Do not upload identification or citizenship documents to public chat; request the secure intake.

Where do I send my documents?

Start by booking a business-financing conversation or calling Paul. The loan team will identify the appropriate commercial application and secure upload link. This public page does not receive or store your financial documents.

Can I use the mortgage application on the main site?

Ask Paul first. The residential home-loan application is not automatically the right intake for a commercial or SBA transaction.

Is Paul the lender or SBA?

Paul helps with the financing conversation and preparation, including referral to an appropriate commercial/SBA specialist where needed. The lender makes the credit decision and provides funding. Paul and Petra Cephas are not the SBA; no SBA endorsement is claimed.

Does a storefront plus apartments qualify for an ordinary DSCR loan?

Not automatically. Some lenders have separate mixed-use programs with area, income, unit-count, tenant-use, state and borrower restrictions. Have the exact property reviewed before ordering an appraisal.

Can I use SBA if I rent the entire building to other businesses?

An ordinary passive rental investment generally does not qualify. A lender-approved eligible passive company leasing to an eligible operating company is a specific exception with detailed conditions; owning a property LLC alone is not enough.

Does living upstairs count toward SBA business occupancy?

Not automatically. Ordinary personal residential space is different from operating-business use. SBA has limited rules for residential space essential to a business requiring a resident owner or manager; the lender must review the actual situation.

Why are floor area and rent percentages different?

A small shop can earn more rent per square foot than apartments. Certain mixed-use programs limit commercial area and commercial qualifying income separately. Calculate and disclose both.

Can a DSCR ratio above 1 still lose money?

Yes. A simplified residential ratio may compare rent with PITIA without deducting vacancy, repairs, management and capital reserves. Prepare a complete operating budget separately. Commercial NOI-based ratios use different inputs.

Is SBA 504 always 10% down?

No. The borrower-contribution rule generally calls for at least 15% when the operating business has operated for two years or less or the project involves a limited/single-purpose building, and at least 20% if both apply. Other projects generally have a 10% minimum; lenders may require more and extra cash may be needed.

Can I refinance a bridge loan automatically when repairs are finished?

No. Permanent financing is a new underwriting decision. Income, leases, condition, appraisal, rates and program availability may change. Budget for extensions, delays and a possible payoff gap.

Can a seller note replace my required contribution?

Do not assume so. The lender must review the note and applicable SBA or commercial rules, including repayment, standby, lien priority and whether it counts toward required equity.

Banking language, translated

A plain-English glossary.

P&L

Profit and loss statement: income and expenses over a period.

Balance sheet

What a business owns, owes and has in equity on a particular date.

Working capital

Money supporting day-to-day business operations.

Equity injection

Your required contribution to the project; its amount and source must be acceptable to the lender.

Debt schedule

A list of borrowing obligations, balances, payments, collateral and due dates.

NOI

Net operating income: property operating income less operating expenses, before debt service; lender adjustments vary.

DSCR

Debt service coverage ratio: qualifying cash flow divided by required debt payments; lender definitions vary.

Amortization

The repayment schedule used to calculate principal and interest payments.

Term / maturity

When the loan must be repaid; it may differ from the amortization period.

Balloon

A remaining lump sum due at maturity. A future refinance is not guaranteed.

Collateral / lien

An asset securing the debt / the lender's legal claim against it.

Personal guarantee

A person's promise to repay the debt under the guarantee's terms.

CDC

Certified Development Company: a nonprofit participant in SBA 504 financing.

Covenant

An ongoing promise in loan documents, such as supplying financial reports.

Due diligence

Checking financial, legal, property and operating facts before committing.

Sources and uses

Where project funds come from and what they will pay for.

Your next step

You do not have to figure it out alone.

Bring your goal, a rough budget and your biggest question. We’ll identify what to prepare next.

Before the call: your goal · business/property state · approximate total cost · available contribution · timing.
Please keep sensitive documents out of the appointment notes and public chat.

Grounded in current sources

Learn more. Check the details.

Reviewed October 17, 2026. SBA’s current origination manual is Version 8.1 with Technical Updates, effective October 1, 2026. The lender must confirm the rules that apply to your request. Original educational guidance; examples are hypothetical.

How this guide was designed

The layout draws on public education patterns from Live Oak Bank and Huntington: begin with the business goal, explain the steps, offer a document checklist, and make it easy to speak with a person. Their branding and product promises are not used here. No measured conversion result is claimed.

Paul Singh · Senior Mortgage Advisor · NMLS #406332

Petra Cephas Inc. · Company NMLS #1222300
6 Wills Way, Piscataway, NJ 08854 · Paul: 856-503-9396 · Company: (732) 873-1365

MORTGAGE BROKER ONLY, NOT A MORTGAGE LENDER OR MORTGAGE CORRESPONDENT LENDER. Licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance. Petra Cephas Inc. does not make mortgage commitments or fund mortgage loans; loans are arranged through third-party providers. Registered New York Mortgage Broker—all mortgage loans arranged with third-party providers.

Commercial and SBA services may involve an appropriate third-party specialist. Availability depends on the transaction, lender and applicable state requirements. This educational page is not an application, offer, commitment, legal/tax advice or investment recommendation. Programs, terms and eligibility may change. All loans subject to lender approval. Equal Housing Opportunity. No SBA affiliation or endorsement is implied.

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