1st Nationwide Mortgage expands self-employed lending without tax returns

1st Nationwide Mortgage said it is broadening financing options for self-employed borrowers, freelancers and real estate investors with programs that qualify applicants using bank deposits or rental income instead of tax returns. The Irvine lender says the expansion covers loans in more than 40 states and is aimed at borrowers whose taxable income understates their real cash flow.

Why it matters: - Self-employed borrowers often show lower taxable income than their actual earnings because of business deductions. - The new programs give those borrowers another way to qualify for home loans and investment financing. - The expansion also targets investors who want lending tied to property income rather than personal income.

What happened: - 1st Nationwide Mortgage Corporation announced an expansion of its self-employed lending platform on July 23, 2026. - The lender is headquartered in Irvine, California, and holds a BBB A+ rating. - The company says it offers loan programs in more than 40 states. - The expanded platform is designed for business owners, freelancers and real estate investors. - The lender says the new options do not require tax returns or W-2s.

The details: - Bank statement loans qualify borrowers on as few as 3 months of business or personal deposits. - 12-month and 24-month bank statement programs are also available. - Bank statement loans can be used for primary homes, second homes and investment properties. - DSCR investment loans qualify on rental income from the property rather than the borrower’s personal income. - DSCR loans include short-term rental properties. - DSCR loans can close in an LLC. - DSCR loans include cash-out refinancing with no ownership-seasoning requirement. - NONI investment loans are available for experienced investors and foreign nationals at the premium tier. - NONI loans include cash-out with zero seasoning. - Christopher Arco, founder of 1st Nationwide Mortgage, said the company is qualifying borrowers on business deposits or property earnings because those figures better reflect repayment ability. - The company’s self-employed mortgage resource center is available at self-employed mortgage resources. - The DSCR loan program center is available at DSCR loan programs. - Borrowers can reach a loan specialist at (833) 350-9185.

Between the lines: - The move reflects a broader mortgage market workaround for borrowers whose tax filings do not match their cash flow. - Programs based on deposits or rental income can widen access for entrepreneurs and investors who are often underserved by conventional underwriting. - The lender is positioning itself around alternative-income documentation rather than traditional payroll-based qualification.

What's next: - 1st Nationwide Mortgage says borrowers can use the new resource centers or call a loan specialist for program details. - Final approval still depends on qualification, underwriting and program guidelines. - Rates, terms and state availability can vary by program and applicant. - The company says program availability changes by state and loan purpose. - 1st Nationwide Mortgage continues to operate as both a direct lender and broker depending on the loan program.

The bottom line: - 1st Nationwide Mortgage is betting that more self-employed borrowers can qualify if lenders look at cash flow and rental income instead of tax returns.