The 2026 Capital Landscape: Who is Funding Deals in Q1?
The first quarter of 2026 is moving at breakneck speed, and the capital markets are shifting just as quickly. If you are still trying to plug 2024 lending structures into this year’s opportunities, you aren’t just behind the curve—you are likely leaving significant cash flow and viable deals on the table.
At The Lender Tribune, our mission is to cut through the noise of the “real estate renaissance” and identify the players actually moving the needle. Right now, liquidity is king, but flexibility is the ace up the sleeve for the modern investor.
This week, we are highlighting four capital partners who are redefining accessibility and fueling Q1 growth.
1. Rivara Capital: Breaking the “Liquidity Trap”
For many investors, upfront reserves have become a silent deal-killer, locking up precious capital that could be used for the next acquisition. Rivara Capital is tackling this head-on. Their zero-reserve DSCR loans are designed to solve the “liquidity trap,” allowing seasoned investors to maintain higher cash-on-cash returns without the heavy burden of parked capital. Read more
2. Sphinx Capital: Scaling at Speed
Market timing is everything in 2026. Sphinx Capital recently released their Q1 2026 program update, specifically engineered for investors looking to scale aggressively. If you’ve felt the friction of traditional bank underwriting lately, Sphinx’s expanded access and streamlined approval process might be the catalyst your portfolio needs this quarter. Read more
3. Asset Based Capital Inc.: Modernizing Commercial Lending
“Accessibility” is often a buzzword, but Asset Based Capital Inc. is making it a reality. By redefining the narrative on modern commercial lending, they are opening doors for previously underserved asset classes. They aren’t just looking at the balance sheet; they are assessing the deal’s potential in today’s evolving market. Read more
4. Stallion Funding: The Bridge to Growth
As the market enters this next wave of expansion, the need for reliable bridge capital has never been higher. Stallion Funding remains a cornerstone for investors seeking to move quickly on transitional assets. Whether it’s an acquisition or a quick pivot in strategy, Stallion provides the essential bridge to get you to the finish line. Read more.
The Bottom Line
The 2026 market doesn’t reward those who wait for “the way things used to be.” It rewards the agile. Don’t let outdated financing structures hold back your portfolio during one of the most exciting growth periods in recent history.
