What Is a 2nd Trust Deed?
The fundamentals: how lien position works, costs, qualification, and when this financing makes sense for your goals.
Read Article →Resources & Guides
Direct, no-fluff guides on 2nd trust deeds, private lending, and equity strategy for San Diego homeowners and investors. Written by Erik Egelko — founder of EZ Loans, 20+ years in private lending and commercial real estate.
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2nd Trust Deed vs. HELOC
Fixed vs. variable. Lump sum vs. revolving credit. Side-by-side breakdown to choose what fits your situation.
Read Article →2nd Trust Deed Rates in California
What drives 7%–12% pricing, typical rate ranges, and how to negotiate better terms on your loan.
Read Article →2nd TD vs. Cash-Out Refinance
When a 2nd trust deed makes more sense than refinancing — especially if you want to preserve a low first mortgage rate.
Read Article →How to Qualify for a 2nd Trust Deed
What lenders actually look for. Equity, exit strategy, credit. The 7-point self-qualification checklist.
Read Article →Business Purpose 2nd Trust Deeds
How self-employed borrowers and business owners use 2nd TDs for working capital, equipment, and expansion.
Read Article →2nd Trust Deeds for Investment Property
Scale from 2 to 10 properties using leverage. BRRRR model supercharged. Real San Diego portfolio math.
Read Article →Private Money 2nd TDs in California
How California regulates private lending. Brokers vs. direct lenders. The 16-day application-to-funding timeline.
Read Article →Lien Stripping & 2nd Trust Deeds
How bankruptcy treats 2nd TDs. Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13. The strict conditions that allow lien stripping — and when they don’t.
Read Article →Junior Lien Hard Money in San Diego
Why most hard money lenders avoid junior liens — and how EZ Loans does them safely with deep local knowledge.
Read Article →SD Equity Loans for Investors
The full playbook: 2 properties to 8 properties in 5–7 years using equity access. Year-by-year breakdown with real San Diego numbers.
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Topics Covered
What You’ll Find Here
How 2nd TDs Work
Lien position, structure, typical costs, and where they fit alongside HELOCs, cash-out refinances, and personal loans.
Rates & Pricing
What drives 7%–12% pricing in California. LTV, credit score, property type, loan amount, and term effects.
Qualification
The real criteria. Why equity and exit strategy matter more than credit scores. Self-qualification checklist.
Investment Strategy
How San Diego investors use 2nd TDs to scale portfolios faster than waiting on principal paydown or cash savings.
Business Capital
Self-employed and business-owner uses. Working capital, equipment, expansion — all backed by home equity.
Risk & Regulation
California’s lending framework, lien stripping in bankruptcy, junior lien risk, and how to use leverage responsibly.