$1,500,000 Acquisition in San Francisco, CA

Rubicon Mortgage Fund, LLC Funds a Piece of Culture: Owner Occupied Industrial Warehouse Loan

Loan Amount: $1,500,000
Loan Term: 9 Months
LTC: Under 65%
Lien Position: 1st Deed of Trust
Rubicon Mortgage Fund, LLC recently closed a $1,500,000 acquisition loan for a local small business in San Francisco. The property is an industrial warehouse that is owner occupied, with a portion leased to a nonprofit organization. What makes this transaction unique is the combination of speed, community impact, and the entrepreneurial vision behind it.
The Story Behind the Commercial Owner Occupied Loan
For years, the borrower had been renting the building from the seller and operating their business there. When the seller decided to sell, there were already multiple higher offers on the table. However, the seller wanted to prioritize the existing tenants who had built their business in the space. The seller offered them a deal: if they could close in less than 30 days, the building would be theirs, even at a slightly lower price than competing offers.
Timing was everything. An SBA lender had already been working on the funding, but the timeline was too short for an SBA loan to close. The SBA lender reached out to Rubicon Mortgage Fundâs loan officer to see if we could make this deal happen. Our team stepped in and closed the loan in under 30 days, ensuring the buyers secured the property.
Borrower Testimonial
When asked about their experience with Rubicon Mortgage Fund, LLC, the borrower shared:
“Thank you for your quick swift work and guiding me through this first-time process. It is a new outlet and world of discovery through this process, and we look to grow, so that this will be one common knowledge as we look to build with dreams of acquiring more opportunities like this. I am faithful that the path that we have been growing on will lead to future opportunities with Rubicon and all who helped us through this first time leading the blind. Thank you and your team so much. Nothing beats the first experience.”
This testimonial reflects the trust and guidance Rubicon provides, especially for first-time borrowers navigating the complexities of commercial real estate financing.
About the Borrower
The borrower is the world’s premier lion and dragon dance company, setting the global standard for performances, talent, and innovation. They are dedicated to revolutionizing lion dance, pushing its artistic and technical boundaries, and bringing it to audiences worldwide. Through world-class performances, they aim to make lion dance a globally recognized art form while inspiring and training the next generation to carry it forward.
Their clients include local community organizations, sports agencies, and major Las Vegas casinos such as MGM and Cosmopolitan. Owning their building allows them to strengthen operations, build equity, and continue growing their global reputation.
Property Highlights
The building itself is a highly functional industrial warehouse with approximately 6,753 square feet on a 0.16-acre lot. It features 18-foot clear span ceilings, two roll-up doors, and drive-in access from two sides. Located in a thriving part of San Francisco, the property is surrounded by thousands of new residential units within a half-mile radius. A large public garage is located less than one block away, making it convenient for visitors and staff.
The space is a true owner-user commercial opportunity. It offers a blank canvas for improvements while also generating income from the nonprofit tenant. This combination of functionality and flexibility makes the property an ideal fit for the borrowerâs business.
Loan Structure and Exit Strategy
Rubicon Mortgage Fund, LLC structured this as a short-term loan with a nine-month term. The borrowersâ plan is to refinance with a 504 SBA loan once the property has been stabilized. This clear exit strategy, combined with the borrowersâ strong business model, gave Rubicon the confidence to move forward quickly.
Why Rubicon Won the Deal
This transaction demonstrates Rubiconâs ability to deliver when timing is critical. The borrowers had three other private lenders competing for the deal, but Rubicon stood out as both the fastest and the most cost-effective option. By closing in under a month, Rubicon enabled the business to secure its building, protect its operations, and position itself for long-term success.
The deal also highlights Rubiconâs strong industry relationships. This loan was referral-based, underscoring the trust we have built with lenders, brokers, and borrowers across California.
Supporting Local Entreprenuers
At its core, this deal represents more than a loan. It is a story about supporting local entrepreneurs and helping San Francisco continue to grow. The borrowers are young business owners building something meaningful in the city. By funding this commercial owner occupied property, Rubicon Mortgage Fund, LLC contributed to the long-term stability of both the business and the surrounding community.
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