Tailored Lending for Those Who Lead, Advise, and Build

Whether you run a law firm, advise clients, or build brands — your income is complex, your time is limited, and your expectations are high. Our lending strategy reflects that.

Lending for Professionals Who Lead

We know that your income may come from equity draws, billable hours, K-1s, or consulting retainers. Traditional lenders often misunderstand it — but we don’t. We specialize in lending for professionals who build, advise, litigate, and lead.

We serve professionals like:

  • Attorneys, solo practitioners & law firm partners
  • Realtors & real estate brokers
  • Business consultants & management advisors
  • Wholesalers & independent investors
  • Marketing agency owners
  • Tech startup founders
  • Insurance brokers & producers
  • Franchisees & serial entrepreneurs

Built for High-Income, High-Expectation Earners

Self-Employed & K-1 Income Loans

We help you qualify using 1120S, 1065s, or partnership income with advanced documentation strategies.

Asset-Based & Bank Statement Loans

If your taxable income is low due to business deductions, we offer qualifying based on cash flow or reserves.

Low Down & High-Value Property Loans

We offer jumbo, super-jumbo, and investor options — even if you’re still scaling your business.

Why Legal & Business Leaders Choose Stairway

We Offer Clarity in a Complicated Financial World

“As a partner in a boutique firm, my K-1s were too complicated for most lenders. Jim walked me through the process and handled every detail with precision.”


— Rachel N., Estate Planning Attorney

I pay myself via K-1 — can I still qualify?
Yes. We work with partnership income and tax returns to build a qualifying profile that underwriters accept.
What if I reinvest most of my income into my business?
No problem. We can use gross receipts or asset-based strategies to qualify you without relying on low taxable income.
Can I finance a second home or investment property?
Yes — we offer creative options tailored to entrepreneurs looking to scale wealth through real estate.
What if my credit score isn't perfect?
No worries. We specialize in flexible lending solutions that consider your full financial picture — not just your credit score.
Can I qualify if I don’t have traditional proof of income?
Absolutely. We work with freelancers, contractors, and business owners using bank statements, P&Ls, or asset-based documentation to get you approved.
Q: How fast can I get approved?
We move quickly. With the right documents, many of our clients receive pre-approval within 24–48 hours.

Meet Jim Blackburn

Entrepreneurial Lending Expert | Founder, Stairway Mortgage

“I’ve spent my career serving entrepreneurs, attorneys, and firm owners. I know how your financials work — and how to turn them into approvals, investments, and long-term gains.

Don't Risk Losing The House Because You Weren't Prepared.

Winning offers are planned in advance, losing offers just failed to plan.
Beginning your preapproval process 60-90 days before looking at homes is the smart way to go. 

100% Client Satisfaction

Real Comments, Real People

Hear From Some Past Clients of Our Founder

Johnny Blan

First-time home purchase and refinance with fast closing

Great customer service! We were living in California for 20+ years, and every year our rent went up, so we decided to move to Virginia and get our own house. Jim helped us with our very first home mortgage and constantly updated us with the lowering rates. After we were presented with different options, we decided to do a refi, and his team made it possible for us to grab the opportunity to shorten our term from 30 to 15 years at a much lower rate. In just around three weeks we were able to close. Me and my family will definitely recommend them!

Johnny Blan - via Facebook

Retired Investor -
CALIFORNIA
Dayana Ruiz

Guidance through the purchase process with clear explanations

They worked with me on the purchase process. Their knowledge helped me to choose the option that was most convenient. From the beginning they explained the process. Thanks Jim!

Dayana Ruiz - via Facebook

Mortgage Loan Originator Columbus Capital Lending -
FLORIDA
Dennis Nikolaev

Investor-friendly lender who goes the extra mile

I'm an RE investor. Had multiple loan officers but one really stands out – JIM BLACKBURN. Now, he is working on a third deal with me. He does go the extra mile. A few examples from the past: I have tons of properties and live in China with unique income (he made it work!). He called me in China at 1 AM to get information to close the deal. He is super efficient with collecting the right documents upfront to avoid a lot of back and forth later with processors. You can't go wrong with Jim.

Dennis Nikolaev - Facebook

Studio Leader at APCE Dennis Studio -
CHINA