California's Trusted Private Lender Since 2005

About HCS Equity.

HCS Equity is a private real estate lender operating throughout California. We specialize in commercial and residential real estate loans for borrowers who need fast, flexible funding secured by California property.

how HCS Equity helps

California private real estate investors.

Our team works with real estate investors, successor trustees, executors, administrators, fiduciaries, conservators, attorneys, and other professionals involved in California real estate transactions. Whether the goal is to preserve inherited real estate, facilitate trust or estate distributions, complete a 1031 exchange, pay off a reverse mortgage, purchase investment property, or secure short-term bridge financing, HCS Equity provides practical lending solutions built around the specific transaction.

Every loan scenario is different. That is why HCS Equity takes a hands-on approach to each request, reviewing the property, ownership structure where applicable, available equity, the loan purpose, and the proposed repayment strategy to determine whether a private lending solution is appropriate.

the difference

What makes HCS Equity different?

HCS Equity has more than 20 years of experience in real estate investment and private lending. Our leadership team has extensive experience across residential, commercial, trust, estate, and investment property lending throughout California. Unlike many traditional lending companies, HCS Equity keeps the process personal. When borrowers, attorneys, trustees, or brokers contact us, they are speaking directly with experienced decision-makers who understand the transaction and can move quickly. 

HCS Equity is a direct private lender that funds loans using its own capital and capital from affiliated investment sources, allowing for flexible underwriting and responsive decision-making. This allows us to offer flexible underwriting, practical loan structures, and responsive communication throughout the process.

Based on the Central Coast, HCS Equity serves borrowers throughout the state of California.

Our team

Meet the HCS Equity team.

The HCS Equity team brings decades of experience in private lending, commercial and residential real estate, trust and estate financing, and investment property transactions throughout California. 

Led by Founder and CEO Justin Aldi, Co-Founder Jordan Must, and Managing Partner Ben Heilig, HCS Equity combines real estate lending experience with a direct, relationship-driven approach. The team works closely with borrowers, attorneys, trustees, fiduciaries, brokers, and real estate professionals to help structure private lending solutions for complex property scenarios.

Founder / ceo

Justin Aldi

Justin is a nationally recognised mortgage industry expert with over 20 years of experience leading a top-ten residential and commercial mortgage bank, with annual fundings exceeding $1 billion. Licensed since 1997, he brings hands-on expertise across origination, underwriting, and servicing.

His legal background and direct approach make him the go-to contact for trustees, borrowers, and their attorneys.

CA DRE #01241216 · NMLS #15876

co-founder

Jordan Must

Jordan has been a successful private money investor for nearly 20 years, previously running banking divisions for two large financial institutions. His deep knowledge of trust, probate, and real estate law gives him an unmatched ability to structure flexible loans for complex estate situations.

A UCLA graduate, Jordan is widely respected throughout the California mortgage and legal communities.

CA DRE #01380421 · NMLS #291901

managing partner

Ben Heilig

Ben brings nearly two decades of corporate strategy and business development experience to his role at HCS Equity. As a longtime investor in the firm, he built the firm's referral network across California attorneys, fiduciaries, real estate investors, and mortgage brokers.

He is known by clients for his patience, clarity, and commitment to treating every transaction with honesty & integrity.

CA DRE #02074311 · NMLS #2128105

Founder / CEO

Justin Aldi

His legal background and direct approach make him the go-to contact for trustees, borrowers, and their attorneys.

CA DRE #01241216 · NMLS #15876

Co-Founder

Jordan Must

A UCLA graduate, Jordan is widely respected throughout the California mortgage and legal communities.

CA DRE #01380421 · NMLS #291901

Managing Partner

Ben Heilig

Ben brings nearly two decades of corporate strategy and business development experience to his role at HCS Equity. As a longtime investor in the firm, he built the firm’s referral network across California attorneys, fiduciaries, real estate investors, and mortgage brokers.  

He is known by clients for his patience, clarity, and commitment to treating every transaction with honesty & integrity.

CA DRE #02074311 · NMLS #2128105

View recently funded case studies.

HCS Equity has funded real estate loan scenarios across California, including trust loans, probate and estate loans, bridge loans, 1031 exchange loans, reverse mortgage payoff loans, fix and flip loans, REO and distressed property loans, and second trust deed loans. 

Our case studies show how private capital can help borrowers solve real-world property challenges, from sibling buyouts and trust equalization to investment property purchases, renovations, reverse 1031 exchanges, and inherited property expenses.

Frequently asked questions

Private real estate lending can involve unique questions, especially when a property is held in a trust, estate, probate matter, investment structure, or complex title situation. 

Our FAQ section answers common questions about HCS Equity’s loan programs, including trust lending, probate and estate loans, reverse mortgage payoff loans, 1031 exchange financing, bridge loans, fix and flip loans, REO and distressed property loans, second trust deeds, hard money lending, and Proposition 19-related lending scenarios.

What Clients Say

Client reviews.

HCS Equity is built around personal service, practical lending solutions, and direct communication with experienced decision-makers. Our clients often come to us during time-sensitive or complex real estate situations, and our goal is to provide clarity, responsiveness, and certainty throughout the process.

FRANCIENE BLACK

2 months ago

I had an outstanding experience working with Justin Aldi at HCS Equity. From start to finish, Justin provided exceptional customer service and made the entire loan process smooth, efficient, and stress free , Justin was professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and took the time to answer all of my questions. He kept me informed throughout the process and insured everything moved forward quickly and seamlessly. I truly appreciate the excellent service I received and I would highly recommend Justin to anyone seeking financial assistance. If you are looking for a loan professional, who is dedicated, reliable, and committed to helping his clients, Justin Aldi is a person to call. Thank you, Justin for making this such a positive experience. I look forward to working with you again for any future loan needs!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Eddie Ortiz

2 months ago

Worked with Ben, the process was smooth, easy, and professional. I highly recommend HCS Equity..

Richard Steiny

5 months ago

HCS Equity is owned and run by two highly qualified individuals, both with strong business ethics. I have done business with them for approx 15 years and have found them to be communicative, timely, straight forward and really good at their trade. Highly recommend.

George Grengs

5 months ago

I’ve invested with Justin Aldi and Jordan Must for over 10 years and have nothing but good things to say about them and their investment vehicle – short term real estate loans backed by trust deeds and made at substantial discounts to appraised value. The best part of the experience has been the great service they provide. Good information is provided before each investment, including appraisals, and the individual loan background summary. When there are questions, they are answered promptly and thoroughly. Their back office includes long time employees who are friendly and efficient. Since these types of loans are costly for the borrower and there are no pre-payment penalties, they are typically paid off within 3-12 months, leaving little market risk with the secured property. I would highly recommend HCS Equity as a component to your investment profile.

ken wilson

5 months ago

done business with Justin for almost two decades - would not go anywhere else! Justin is thorough, careful and puts his own money into the same projects he puts me in. I've lent through him and borrowed from him. Experiences on both sides have been excellent.

Hilary Howard

5 months ago

I've been investing with Justin and Jordan at HCS Equity for several years now, and they've become an important part of my investment portfolio. If you're looking into first trust deed investing, these are your people.

Their honesty and integrity is what keeps me coming back. They walk you through exactly what you're investing in, what the risks are, and what to expect. That kind of integrity is hard to find.

I really appreciate their communication style, I'm never left wondering what's going on with my investments. Justin and Jordan are responsive, proactive, and they explain things in plain English without making you feel like you need a finance degree to keep up!

Returns have been solid. Year after year, they've delivered — which at the end of the day is what matters most.

I highly recommend HCS Equity if you're serious about trust deed investing.

Lee VanHouten

5 months ago

I’ve worked with Justin as a customer for more than 25 years, which says a lot about the trust I have in him and the team at HCS Equity.
What keeps me coming back is how careful and thoughtful Justin and Jordan are in the way they manage investments. They run their business with integrity and a very steady, disciplined approach.
Each year they provide a clear and insightful annual summary that helps me understand performance without all the noise you often see in traditional investing.
For me, HCS Equity has been a great alternative to the constant ups and downs of the stock and bond markets. After all these years, I can honestly say I trust them and highly recommend Justin, Jordan, and HCS Equity.

Tony Cutler

6 months ago

We needed to obtain a loan to our mother’s trust in order to equalize the estate between siblings and utilize the parent-child property tax exclusion. When my sister’s and I were referred to HCS Equity, we spoke with Justin and immediately felt like we were talking to the right person. He understood exactly what we needed to accomplish and supplied us with a detailed step-by-step guide.

Over the next three months, while the estate distribution details were being finalized, Justin consistently responded to our emails and phone calls with kindness and professionalism. Once all of our paperwork was complete, the loan was available within about a week.

We would highly recommend HCS Equity. Justin was incredibly helpful throughout the entire process and truly a pleasure to work with.

Jill Carrade

6 months ago

I had the opportunity to work with Ben Heilig at HCS Equity on a recent private loan transaction, it was an excellent experience from start to finish. Ben was strategic in his approach with my challenging client scenario and kept my client and I informed throughout the entire process. I truly appreciated Ben's partnership and can't wait to work with him again.

Matt Pentecost

6 months ago

I have invested with HCS Equity for years now and they always deliver! Jordan and Justin are my trusted advisors and have both financed my properties and provided solid investment returns on my own capital. Great firm to work with.

Brian O'Toole

6 months ago

I have worked with HCS Equity for years. I appreciate their conservative approach to appraisals and debt to equity ratios. Their results (yield and principal protection) speak for themselves. In addition, their client services and responsiveness to questions are always prompt and helpful.

Mark Gole

6 months ago

I’ve done many deals over the years with HCS equity and am invested currently with them and there Wamm fund. I have had only positive experiences. Justin and Jordan are great to work with , and make themselves available if you any questions or concerns about your investment. I highly recommend investing in them

Krystal Greene Bennett

6 months ago

Working with Justin has been a wonderful experience. I was connected with him when I needed information regarding probate loans. It was new territory and I was nervous about the process. Justin explained everything well and immediately put me at ease. Since that first introduction, HCS Equity has been a life saver. Efficient, professional, timely-these are the words that best describe my experience with them. Questions were always answered quickly, loans were closed faster than I have ever experienced, the rates are competitive and the up front transparency of what they can and can not do eliminates so much wasted time. Justin is particularly wonderful to work with, as he is all of the descriptions above and works with you to find a solution to any problems that arise. Justin is always my first call for funding because he and HCS are so easy to work with. I HIGHLY recommend them and I am thankful that I was introduced to all that HCS offers through Justin.

Sigifredo Ponce (BHHS RTR)

6 months ago

I highly recommend Justin for anyone seeking a reliable hard money lender. He has been outstanding to work with extremely responsive, efficient, and always on top of every detail. Justin moves quickly and understands the importance of timing in real estate transactions. He consistently demonstrates professionalism, strong communication, and a solutions-oriented approach. Justin is always proactive and keeps things moving smoothly from start to finish. It has been a pleasure working with him, and I confidently recommend his services to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and dependable lending partner.

Dennis Scott

2 years ago

I had the privilege of working with Ben on a transaction recently in Santa Cruz, and I was so fortunate that he dealt with the financing for my buyer. He made the process so easy and smooth and he was able to overcome challenges through throughout the transaction that I don’t think any other lender would have been able to do. I look forward to working with him again on many more transactions in the future!

jessica espinola

2 years ago

It's been a great experience working with Justin Aldi. He's IT! Professional , knowledgeable, trust worthy and great communicator. We've been fortunate to purchase a few properties using his services and every time it's a smooth transaction.

Thank you!
Jessica

Raza Chishti

2 years ago

All the processes were easy and the people are very good in dealing as well.

Teresa Wolcott

2 years ago

Dealing with HCS Equity was my first experience at obtaining a loan. Ben Hellig made the process easy. He was responsive, informative and professional. If ever the need for a new loan, HCS Equity will be my first stop.

James Ziegler

3 years ago

Trusts and trust loans were new territory for me, I wasn’t even aware that a loan could be taken out against a trust. It turns out that I did need a short term loan to buy out a sibling and maintain the parent-child property tax reassessment exclusion. My estate lawyer referred me to Ben Heilig at HCS Equity and I could hardly believe how quickly he was able to put everything together. Ben was always available to answer my many questions in ways that made complete sense. He was friendly and patient. I was extremely impressed with Ben and HCS Equity and highly recommend them.

Annette Boggs

3 years ago

If you are looking for a hard money loan - Justin is your guy! From start to finish (6 days) he made the loan and funded it! He is honest, a good businessman, and very cordial. I will definitely recommend him to others looking for FAST MONEY.

Alis Whitman

4 years ago

The partners at HSC Equity are down-to-earth. They explain the terms of lending in a way that anyone can understand and feel comfortable with. There is no hard sell here, just knowledgeable people looking out for their client’s best interests. Every touch point with this firm has the feel of genuine white-glove service. It is a pleasure to work with them, and I highly recommend HSC Equity.

Rebecca Smith

4 years ago

Justin and his entire team are amazing. Easy to work with, and kept in constant communication, I never once had to follow up with them.

Brian Berman

4 years ago

Our attorney advised us to contact HCS Equity regarding a loan to our family's irrevocable trust. We worked with one of the managing partners, Ben Heilig, who was extremely knowledgeable, professional, kind and very patient with our endless questions and concerns. We closed on the loan a few weeks ago, and the process couldn't have been smoother from start to finish. We recommend Ben and his team to anyone in need of a loan for their family trust.

J M Clay

4 years ago

I am the successor trustee for my parents' family trust. Trust administration is new territory for me, so I was stressed about having to take out a trust loan. I spoke with a few lenders but decided to keep searching, which I am so glad I did or I would never have discovered HCS Equity. Their website clearly explained the process, and it made me feel comfortable enough to give them a call. I spoke with Ben, and like others have said, he is professional, patient and very knowledgeable, so I decided to proceed with HCS Equity. Each step of the way, Ben explained what to expect and what I needed to do. Closing of the trust loan was a breeze and a relief all due to Ben! Because of my positive experience with Ben and HCS Equity, the law firm that is assisting me with trust administration requested Ben's info so that their other clients can utilize his services. Thanks again Ben and HCS! I really appreciate all you have done!!

Scott Faverty

4 years ago

I contacted HCS Equity to request information about the trust lending process, and Ben Heilig took the time to explain everything in great detail. His professionalism, expertise, and patience guiding me through the process definitely put me at ease. It was a pleasure working with Ben, and I highly recommend HCS Equity if you are in need of a trust loan to buyout your siblings.

Clarice Henderson

4 years ago

One of the most difficult problems for Professional Fiduciaries is obtaining a third- party loan for their client. HCS Equity came to my "rescue" with their rescue reverse mortgage. Now I can continue to take care of my cash-strapped client without fear of creditors taking her assets. Thank you Ben, and HCS Equity!

Melynda Weilbacher

4 years ago

Justin and his team are the best of the best; going above and beyond for their clients. You will feel at ease with their expertise.

Kevin Jones

6 years ago

We have worked with Justin Aldi for over 20 years and he always delivers a great product and stellar service! Always going up and beyond to get our loans done, very reliable and is our go to for all of our loans! Thank you for all you have done for us and becoming a friend in the process!

Ready when you are

Get a loan quote today. Close in 7 - 10 days.

Tell us about your scenario; we’ll respond within one business hour with a clear next step. No obligation, no credit impact.

California private real estate investors.

What makes HCS Equity different?

Justin Aldi

Jordan Must

Ben Heilig

Justin Aldi

Jordan Must

Ben Heilig

View recently funded case studies.

Frequently asked questions

Get a loan quote today. Close in 7 - 10 days.

Loan Programs

Who We Serve

Company

California Service Areas