In this episode of the My SBA Loan Pro Podcast, Ryan Smith sits down with Casey Hopkins of Southland CDC for a clear, no-fluff breakdown of the SBA 504 loan program to purchase owner-occupied real estate.
This conversation focuses on the core mechanics and decision points business owners need to understand before buying owner-occupied commercial real estate—from eligibility and structure to timing, rates, and prepayment strategy.
If you’re considering buying your building, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and make informed decisions.
Key Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
01:22 – Casey’s Background
04:30 – 504 Overview
05:52 – Loan Structure
08:13 – Property Types
10:15 – Eligibility
11:21 – Occupancy Rule
16:59 – Application Process
19:54 – Timing Strategy
22:27 – SBA Review
29:32 – Screen Outs
34:55 – Loan Limits
42:47 – Prepayment Rules
54:19 – Best Timing
More ThinkSBA Resources
https://calendly.com/thinksba – Schedule Call
https://g.page/thinksba – Google Business Page & Reviews
https://thinksba.com/faq – Frequently Asked Questions
https://mysbaloanpro.com – My SBA Loan Pro Podcast
http://youtube.com/@thinksba – YouTube Channel

