The size of a hard money loan is typically decided based on how much down payements funds the borrower has, liquid reserves and affordability.. and not based on credit score.  Example.  A  hard money lender might only approve a borrower for up to a $400,000 loan amount with a 700+ credit while another borrower might get approved up to $800,000 with a 600 credit score.  This is assuming that the 600 credit score borrower had more funds available for a down payment and enough funds, reserves or equity to execute on the project.