SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial reporting and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and note disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared under GAAP have been condensed or omitted. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows have been included and are of a normal and recurring nature. The operating results presented for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the entire year. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 19, 2025.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of the Company and all subsidiaries which it controls (i) through voting or similar rights or (ii) by means other than voting rights if the Company is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity ("VIE"). All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make a number of significant estimates. These include estimates of fair value of certain assets and liabilities, amount and timing of credit losses, prepayment rates, and other estimates that affect the reported amounts of certain assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of certain revenues and expenses during the reported period. It is likely that changes in these estimates (e.g. valuation changes due to supply and demand, credit performance, prepayments, interest rates, or other reasons) will occur in the near term. The Company's estimates are inherently subjective in nature and actual results could differ from its estimates and the differences may be material.
VIEs	VIEs An entity is considered a VIE when any of the following applies: (1) the equity investors (if any) lack one or more essential characteristics of a controlling financial interest; (2) the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to finance that entity's activities without additional subordinated financial support; or (3) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportionate to their economic interests and the activities of the entity involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor with a disproportionately small voting interest. The Company consolidates VIEs in which it is the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is defined as the entity having both the following characteristics: (1) the power to direct activities that, when taken together, most significantly impact the VIE performance; and (2) the obligation to absorb losses and right to receive returns from the VIE that would be significant to the VIE. The Company evaluates quarterly its junior retained notes and preferred shares of LFT CRE 2021-FL1, Ltd. and LFT CRE 2021-FL1, LLC (together, the "2021-FL1 CLO") and LMF 2023-1, LLC ("LMF 2023-1 Financing") for potential consolidation. At March 31, 2025, the Company determined it was the primary beneficiary of 2021-FL1 CLO and LMF 2023-1 Financing based on its power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of 2021-FL1 CLO and LMF 2023-1 Financing and its obligation to absorb losses derived from ownership of its junior retained notes and preferred shares. Accordingly, the Company consolidated the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of the underlying issuing entities.
Collateralized Loan Obligations and Secured Financings and Secured Term Loan	Collateralized Loan Obligations and Secured Financings Collateralized loan obligations ("CLO") and secured financings represent third-party liabilities of 2021-FL1 CLO and LMF 2023-1 Financing. The 2021-FL1 CLO and LMF 2023-1 Financing are VIEs and Management has determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary of the 2021-FL1 CLO and LMF 2023-1 Financing. Accordingly, the Company consolidates the assets, liabilities (other than the below investment grade-rated notes and preferred shares of the 2021-FL1 CLO and LMF 2023-1 Financing retained by the Company that are eliminated on consolidation), income and expense of the 2021-FL1 CLO and LMF 2023-1 Financing. The third-party obligations of the 2021-FL1 CLO and LMF 2023-1 Financing do not have any recourse to the Company as the consolidator of the CLO and secured financing issuing entities. The third-party obligations of the 2021-FL1 CLO and LMF 2023-1 Financing are carried at their outstanding unpaid principal balances, net of any deferred financing costs. Any premiums, discounts or deferred financing costs associated with these third-party obligations are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the expected average life of the related obligations, or on a straight-line basis when it approximates the effective interest method. Secured Term Loan The Company and certain of its subsidiaries are party to a $47.75 million credit and guaranty agreement with the lenders referred to therein and Cortland Capital Service LLC, as administrative agent and collateral agent for the lenders (the "Secured Term Loan"). The Secured Term Loan is carried at its unpaid principal balance, net of deferred financing costs. Deferred financing costs associated with this liability are amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis when it approximates the effective interest method.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash and cash equivalents at the time of purchase include cash held in bank accounts on an overnight basis and other short term deposit accounts with banks having maturities of 90 days or less at time of acquisition. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents in highly rated financial institutions, and at times these balances exceed insurable amounts. Restricted cash includes cash held within 2021-FL1 CLO and LMF 2023-1 Financing as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.
Deferred Offering Costs	Deferred Offering Costs Direct costs incurred to issue shares classified as equity, such as legal and accounting fees, are deducted from the related proceeds and the net amount recorded as stockholders' equity. Accordingly, payments made by the Company in respect of such costs related to the issuance of shares are recorded as an asset in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets in the line item "Other assets", for subsequent deduction from the related proceeds upon closing of the offering. To the extent that certain costs, in particular legal fees, are known to have been accrued but have not yet been invoiced and paid, they are included in "Other accounts payable and accrued expenses" on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements The "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures" Topic 820 of the FASB, or ASC 820, defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and requires certain disclosures about fair value measurement under GAAP. Specifically, the guidance defines fair value based on exit price, or the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or the transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at measurement date. ASC 820 specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on the inputs used in measuring fair value. Valuation techniques are based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable market data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company's market assumptions. The three levels are defined as follows: •Level 1 Inputs – Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. •Level 2 Inputs – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable. •Level 3 Inputs – Instruments with primarily unobservable value drivers. Pursuant to ASC 820, we disclose fair value information about financial instruments, which are not otherwise reported at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet, to the extent it is practicable to estimate fair value for those certain instruments. The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument, for which it is practicable to estimate that value: •Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value. •Restricted cash: The carrying amount of restricted cash approximates fair value. •Commercial mortgage loans: The Company determines the fair value of commercial mortgage loans by utilizing a pricing model based on discounted cash flow methodologies using discount rates, which reflect current market interest rates that would be offered for loans with similar characteristics and credit quality. Additionally, the Company may record fair value adjustments on a non-recurring basis when it has determined it necessary to record a specific impairment reserve or charge-off against a loan and the Company measures such specific reserve or charge-off using the fair value of the loan's collateral. To determine the fair value of loan collateral, the Company employs the income capitalization approach, appraised values, broker opinion of value, sale offers, letters of intention to purchase, or other valuation benchmarks, as applicable, depending upon the nature of such collateral and other relevant market factors. •Mortgage servicing rights ("MSRs"): The Company determines the fair value of MSRs from a third-party pricing service on a recurring basis. The third-party pricing service uses common market pricing methods that include using discounted cash flow models to calculate present value, estimated net servicing income and observed market pricing for MSR purchase and sale transactions. The model considers contractually specified servicing fees, prepayment assumptions, delinquency rates, late charges, other ancillary revenue, costs to service and other economic factors. •Collateralized loan obligations and secured financings: The Company determines the fair value of collateralized loan obligations and secured financings by utilizing a third-party pricing service. In determining the value of a particular investment, pricing service providers may use market spreads, inventory levels, trade and bid history, as well as market insight from clients, trading desks and global research platform. •Secured term loan: The Company determines the fair value of its secured term loan based on a discounted cash flow methodology. •Other assets and liabilities: Subject to fair value measurement, including receivables, payables and accrued liabilities have carrying amounts that approximate fair value due to their short-term nature.
Commercial Mortgage Loans Held-For-Investment	Commercial Mortgage Loans Held-for-Investment Commercial mortgage loans held-for-investment represent floating-rate transitional loans and other commercial mortgage loans purchased or originated by the Company. These loans include loans sold into securitizations that the Company consolidates. Commercial mortgage loans held-for-investment are intended to be held-to-maturity and, accordingly, are carried at their unpaid principal balances, adjusted for net unamortized loan fees and costs (in respect of originated loans), premiums and discounts (in respect of purchased loans) and impairment, if any. Commercial mortgage loans held-for-investment principal repayments received after remittance dates are held by the servicer and reported as "Investment related receivable" in the consolidated balance sheets. Interest income is recognized as revenue using the effective interest method and is recorded on the accrual basis according to the terms of the underlying loan agreement. Any fees, costs, premiums and discounts associated with these loan investments are deferred and amortized over the term of the loan on a straight-line basis approximating the effective interest method. Income accrual is generally suspended and loans are placed on non-accrual status on the earlier of the date at which payment has become 90 days past due or when full and timely collection of interest and principal is considered not probable. The Company may return a loan to accrual status when repayment of principal and interest is reasonably assured under the terms of the underlying loan agreement. The Company recognizes and measures the allowance for credit losses under the Current Expected Credit Loss ("CECL") model which amended the previous credit loss model to reflect a reporting entity's current estimate of all expected credit losses, not only based on historical experience and current economic conditions, but also by including reasonable and supportable forecasts incorporating forward-looking information. The measurement of expected credit losses under CECL is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, and off-balance credit exposures such as unfunded loan commitments. The allowance for credit losses required under ASU 2016-13 is included in "Allowance for credit losses" on our consolidated balance sheets. The allowance for credit losses attributed to unfunded loan commitments is included in "Other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company estimates the allowance for credit losses for its portfolio on a collective basis, including unfunded loan commitments, for loans that share similar risk characteristics. The calculation is applied at the loan level. The allowance for credit losses estimation methodology used by LFT includes a probability of default and loss given default method utilizing a widely used third-party analytical model with historical loan losses for over 125,000 commercial real estate loans dating back to 1998. Within this data set, we focused our historical loss information on the most relevant subset of available CRE data, which we determined based on loan metrics that are most comparable to our loan portfolio including asset type, spread to interest rate, unpaid principal balance and origination loan-to-value, or LTV. The Company expects to use this proxy data set, or variants of it, unless the Company develops its own sufficient history of realized losses. The Company determined the key variables driving its allowance for credit losses estimate are debt service coverage ratio and LTV ratio. Other notable variables include property type, property location and loan vintage. The Company determines its allowance for credit loss estimate based on the weighting of multiple macroeconomic forecast scenarios driven by macroeconomic variables such as gross domestic product ("GDP"), unemployment rate, federal funds target rate and core personal consumption expenditure ("CPR") among others, during the reasonable and supportable forecast period. The reasonable and supportable forecast period is currently one year, however, the Company regularly evaluates the reasonable and supportable forecast period to determine if a change is needed based on our assessment of the most likely scenario of assumptions and plausible outcomes for the U.S. economy. For the period beyond which the Company is able to make reasonable and supportable forecasts, the Company reverts, on a straight-line basis over four quarters, to the historical loss information derived from CRE data set. Any loans considered to be a Default Risk or otherwise deemed to be collateral dependent will be individually evaluated for a specific allowance for credit losses. A loan is considered collateral dependent when the Company determines that the facts and circumstances of the loan deem the debtor to be experiencing financial difficulty and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the sale or operation of the collateral. If a loan is considered to be collateral dependent, a specific allowance for credit losses is recorded to reduce the carrying value of the loan through a charge to the provision for (reversal of) credit losses. The specific allowance for credit losses is measured by comparing the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, less costs to sell, to the amortized cost of the respective loan. These valuations require significant judgments, which include assumptions regarding capitalization rates, leasing, creditworthiness of major tenants, occupancy rates, availability of financing, exit plan, actions of other lenders, and other factors deemed necessary by the Manager. Actual losses, if any, could ultimately differ from estimated losses. Quarterly, the Company assesses the risk factors of each loan classified as held-for-investment and assigns a risk rating based on a variety of factors, including, without limitation, debt-service coverage ratio ("DSCR"), loan-to-value ratio ("LTV"), property type, geographic and local market dynamics, physical condition, leasing and tenant profile, adherence to business plan and exit plan, maturity default risk and project sponsorship. The Company's loans are rated on a 5-point scale, from least risk to greatest risk, respectively, which ratings are described as follows: 1.Very Low Risk: exceeds expectations and is outperforming underwriting or it is very likely that the underlying loan can be refinanced easily in the period's prevailing capital market conditions 2.Low Risk: meeting or exceeding underwritten expectations 3.Moderate Risk: consistent with underwritten expectations or the sponsor may be in the early stages of executing the business plan and the loan structure appropriately mitigates additional risks 4.High Risk: potential risk of default, a loss may occur in the event of default 5.Default Risk: imminent risk of default, a loss is likely in the event of default
Real Estate Owned	Real Estate Owned To maximize recovery from a defaulted loan, the Company may assume legal title or physical possession of the underlying collateral through foreclosure or the execution of a deed in lieu of foreclosure. Real estate acquired through a foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure is classified as real estate owned, net ("REO") in the consolidated balance sheets. REO assets are initially recognized at estimated fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 805, "Business Combinations" and are shown net of accumulated depreciation and impairment charges. REO assets held for use, except for land, are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives ranging from seven to thirty-nine years. Renovations and/or replacements that improve or extend the life of the REO asset are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. The cost of ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. REO assets are classified as held for sale in the period when they meet the criteria under ASC Topic 360, "Property, Plant and Equipment." Once a REO asset is classified as held for sale, depreciation is suspended and the asset is reported at the lower of carrying value or fair value less cost to sell. REO assets are reviewed for impairment each quarter if events or circumstances change indicating that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company recognizes impairment if the undiscounted estimated cash flows to be generated by an asset is less than the carrying amount of such asset. Measurement of impairment is based on the asset's estimated fair value. The evaluation of anticipated future cash flows is highly subjective and is based in part on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates, capital requirements and anticipated holding periods that could differ materially from actual results.
Mortgage Servicing Rights, at Fair Value	Mortgage Servicing Rights, at Fair Value Mortgage servicing rights ("MSRs") are associated with residential mortgage loans that the Company historically purchased and subsequently sold or securitized. MSRs are held and managed at Five Oaks Acquisition Corp. ("FOAC"), the Company's taxable REIT subsidiary ("TRS"). As the owner of MSRs, the Company is entitled to receive a portion of the interest payments from the associated residential mortgage loan, and is obligated to service, directly or through a subservicer, the associated loan. MSRs are reported at fair value. Residential mortgage loans for which the Company owns the MSRs are directly serviced by two subservicers retained by the Company. The Company does not directly service any residential mortgage loans. MSR income is recognized at the contractually agreed upon rate, net of the costs of sub-servicers retained by the Company. If a sub-servicer with which the Company contracts were to default, an evaluation of MSR assets for impairment would be undertaken at that time.
Common Stock, Stock Repurchase Program and Preferred Stock	Common Stock At March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company was authorized to issue up to 450,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share. The Company had 52,324,472 and 52,309,209 shares of common stock issued and outstanding at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. Stock Repurchase Program On December 15, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") authorized a stock repurchase program ("Repurchase Program") to repurchase up to $10 million of the Company's outstanding common stock. Subject to applicable securities laws, repurchase of common stock under the Repurchase Program may be made at times and in amounts as the Company deems appropriate, using available cash resources. Shares of common stock repurchased by the Company under the Repurchase Program, if any, will be canceled and, until reissued by the Company, will be deemed to be authorized but unissued shares of common stock. The Repurchase Program may be suspended or discontinued by the Company at any time and without prior notice. Preferred Stock At March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company was authorized to issue up to 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, with such designations, voting and other rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Board. On May 5, 2021, the Company issued 2,400,000 shares of 7.875% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock"). The Company had 2,400,000 shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. Our preferred stock is classified as permanent equity and carried at its liquidation preference less offering costs.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code for U.S. federal income tax purposes, commencing with the Company's short taxable period ended December 31, 2012. A REIT is generally taxable as a U.S. C-Corporation; however, so long as the Company qualifies as a REIT it is entitled to a special deduction for dividends paid to stockholders not otherwise available to corporations. Accordingly, the Company generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent its distributions to stockholders equals, or exceeds, its REIT taxable income for the year. In addition, the Company must continue to meet certain REIT qualification requirements with respect to distributions, as well as certain asset, income and share ownership tests, in accordance with Sections 856 through 860 of the Code, as summarized below. In addition, the TRS is maintained to perform certain services and earn income for the Company that the Company is not permitted to engage in as a REIT. To maintain its qualification as a REIT, the Company must meet certain requirements, including but not limited to the following: (i) distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its stockholders; (ii) invest at least 75% of its assets in REIT qualifying assets, with additional restrictions with respect to asset concentration risk; and (iii) earn at least 95% of its gross income from qualifying sources of income, including at least 75% from qualifying real estate and real estate related sources. Regardless of the REIT election, the Company may also be subject to certain state, local, and franchise taxes. Under certain circumstances, federal income and excise taxes may be due on its undistributed taxable income. If the Company were to fail to meet these requirements, it would be subject to U.S. federal income tax as a U.S. C-Corporation, which could have a material adverse impact on its results of operations and amounts available for distributions to its stockholders. Certain activities of the Company are conducted through a TRS and therefore are taxed as a standalone U.S. C-Corporation. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The TRS is not subject to a distribution requirement with respect to its REIT owner. The TRS may retain earnings annually, resulting in an increase in the consolidated book equity of the Company without a corresponding distribution requirement by the REIT. If the TRS generates net income, and declares dividends to the Company, such dividends will be included in its taxable income and necessitate a distribution to its stockholders in accordance with the REIT distribution requirements. The Company assesses its tax positions for all open tax years and determines whether the Company has any material unrecognized liabilities in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes. The Company records these liabilities to the extent the Company deems them more likely than not to be incurred. The Company's accounting policy with respect to interest and penalties is to classify these amounts as other interest expense.
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share The Company calculates basic and diluted earnings per share by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders for the period by the weighted-average shares of the Company's common stock outstanding for that period. Diluted earnings per share considers the effect of dilutive instruments, such as warrants, stock options, and unvested restricted stock, but uses the average share price for the period in determining the number of incremental shares that are to be added to the weighted-average number of shares outstanding.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company is required to recognize compensation costs relating to stock-based payment transactions in the consolidated financial statements. The Company accounts for share-based compensation using the fair-value based methodology prescribed by ASC 718, Share-Based Payment ("ASC 718"). Compensation cost related to restricted common stock issued to the Company's independent directors is measured at its estimated fair value at the grant date and amortized and expensed over the vesting period.
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders	Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, comprehensive (loss) income equaled net (loss) income; therefore, a separate statement of comprehensive income is not included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued and/or Adopted Accounting Standards	Recently Issued and/or Adopted Accounting Standards Income Taxes In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures." ASU 2023-09 improves the transparency of income tax disclosures related to rate reconciliation and income taxes. ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. For entities other than public business entities, the amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2025. Early adoption is permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. The amendments should be applied prospectively, however retrospective application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the update on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Income Statement In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, "Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40)." ASU 2024-03 requires a public business entity to provide disaggregated disclosures, in the notes to the financial statements, of certain categories of expenses that are included in expense line items on the face of the income statement. The guidance is effective on either a prospective basis, with the option for retrospective application, for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027, and early adoption is permitted. The Company has not early adopted ASU 2024-03 and does not expect the adoption of ASU 2024-03 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2025

The unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial reporting and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and note disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared under GAAP have been condensed or omitted. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows have been included and are of a normal and recurring nature. The operating results presented for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the entire year. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 19, 2025.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of the Company and all subsidiaries which it controls (i) through voting or similar rights or (ii) by means other than voting rights if the Company is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity ("VIE"). All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make a number of significant estimates. These include estimates of fair value of certain assets and liabilities, amount and timing of credit losses, prepayment rates, and other estimates that affect the reported amounts of certain assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of certain revenues and expenses during the reported period. It is likely that changes in these estimates (e.g. valuation changes due to supply and demand, credit performance, prepayments, interest rates, or other reasons) will occur in the near term. The Company's estimates are inherently subjective in nature and actual results could differ from its estimates and the differences may be material.

VIEs

An entity is considered a VIE when any of the following applies: (1) the equity investors (if any) lack one or more essential characteristics of a controlling financial interest; (2) the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to finance that entity's activities without additional subordinated financial support; or (3) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportionate to their economic interests and the activities of the entity involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor with a disproportionately small voting interest. The Company consolidates VIEs in which it is the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is defined as the entity having both the following characteristics: (1) the power to direct activities that, when taken together, most significantly impact the VIE performance; and (2) the obligation to absorb losses and right to receive returns from the VIE that would be significant to the VIE.

The Company evaluates quarterly its junior retained notes and preferred shares of LFT CRE 2021-FL1, Ltd. and LFT CRE 2021-FL1, LLC (together, the "2021-FL1 CLO") and LMF 2023-1, LLC ("LMF 2023-1 Financing") for potential consolidation. At March 31, 2025, the Company determined it was the primary beneficiary of 2021-FL1 CLO and LMF 2023-1 Financing based on its power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of 2021-FL1 CLO and LMF 2023-1 Financing and its obligation to absorb losses derived from ownership of its junior retained notes and preferred shares. Accordingly, the Company consolidated the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of the underlying issuing entities.

Collateralized Loan Obligations and Secured Financings and Secured Term Loan

Collateralized Loan Obligations and Secured Financings

Collateralized loan obligations ("CLO") and secured financings represent third-party liabilities of 2021-FL1 CLO and LMF 2023-1 Financing. The 2021-FL1 CLO and LMF 2023-1 Financing are VIEs and Management has determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary of the 2021-FL1 CLO and LMF 2023-1 Financing. Accordingly, the Company consolidates the assets, liabilities (other than the below investment grade-rated notes and preferred shares of the 2021-FL1 CLO and LMF 2023-1 Financing retained by the Company that are eliminated on consolidation), income and expense of the 2021-FL1 CLO and LMF 2023-1 Financing. The third-party obligations of the 2021-FL1 CLO and LMF 2023-1 Financing do not have any recourse to the Company as the consolidator of the CLO and secured financing issuing entities. The third-party obligations of the 2021-FL1 CLO and LMF 2023-1 Financing are carried at their outstanding unpaid principal balances, net of any deferred financing costs. Any premiums, discounts or deferred financing costs associated with these third-party obligations are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the expected average life of the related obligations, or on a

straight-line basis when it approximates the effective interest method.

Secured Term Loan

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries are party to a $47.75 million credit and guaranty agreement with the lenders referred to therein and Cortland Capital Service LLC, as administrative agent and collateral agent for the lenders (the "Secured Term Loan"). The Secured Term Loan is carried at its unpaid principal balance, net of deferred financing costs. Deferred financing costs associated with this liability are amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis when it approximates the effective interest method.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

Cash and cash equivalents at the time of purchase include cash held in bank accounts on an overnight basis and other short term deposit accounts with banks having maturities of 90 days or less at time of acquisition. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents in highly rated financial institutions, and at times these balances exceed insurable amounts.

Restricted cash includes cash held within 2021-FL1 CLO and LMF 2023-1 Financing as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

Deferred Offering Costs

Direct costs incurred to issue shares classified as equity, such as legal and accounting fees, are deducted from the related proceeds and the net amount recorded as stockholders' equity. Accordingly, payments made by the Company in respect of such costs related to the issuance of shares are recorded as an asset in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets in the line item "Other assets", for subsequent deduction from the related proceeds upon closing of the offering. To the extent that certain costs, in particular legal fees, are known to have been accrued but have not yet been invoiced and paid, they are included in "Other accounts payable and accrued expenses" on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Fair Value Measurements

The "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures" Topic 820 of the FASB, or ASC 820, defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and requires certain disclosures about fair value measurement under GAAP. Specifically, the guidance defines fair value based on exit price, or the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or the transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at measurement date. ASC 820 specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on the inputs used in measuring fair value.

Valuation techniques are based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable market data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company's market assumptions. The three levels are defined as follows:

•Level 1 Inputs – Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

•Level 2 Inputs – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.

•Level 3 Inputs – Instruments with primarily unobservable value drivers.

Pursuant to ASC 820, we disclose fair value information about financial instruments, which are not otherwise reported at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet, to the extent it is practicable to estimate fair value for those certain instruments.

The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument, for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

•Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value.

•Restricted cash: The carrying amount of restricted cash approximates fair value.

•Commercial mortgage loans: The Company determines the fair value of commercial mortgage loans by utilizing a pricing model based on discounted cash flow methodologies using discount rates, which reflect current market interest rates that would be offered for loans with similar characteristics and credit quality. Additionally, the Company may record fair value adjustments on a non-recurring basis when it has determined it necessary to record a specific impairment reserve or charge-off against a loan and the Company measures such specific reserve or charge-off using the fair value of the loan's collateral. To determine the fair value of loan collateral, the Company employs the income capitalization approach, appraised values, broker opinion of value, sale offers, letters of intention to purchase, or other valuation benchmarks, as applicable, depending upon the nature of such collateral and other relevant market factors.

•Mortgage servicing rights ("MSRs"): The Company determines the fair value of MSRs from a third-party pricing service on a recurring basis. The third-party pricing service uses common market pricing methods that include using discounted cash flow models to calculate present value, estimated net servicing income and observed market pricing for MSR purchase and sale transactions. The model considers contractually specified servicing fees, prepayment assumptions, delinquency rates, late charges, other ancillary revenue, costs to service and other economic factors.

•Collateralized loan obligations and secured financings: The Company determines the fair value of collateralized loan obligations and secured financings by utilizing a third-party pricing service. In determining the value of a particular investment, pricing service providers may use market spreads, inventory levels, trade and bid history, as well as market insight from clients, trading desks and global research platform.

•Secured term loan: The Company determines the fair value of its secured term loan based on a discounted cash flow methodology.

•Other assets and liabilities: Subject to fair value measurement, including receivables, payables and accrued liabilities have carrying amounts that approximate fair value due to their short-term nature.

Commercial Mortgage Loans Held-For-Investment

Commercial Mortgage Loans Held-for-Investment

Commercial mortgage loans held-for-investment represent floating-rate transitional loans and other commercial mortgage loans purchased or originated by the Company. These loans include loans sold into securitizations that the Company consolidates. Commercial mortgage loans held-for-investment are intended to be held-to-maturity and, accordingly, are carried at their unpaid principal balances, adjusted for net unamortized loan fees and costs (in respect of originated loans), premiums and discounts (in respect of purchased loans) and impairment, if any. Commercial mortgage loans held-for-investment principal repayments received after remittance dates are held by the servicer and reported as "Investment related receivable" in the consolidated balance sheets.

Interest income is recognized as revenue using the effective interest method and is recorded on the accrual basis according to the terms of the underlying loan agreement. Any fees, costs, premiums and discounts associated with these loan investments are deferred and amortized over the term of the loan on a straight-line basis approximating the effective interest method. Income accrual is generally suspended and loans are placed on non-accrual status on the earlier of the date at which payment has become 90 days past due or when full and timely collection of interest and principal is considered not probable. The Company may return a loan to accrual status when repayment of principal and interest is reasonably assured under the terms of the underlying loan agreement.

The Company recognizes and measures the allowance for credit losses under the Current Expected Credit Loss ("CECL") model which amended the previous credit loss model to reflect a reporting entity's current estimate of all expected credit losses, not only based on historical experience and current economic conditions, but also by including reasonable and supportable forecasts incorporating forward-looking information. The measurement of expected credit losses under CECL is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, and off-balance credit exposures such as unfunded loan commitments. The allowance for credit losses required under ASU 2016-13 is included in "Allowance for credit losses" on our consolidated balance sheets. The allowance for credit losses attributed to unfunded loan commitments is included in "Other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets.

The Company estimates the allowance for credit losses for its portfolio on a collective basis, including unfunded loan commitments, for loans that share similar risk characteristics. The calculation is applied at the loan level. The allowance for credit losses estimation methodology used by LFT includes a probability of default and loss given default method utilizing a widely used third-party analytical model with historical loan losses for over 125,000 commercial real estate loans dating back to 1998. Within this data set, we focused our historical loss information on the most relevant subset of available CRE data, which we determined based on loan metrics that are most comparable to our loan portfolio including asset type, spread to interest rate, unpaid principal balance and origination loan-to-value, or LTV. The Company expects to use this proxy data set, or variants of it, unless the Company develops its own sufficient history of realized losses. The Company determined the key variables driving its allowance for credit losses estimate are debt service coverage ratio and LTV ratio. Other notable variables include property type, property location and loan vintage. The Company determines its allowance for credit loss estimate based on the weighting of multiple macroeconomic forecast scenarios driven by macroeconomic variables such as gross domestic product ("GDP"), unemployment rate, federal funds target rate and core personal consumption expenditure ("CPR") among others, during the reasonable and supportable forecast period. The reasonable and supportable forecast period is currently one year, however, the Company regularly evaluates the reasonable and supportable forecast period to determine if a change is needed based on our assessment of the most likely scenario of assumptions and plausible outcomes for the U.S. economy. For the period beyond which the Company is able to make reasonable and supportable forecasts, the Company reverts, on a straight-line basis over four quarters, to the historical loss information derived from CRE data set.

Any loans considered to be a Default Risk or otherwise deemed to be collateral dependent will be individually evaluated for a specific allowance for credit losses. A loan is considered collateral dependent when the Company determines that the facts and circumstances of the loan deem the debtor to be experiencing financial difficulty and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the sale or operation of the collateral. If a loan is considered to be collateral dependent, a specific allowance for credit losses is recorded to reduce the carrying value of the loan through a charge to the provision for (reversal of) credit losses. The specific allowance for credit losses is measured by comparing the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, less costs to sell, to the amortized cost of the respective loan. These valuations require significant judgments, which include assumptions regarding capitalization rates, leasing, creditworthiness of major tenants, occupancy rates, availability of financing, exit plan, actions of other lenders, and other factors deemed necessary by the Manager. Actual losses, if any, could ultimately differ from estimated losses.

Quarterly, the Company assesses the risk factors of each loan classified as held-for-investment and assigns a risk rating based on a variety of factors, including, without limitation, debt-service coverage ratio ("DSCR"), loan-to-value ratio ("LTV"), property type, geographic and local market dynamics, physical condition, leasing and tenant profile, adherence to business plan and exit plan, maturity default risk and project sponsorship. The Company's loans are rated on a 5-point scale, from least risk to greatest risk, respectively, which ratings are described as follows:

1.Very Low Risk: exceeds expectations and is outperforming underwriting or it is very likely that the underlying loan can be refinanced easily in the period's prevailing capital market conditions

2.Low Risk: meeting or exceeding underwritten expectations

3.Moderate Risk: consistent with underwritten expectations or the sponsor may be in the early stages of executing the business plan and the loan structure appropriately mitigates additional risks

4.High Risk: potential risk of default, a loss may occur in the event of default

5.Default Risk: imminent risk of default, a loss is likely in the event of default

Real Estate Owned

To maximize recovery from a defaulted loan, the Company may assume legal title or physical possession of the underlying collateral through foreclosure or the execution of a deed in lieu of foreclosure. Real estate acquired through a foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure is classified as real estate owned, net ("REO") in the consolidated balance sheets. REO assets are initially recognized at estimated fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 805, "Business Combinations" and are shown net of accumulated depreciation and impairment charges.

REO assets held for use, except for land, are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives ranging from seven to thirty-nine years. Renovations and/or replacements that improve or extend the life of the REO asset are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. The cost of ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. REO assets are classified as held for sale in the period when they meet the criteria under ASC Topic 360, "Property, Plant and Equipment." Once a REO asset is classified as held for sale, depreciation is suspended and the asset is reported at the lower of carrying value or fair value less cost to sell.

REO assets are reviewed for impairment each quarter if events or circumstances change indicating that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company recognizes impairment if the undiscounted estimated cash flows to be generated by an asset is less than the carrying amount of such asset. Measurement of impairment is based on the asset's estimated fair value. The evaluation of anticipated future cash flows is highly subjective and is based in part on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates, capital requirements and anticipated holding periods that could differ materially from actual results.

Mortgage Servicing Rights, at Fair Value

Mortgage servicing rights ("MSRs") are associated with residential mortgage loans that the Company historically purchased and subsequently sold or securitized. MSRs are held and managed at Five Oaks Acquisition Corp. ("FOAC"), the Company's taxable REIT subsidiary ("TRS"). As the owner of MSRs, the Company is entitled to receive a portion of the interest payments from the associated residential mortgage loan, and is obligated to service, directly or through a subservicer, the associated loan. MSRs are reported at fair value. Residential mortgage loans for which the Company owns the MSRs are directly serviced by two subservicers retained by the Company. The Company does not directly service any residential mortgage loans.

MSR income is recognized at the contractually agreed upon rate, net of the costs of sub-servicers retained by the Company. If a sub-servicer with which the Company contracts were to default, an evaluation of MSR assets for impairment would be undertaken at that time.

Common Stock, Stock Repurchase Program and Preferred Stock

Common Stock

At March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company was authorized to issue up to 450,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share. The Company had 52,324,472 and 52,309,209 shares of common stock issued and outstanding at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

Stock Repurchase Program

On December 15, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") authorized a stock repurchase program ("Repurchase Program") to repurchase up to $10 million of the Company's outstanding common stock. Subject to applicable securities laws, repurchase of common stock under the Repurchase Program may be made at times and in amounts as the Company deems appropriate, using available cash resources. Shares of common stock repurchased by the Company under the Repurchase Program, if any, will be canceled and, until reissued by the Company, will be deemed to be authorized but unissued shares of common stock. The Repurchase Program may be suspended or discontinued by the Company at any time and without prior notice.

Preferred Stock

At March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company was authorized to issue up to 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, with such designations, voting and other rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Board. On May 5, 2021, the Company issued 2,400,000 shares of 7.875% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock"). The Company had 2,400,000 shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. Our preferred stock is classified as permanent equity and carried at its liquidation preference less offering costs.

Income Taxes

The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code for U.S. federal income tax purposes, commencing with the Company's short taxable period ended December 31, 2012. A REIT is generally taxable as a U.S. C-Corporation; however, so long as the Company qualifies as a REIT it is entitled to a special deduction for dividends paid to stockholders not otherwise available to corporations. Accordingly, the Company generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent its distributions to stockholders equals, or exceeds, its REIT taxable income for the year. In addition, the Company must continue to meet certain REIT qualification requirements with respect to distributions, as well as certain asset, income and share ownership tests, in accordance with Sections 856 through 860 of the Code, as summarized below. In addition, the TRS is maintained to perform certain services and earn income for the Company that the Company is not permitted to engage in as a REIT.

To maintain its qualification as a REIT, the Company must meet certain requirements, including but not limited to the following: (i) distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its stockholders; (ii) invest at least 75% of its assets in REIT qualifying assets, with additional restrictions with respect to asset concentration risk; and (iii) earn at least 95% of its gross income from qualifying sources of income, including at least 75% from qualifying real estate and real estate related sources. Regardless of the REIT election, the Company may also be subject to certain state, local, and franchise taxes. Under certain circumstances, federal income and excise taxes may be due on its undistributed taxable income. If the Company were to fail to meet these requirements, it would be subject to U.S. federal income tax as a U.S. C-Corporation, which could have a material adverse impact on its results of operations and amounts available for distributions to its stockholders.

Certain activities of the Company are conducted through a TRS and therefore are taxed as a standalone U.S. C-Corporation. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

The TRS is not subject to a distribution requirement with respect to its REIT owner. The TRS may retain earnings annually, resulting in an increase in the consolidated book equity of the Company without a corresponding distribution requirement by the REIT. If the TRS generates net income, and declares dividends to the Company, such dividends will be included in its taxable income and necessitate a distribution to its stockholders in accordance with the REIT distribution requirements.

The Company assesses its tax positions for all open tax years and determines whether the Company has any material unrecognized liabilities in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes. The Company records these liabilities to the extent the Company deems them more likely than not to be incurred. The Company's accounting policy with respect to interest and penalties is to classify these amounts as other interest expense.

Earnings per Share

The Company calculates basic and diluted earnings per share by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders for the period by the weighted-average shares of the Company's common stock outstanding for that period. Diluted earnings per share considers the effect of dilutive instruments, such as warrants, stock options, and unvested restricted stock, but uses the average share price for the period in determining the number of incremental shares that are to be added to the weighted-average number of shares outstanding.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company is required to recognize compensation costs relating to stock-based payment transactions in the consolidated financial statements. The Company accounts for share-based compensation using the fair-value based methodology prescribed by ASC 718, Share-Based Payment ("ASC 718"). Compensation cost related to restricted common stock issued to the Company's independent directors is measured at its estimated fair value at the grant date and amortized and expensed over the vesting period.

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders

For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, comprehensive (loss) income equaled net (loss) income; therefore, a separate statement of comprehensive income is not included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued and/or Adopted Accounting Standards

Income Taxes

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures." ASU 2023-09 improves the transparency of income tax disclosures related to rate reconciliation and income taxes. ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. For entities other than public business entities, the amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2025. Early adoption is permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. The amendments should be applied prospectively, however retrospective application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the update on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Income Statement

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, "Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40)." ASU 2024-03 requires a public business entity to provide disaggregated disclosures, in the notes to the financial statements, of certain categories of expenses that are included in expense line items on the face of the income statement. The guidance is effective on either a prospective basis, with the option for retrospective application, for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027, and early adoption is permitted. The Company has not early adopted ASU 2024-03 and does not expect the adoption of ASU 2024-03 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.