From Marine to Mortgage: Serving Those Who Served

After leaving the Marine Corps, I saw firsthand how many veterans didn't understand their VA loan benefit. I built Exceed to change that.

The Story Behind Exceed

When I left the Marine Corps, I quickly realized something most service members discover the hard way - the military does not do a great job preparing us for civilian life. We're trained for discipline, leadership, and mission execution, but when it comes to understanding the benefits we earned - especially the VA loan - we're pretty much on our own.

I met countless Marines, soldiers, sailors, and airmen who had no idea how powerful their VA home loan benefit was. Some thought they needed a massive down payment. Others assumed they had to use FHA or conventional financing. Many didn't know the VA loan could help them not just buy a home, but start building real wealth.

That stuck with me.

As I entered the mortgage industry, I saw the gap firsthand - and I knew I could do better. That's why I built Exceed Financing.

We don't dabble in VA loans - they're our specialty. Our entire team is trained specifically in VA financing - entitlement rules, partial usage and restoration, funding fee exemptions, multi-unit purchases, and the real strategies most lenders never talk about.

Where others see a mortgage, we see a benefit - one that has the potential to change a veteran's financial future. Because homeownership isn't just about having a place to live - it's the foundation of generational wealth, and it's a path every veteran deserves to understand and access.

My mission is simple: Educate veterans and guide them through using the benefits they earned to build long-term wealth through real estate.

You served your country. Now it's our turn to serve you - with knowledge, respect, and a plan that helps you own more than just a home - it helps you build a legacy.

AJ

AJ Schackman

Founder & CEO, Exceed Financing

Built for Veterans

We don't dabble in VA loans - they're our entire focus. That specialization means we know every program, every exception, every way to save you money.

Results Over Process

We measure success by your savings and closing speed, not by how many forms we make you fill out. Expect a streamlined experience.

Straight Talk

No jargon, no surprises, no hidden fees. We'll tell you exactly what to expect - good or bad - so you can make informed decisions.

Our Mission

To ensure every eligible veteran has access to the homeownership benefits they earned - with a lender who actually knows how to maximize those benefits.

500+

Veterans Helped

21

Day Avg. Close

11

States Licensed

Meet Our Team

Experienced mortgage professionals dedicated to serving veterans and helping you achieve your homeownership goals.

AS

AJ Schackman

Mortgage Broker

NMLS# 1570582

Dedicated to helping veterans and homebuyers navigate the mortgage process with expertise and care. Specializing in VA loans in San Diego and beyond.

Zillow

Serving Veterans in 11 States

We're licensed to help veterans across the country, with special expertise in areas with major military installations.

California

Camp Pendleton, Naval Base San Diego +1 more

Texas

Fort Cavazos, Fort Bliss +1 more

Florida

MacDill AFB, NAS Pensacola +1 more

North Carolina

Fort Liberty, Camp Lejeune

Georgia

Fort Moore, Fort Eisenhower

Colorado

Fort Carson, Peterson SFB

Arizona

Luke AFB, Fort Huachuca +1 more

South Carolina

Fort Jackson, Joint Base Charleston

Tennessee

Fort Campbell

Nevada

Nellis AFB, NAS Fallon

Oregon

See What You Qualify For

Two minutes. No credit check. No commitment. Find out exactly how much home you can afford and how much you'll save with your VA benefits.