Bridge financing is a short-term loan that, true to its name, serves as a bridge to either longer-term financing solutions or an imminent influx of income. It's a versatile mechanism, used by companies to solidify their cash flow, by homeowners to secure a down payment on a new property while waiting for their current home to sell, or even by venture capitalists to inject quick cash into promising startups. When it comes to choosing a top bridge financing lender, several key inquiries are paramount to ensuring that the chosen lender is aligned with one's financial goals.

Firstly, one must inquire about the interest rates. Like any financing, bridge loans come with an interest cost. However, owing to their short-term nature, bridge loans often have higher interest rates than their long-term counterparts. Therefore, it is crucial to compare interest rates among top lenders. One must also keep in mind the efficient market hypothesis, which asserts that it is impossible to 'beat the market' because stocks always trade at their fair value. This principle can be extrapolated to the lending market, implying even top lenders are bound by the prevailing interest rates, and anomalously lower rates may be indicative of hidden costs.

Another aspect to consider is the lender's reputation and track record. Lenders such as Quicken Loans, Wells Fargo, and TD Bank have earned their status as top lenders through years of consistent service and performance. However, this doesn't preclude smaller or newer lenders from offering competitive terms. Therefore, due diligence in examining a lender's history, successes, and failures is crucial. Here, one can employ the theory of informational cascades, which posits that individuals observing the decisions of others in sequentially arranged settings may follow the behavior of the preceding individuals even against their own judgement. The theory warns against making decisions solely based on others' choices—a "herd mentality" that can lead to suboptimal decisions.

Fees and charges are another crucial aspect to examine. Often, lenders impose origination fees, prepayment penalties, exit fees, or administrative fees that can substantially inflate the cost of the loan. A good lender is transparent about their fees, and one should thoroughly review the fee structure and any attached terms and conditions.

It is also important to understand the length of the loan term the lender offers. Bridge loans are typically for a term of six months to two years. Any deviation from this standard range should be examined carefully. From the perspective of game theory, which studies strategic interactions between rational decision-makers, it's important to consider one's next move if the bridge loan's term is not sufficient to reach the 'next step,' such as the sale of a property or the acquisition of long-term financing.

A key question to ask is the lender's policy on defaults. In the event of a default, some lenders may be more flexible than others in restructuring the loan or exploring alternate repayment options. Understanding this helps prepare for potential contingencies and mitigate risks.

One should inquire about the lender's speed of approval and fund disbursement. As bridge loans are often needed urgently, a lender's ability to quickly approve and disburse the loan could be a key differentiating factor.

Lastly, it's advisable to understand if the loan is open or closed. In an open bridge loan, there is no fixed pay-off date but there is usually a 'term' after which the lender can demand repayment. In a closed bridge loan, there is a fixed repayment date. The choice between the two would depend on the certainty and predictability of the 'next step'.

In conclusion, choosing a top bridge financing lender is not just about securing the necessary funding, but securing it on favorable, flexible terms that align with one's financial goals and contingencies. A meticulous examination of these seven aspects can help in making an informed and strategic choice, thus maximizing the benefits of bridge financing.