DSCR loans qualify you on a property's rental income instead of your personal income — which means the requirements look different from any mortgage you've had before. Here's the complete 2026 checklist, so you know exactly where you stand before you apply.
The ratio itself
DSCR = monthly rent ÷ monthly PITIA (principal, interest, taxes, insurance, HOA). Most lenders want at least 1.0 — rent fully covering the payment — and price improves meaningfully at 1.25+. Some programs accept ratios below 1.0 with a bigger down payment and stronger reserves.
Borrower requirements
Plan on a 660+ credit score (680+ unlocks better pricing), 20-25% down, and typically 3-6 months of PITIA in reserves. No tax returns, no W-2s, no pay stubs, and no personal DTI calculation — your employment situation is essentially irrelevant.
Property and rent documentation
Single-family rentals, condos, townhomes, and 2-4 unit properties are standard; many lenders also allow short-term rentals. Rent is documented with an executed lease or the appraiser's market-rent report (Form 1007), whichever applies.
Entity and portfolio rules
Closing in an LLC is standard and usually free of extra cost. There's typically no cap on how many DSCR loans you can hold, which is why portfolio investors lean on them — each property qualifies on its own cash flow.
See what you qualify for in 60 seconds — free and no credit check. Use the eligibility check at the top of this page.