More Ways to Qualify with DSCR
Short-term rentals, sub-1 DSCR options, and lower credit minimums. We’ve updated our DSCR lending guidelines to help you scale your business. Let’s get started.
FEBRUARY 2026
Our updated DSCR guidelines give investors more room to qualify and strengthen cash-flowing assets. Here’s what’s new:
Now lending on Short-Term Rentals
Tap into higher-yield rental opportunities.
DSCR as low as 0.85
Ideal for stabilizing properties
Credit minimum reduced to 660
Opens the door to more qualifying scenarios.
Ready to scale your portfolio in 2026? Let’s get started.
Submit our contact form to connect with your Loan Officer about DSCR opportunities:
Talk To Your Loan Officer
What Is a DSCR Loan?
A DSCR loan is a type of rental property loan that considers the property's ability to assume its own debt payments. Instead of examining your personal finances for qualification purposes, rental property lenders like Rain City Capital look at the property's income potential.
The Formula Explained
The Debt-Service Coverage Ratio is calculated as the Net Operating Income (NOI) divided by the loan's Total Debt Service. NOI is the total income your rental property generates minus operating expenses like taxes, property management and maintenance. The Total Debt Service refers to the annual loan payments, including principal and interest.
DSCR = NOI/Total Debt Service
For example, if your property brings in $60,000 per year after expenses and your annual loan payments are $50,000, your DSCR would be 1.2.
A DSCR above 1.0 means the property generates enough income to cover its loan payments, making it a strong candidate for financing. Most rental property lenders look for a DSCR of at least 1.0, but if you have a higher ratio, you can improve your chance of approval and possibly secure better loan terms.
The "No Personal Income" Advantage
The key benefit of DSCR loans for rental property is that your personal income, tax returns or employment status isn't the focus. This approach is particularly valuable for retirees, gig economy workers or anyone whose income doesn't fit the traditional mold. By focusing on the property's performance, DSCR loans offer greater privacy and flexibility — allowing you to keep your personal finances separate from your investment activities. This can be a game-changer for investors who may not otherwise qualify with conventional lending.
When to Use a DSCR Loan for Your Rental Properties
In many situations, a DSCR loan can be the ideal financing solution for real estate investors. Because these loans are based on the income potential of your rental property — not your personal income — they offer unique flexibility and open doors that traditional loans often can’t. Whether you’re looking to rapidly expand your portfolio, tap in to your property’s equity or secure more favorable loan terms from rental property lenders, DSCR loans provide a streamlined path to achieving your investment goals.
Let’s explore some of the most common scenarios in which a DSCR loan can help you maximize your rental property strategy:
-
DSCR loans are perfect for investors seeking to buy new rental properties without hitting a wall with personal debt-to-income (DTI) limits. You can keep expanding your holdings as long as your properties generate sufficient rental income.
-
If you need capital for your next investment, you can use a DSCR loan to pull equity from an existing rental property. This method lets you fund the down payment for additional properties, accelerating your growth.
-
If you're holding a property with a short-term (like a fix-and-flip loan) or high-interest loan, you can use a DSCR loan to help you transition into stable, long-term financing with better terms.
-
Traditional lenders often require extensive personal documentation. DSCR loans for rental property bypass this, making them an ideal choice for self-employed investors or those with complex personal tax returns and income documentation.
Frequently Asked DSCR Questions
Investing in rental properties with DSCR loans can raise many questions, especially if you’re new to this type of financing. To help you make informed decisions and feel confident about your next steps, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions investors have about DSCR loans, rental property loans and working with Rain City Capital. If you don’t see your question here, our team is always ready to provide personalized guidance.
-
Any investor who owns or is purchasing a rental property that generates sufficient income may qualify, regardless of personal employment status.
-
DSCR loans can be used for single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and even larger multifamily properties.
-
With Rain City Capital, the approval process is streamlined and efficient, often taking just a few weeks from application to funding.
Apply for a DSCR Loan With Rain City Capital
Rain City Capital specializes in DSCR loans and is recognized as a trusted rental property lender. Our streamlined process focuses on your property’s performance, not your personal paperwork. Whether you’re seeking a loan for rental property acquisition, refinancing or cash-out, our team is here to help you succeed.
Apply for a loan now, or contact our expert team today and discover how DSCR loans can unlock new opportunities for your rental investments.