DSCR Loans

Rental Property Financing Without Tax Returns

Tired of traditional income documentation slowing down your investment deals? A DSCR loan (Debt Service Coverage Ratio loan) is a powerful tool for real estate investors who want fast, flexible financing based on rental property cash flow—not personal income.

At Salute Mortgage, our DSCR mortgage programs are designed to help you scale your rental portfolio with fewer roadblocks and more control.

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What Is a DSCR Loan?

A DSCR loan is a type of non-QM mortgage that qualifies borrowers based on the income generated by the property—not W-2s, pay stubs, or tax returns. The key factor is the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR), which compares a property’s monthly rental income to its total monthly mortgage payment (PITIA).

If the property earns enough to “cover” its debt service (typically a DSCR of 1.0 or higher), you may qualify—regardless of your personal income documentation.

How DSCR Is Calculated

DSCR = Monthly Gross Rent ÷ Monthly PITIA

  • Example:
    • Rent: $2,200/month
    • PITIA: $2,000/month
    • DSCR = 1.10 → Qualifies

A DSCR of 1.0 means the property breaks even. Many lenders accept ratios as low as 0.75 with compensating factors, and higher ratios can unlock better rates.

Key Benefits of a DSCR Real Estate Loan

✅ No personal income or employment verification
✅ No tax returns, W-2s, or pay stubs required
✅ Fast approvals—ideal for competitive markets
✅ Available for short-term and long-term rentals
✅ Qualify using market rents (leased or projected)

DSCR Loan Requirements

RequirementTypical Guideline
Minimum DSCR1.0 (some allow 0.75)
Credit score660+ preferred
Down payment20–25% (some programs as low as 15%)
Loan amountUp to $3 million (case by case)
Property type1–4 units, condos, vacation rentals
OccupancyInvestment properties only (non-owner-occupied)

Who Should Use a DSCR Mortgage?

DSCR loans are ideal for:

  • Full-time real estate investors
  • Borrowers with high write-offs or irregular income
  • Buyers of short-term rental properties (Airbnb, VRBO)
  • Self-employed or gig economy professionals
  • Foreign nationals and out-of-state investors

DSCR Loan vs Traditional Investment Loan

FeatureDSCR LoanTraditional Investment Mortgage
Income verificationRental income onlyFull income/documents required
Approval speedFasterSlower
Ideal forInvestors with cash flowBorrowers with strong personal income
OccupancyNon-owner-occupied onlyMay allow second homes

DSCR Loan FAQs

What is a DSCR loan and who is it for?

A DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan is designed for real estate investors and self-employed individuals who may not qualify for traditional loans due to limited income documentation. Instead of personal income, this loan is based on the property’s ability to generate rental income to cover its mortgage payments.

How is the DSCR calculated?

The DSCR is calculated by dividing the property’s gross monthly rental income by its monthly mortgage payment (PITI). A ratio of 1.0 or higher typically indicates that the property generates enough income to cover its debt obligations.

Do I need to show tax returns or personal income to qualify?

No. One of the biggest advantages of DSCR loans is that they don’t require W-2s, tax returns, or pay stubs. Instead, qualification is based on the property’s cash flow, making it ideal for investors with complex financial profiles.

What types of properties can be financed with a DSCR loan?

DSCR loans can be used for a variety of investment properties, including single-family homes, multi-units, condos, and short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO). Whether you’re expanding your portfolio or refinancing an existing asset, DSCR gives you flexible options.

Start Building Wealth with a DSCR Loan

Let Salute Mortgage structure a deal around your goals—not your tax returns.

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