Credit Score Requirements
| Program Type | Minimum FICO | Best Pricing FICO |
|---|---|---|
| Standard DSCR | 620 to 660+ | 700+ |
| STR/Airbnb DSCR | 640 to 660+ | 700+ |
| Low DSCR (below 1.0) | 660+ | 700+ |
| Multi-Family (2 to 8 Units) | 660+ | 700+ |
Crestmark Lending
DSCR Loan Guidelines
DSCR financing guidelines for real estate investors, rental property qualification, and cash flow underwriting.
- Flexible Guidelines
- LLC Eligible
DSCR Guidelines
Compare DSCR Loan Requirements, Guidelines & Program Options
The DSCR marketplace is made up of dozens of lenders, each with slightly different guidelines.
The information below outlines general DSCR loan requirements and eligibility, providing a snapshot of typical program ranges and underwriting guidelines.
At Crestmark Lending, we compare the top national DSCR programs and match you to the best option based on your
- Property type
- DSCR ratio
- Credit score
- Loan amount
- Long-term or short-term rental income
- LLC or personal title
- Cash-out or purchase scenario
DSCR Loan Eligibility Guidelines
Exact DSCR lender guidelines vary. We shop them for you and select the best match.
DSCR Ratio Requirements
| Scenario | Typical Minimum DSCR | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Strong Cash Flow | 1.20+ | Best pricing & smoothest approval |
| Standard Approval | 1.00 to 1.19 | Most common qualifying range |
| Limited Cash Flow | 0.75 to 0.99 | Higher rates & lower leverage |
| Break-Even / Below 1.00 | Case-by-case | Limited lender options & stronger reserves required |
Calculate your property DSCR ratio with our free DSCR Loan Calculator.
Maximum LTV Limits
| Transaction Type | Max LTV |
|---|---|
| Purchase | Up to 80% |
| Rate & Term Refinance | Up to 75% to 80% |
| Cash-Out Refinance | Up to 75% to 80% |
| DSCR Below 1.00 | Typically 65% to 70% |
| Condos / Non-Warrantable | 65% to 75% |
Loan Amount Limits
| Program Type | Loan Size |
|---|---|
| Standard DSCR | $75,000 to $3,000,000 |
| High-Balance DSCR | Up to $5,000,000 |
| Portfolio Loans | No hard limit with cross-collateralization |
| Small Multi-Family | Up to $3M to $8M depending on units |
Property Types Eligible
| Property Type | Eligible? |
|---|---|
| Single-Family (1 Unit) | Eligible |
| Condo / Townhome | Eligible |
| Non-Warrantable Condo | Case-by-Case |
| Duplex, Triplex & Fourplex | Eligible |
| Multi-Family (5 to 8 Units) | Select Programs |
| Condotel | Possible Depending on Lender |
| Short-Term Rental / Airbnb | Eligible with Select Lenders |
| Manufactured / Mobile Home | Limited Availability |
Reserve Requirements
| Loan Profile | Typical Reserves |
|---|---|
| Strong DSCR & High FICO | 3 to 6 Months |
| Standard DSCR | 6 Months |
| DSCR Below 1.00 / STR | 9 to 12 Months |
| Portfolio Loans | 12+ Months |
Prepayment Penalty Options
| Prepay Structure | Available? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Year Standard | Yes | Lowest available rates |
| 3-Year Stepdown | Yes | Most common option |
| 1-Year Prepay | Yes | Higher interest rate |
| No Prepayment Penalty | Limited | Typically highest pricing |
Eligible Borrower Structures
| Borrower Type | Eligible? |
|---|---|
| Individual / Personal Name | Eligible |
| LLC | Eligible |
| Corporation (S-Corp / C-Corp) | Eligible |
| Partnership | Eligible |
| Trust | Case-by-Case Approval |
| Foreign National | Special Programs Available |
Income Documentation Accepted
| Income Type | Accepted | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Lease Income | Yes | Most common DSCR income source |
| Market Rent (Form 1007) | Yes | Commonly used for long-term rentals |
| Actual Airbnb / VRBO Income | Yes | Uses verified short-term rental history |
| Projected STR Income | Yes | Based on appraisal or AirDNA projections |
| Personal Income Documents | Not Required | DSCR loans qualify based on property cash flow |
This DSCR Loan Guideline shows the current underwriting guidelines from major DSCR lenders across the market. Requirements vary by lender, property type, and borrower profile. Use this guide to compare LTVs, credit score minimums, reserve requirements, DSCR ratios, STR eligibility, and more.