The DSCR ratio is calculated as:
𝐷
𝑆
𝐶
𝑅
=
Gross Rental Income
Monthly Debt Obligations (Principal + Interest + Taxes + Insurance)
DSCR=
Monthly Debt Obligations (Principal + Interest + Taxes + Insurance)
Gross Rental Income
A DSCR of 1.0 means the property breaks even.
A DSCR above 1.0 means the property earns more than it costs to operate.
Why DSCR is a Good Loan Program
No Personal Income Verification
You don’t need to show tax returns, pay stubs, or employment history.
Ideal for self-employed investors, business owners, or people with complex income streams.
Focus on the Property, Not the Borrower
Approval is based on the rental income of the investment property.
If the property “pays for itself,” you can qualify, even if your personal income fluctuates.
Faster & Easier Qualification
With fewer documents required, underwriting is streamlined.
This makes closing times quicker compared to traditional mortgages.
Flexible for Growing Portfolios
Investors can scale up by acquiring multiple properties without being limited by personal debt-to-income (DTI) ratios.
Great for building rental portfolios.
Works for Non-Traditional Borrowers
Foreign investors, retirees, and self-employed borrowers benefit since traditional loan programs often shut them out.
Potential for High Leverage
Many lenders offer competitive LTV (Loan-to-Value) ratios, allowing investors to purchase or refinance with less money down.
Rental Market Alignment
Since the loan is tied to the property’s rental income, it ensures the property is sustainable and profitable long term.
Example Scenario
Property Monthly Rent: $3,000
Monthly Mortgage (PITI): $2,200
DSCR = 3,000 ÷ 2,200 = 1.36
Because the DSCR is above 1.0, this property generates positive cash flow and would typically qualify for a DSCR loan.
In short, DSCR loans are good because they open doors for real estate investors who may not qualify for traditional loans but have income-producing properties. They simplify qualification, speed up closings, and make it easier to grow a rental portfolio.