DSCR Loans Qualify Based on Property Cash Flow, Not Your Pay Stubs

What Is a DSCR Loan?

A DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan allows real estate investors to qualify for financing based on the rental income of the property—not their personal income. These loans are especially popular among investors using long-term owned properties as short-term rentals on platforms like VRBO, Airbnb, and Booking.com.

Whether you’re buying or refinancing, a DSCR loan is designed to support short-term rental strategies without the need for tax returns, W-2s, or bank statements.

How DSCR Loans Work for VRBO Properties

Instead of verifying your employment or personal income, lenders focus on whether the property’s income covers the mortgage. This is calculated using the DSCR:

  • DSCR = Gross Monthly Rent / Monthly Mortgage Payment
  • A DSCR of 1.00 or higher means the rental covers the mortgage.
  • The higher the DSCR, the better your loan terms and chances of approval.

If you’re running a short-term rental, you can often use AirDNA reports, bank statement rental deposits,or a short-term lease history to show income.

Why DSCR Loans Work for VRBO & Airbnb Hosts

  • No Tax Returns or W-2s Required
    You qualify based on the rental income, not your job or tax filings.
  • Great for Short-Term Rental Investors
    Whether you’re just starting out or expanding, you can use STR income to qualify.
  • Flexible Ownership Options
    Buy or refinance in your personal name or under an LLC.
  • Fast Closings, Minimal Paperwork
    Designed to keep your business moving—not bogged down in red tape.
  • Keep Scaling Your Portfolio
    Use the cash flow from one STR to qualify for your next property.

Basic Eligibility Guidelines

  • Property Types: 1–4 unit residential rentals, including short-term rental homes and vacation rentals
  • LTV (Loan-to-Value): Up to 80% (or even 85% with excellent credit)
  • Minimum Credit Score: 660+ recommended
  • Minimum DSCR: As low as 0.75 (though 1.00+ gets better rates)
  • Ownership: Must be non-owner occupied
  • Rental Income: Short-term rental documentation required (AirDNA, lease history, or 12-month rental deposits)

Requirements vary slightly by lender and STR market location.

DSCR Use Cases for VRBO Hosts

  • Purchase a vacation rental or second home to list on STR platforms
  • Refinance your current STR to pull cash out for your next investment
  • Convert a long-term rental into a short-term VRBO with better income
  • Avoid income documentation delays when scaling your portfolio

 

Example: Buying a STR with a DSCR Loan

Investor: Alex buys a 3-bedroom home near a lake for $500,000
Expected Monthly Rent (via VRBO): $4,500
Estimated Mortgage Payment: $3,200
DSCR = 4,500 ÷ 3,200 = 1.41

Alex qualifies based on property income—no tax returns needed.

Why Choose FMP Mortgage Pros?

We specialize in non-bank investor loans, including DSCR financing for short-term and vacation rental properties. If you’re focused on cash flow, nightly bookings, and long-term portfolio growth—we’re here to help.

  • Trusted by investors in 36+ states
  • Fast approvals through direct lending channels
  • Expert help to navigate STR documentation and DSCR options

Let’s Finance Your Next Short-Term Rental

Whether you’re purchasing or refinancing a VRBO property, we’ll help you qualify with just the property income, no personal income verification required.

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