Real reviews from international investors who closed with HomeAbroad
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“Quick response, reliable & trustworthy. HomeAbroad helped me find the perfect agent & purchase my investment property in Katy, TX. Would definitely recommend!”
RM
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Non-US Resident Investor • Property
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“HomeAbroad was a game-changer! They helped me get mortgage financing and find an agent who understood my needs. I couldn’t be happier with their assistance.”
SP
Steve Papadakis
Newcomer on H1-B Visa
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“Awesome experience in working with them. Very patient in understanding my needs as an investor and helped me with the correct loan product for me. I will recommend them and use them again.”
JB
John Bolla
Investor from New York, NY
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“Jonet from HomeAbroad answered all my questions regarding specifics for work visa holders to purchase our first investment property in Tampa. Was patient and kind and also connect me with a real estate agent.”
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Okissa
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Valid Passport
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Proof of Funds
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Ohio has quietly become one of the most practical rental markets in the US for income-focused investors. Lower acquisition costs, stable tenant demand, and a diversified economy anchored by healthcare, education, logistics, and manufacturing make the state well suited for cash-flow-driven rental strategies.
For foreign nationals, Ohio’s appeal is largely structural. Many rental properties here are priced to generate income from day one, which reduces reliance on appreciation or aggressive rent assumptions. That makes financing based on rental performance far more relevant than borrower-centric lending models built around US income or credit history.
HomeAbroad’s DSCR loan fits that reality. By qualifying primarily on the property’s rental income, we help international real estate investors finance Ohio rental properties without relying on US tax returns, employment, or long domestic credit profiles.
DSCR Loan Ohio Snapshot
No US Credit History
US Income and Credit History Not Required
Minimum Down Payment
25%
Maximum Loan Amount
$10M
Fast Track Closing
27 Days
DSCR Loan Ohio Program Terms
Feature
HomeAbroad DSCR Loan
DSCR Ratio
Best terms typically apply at DSCR ≥ 1.0. If DSCR is below 1.0, the loan may still be eligible with a higher down payment. Our No-Ratio DSCR option (DSCR 0 to 1) can support foreign national investors buying properties with clear income upside, even when the property’s rent does not fully cover the monthly payment.
US Credit Score
Not required for foreign nationals
Loan Amount
$100K – $10M
Down Payment
25%
LTV
Up to 75% (Purchase) Up to 75% (Rate and Term Refi) Up to 70% (Cash-Out Refi)
Cash Reserves
6 months
Where We Lend DSCR Loans in Ohio
HomeAbroad offers DSCR loans across Ohio, providing tailored support for global investors in top-performing cities, including Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and more. Here are a few cities where we lend DSCR Loans in Ohio.
Columbus
Cleveland
Cincinnati
Dayton
Akron
Youngstown
Toledo
Parma
Dublin
Middletown
Mentor
Lakewood
Canton
Lorain
Avon
Ohio Investment Properties On Sale
Build wealth with HomeAbroad DSCR loans across Ohio’s top markets.
Our streamlined digital process gets you from application to funding faster than traditional lenders.
1
Get Pre-Qualified
Submit a quick online application. No credit pull required for initial quote.
⏱ 5 minutes
2
Submit Documents
Upload property details, lease agreements, and basic ID verification.
⏱ Same day
3
Property Appraisal
We order an appraisal and a rent schedule to confirm DSCR qualification.
⏱ 5–7 days
4
Close & Fund
Sign closing documents and receive your funds. Remote closing available.
⏱ 27 days total
Why Investors Choose HomeAbroad
DSCR Loan Experts
We focus on DSCR investor loans. Expect clear cash flow math, rent documentation, and underwriting that reflects how rental properties are evaluated.
Foreign National Mortgage Experts
No US credit? No problem. At HomeAbroad, our expert loan officers can still qualify you for a DSCR loan. We do not rely on US income or tax returns to underwrite your loan.
AI-Powered Property Search Platform
Our investment property search helps you shortlist rentals that fit DSCR qualification. Screen for rent strength, yield, and investor criteria before you write the offer.
End-to-End Support
We keep the process moving, from LLC formation to bank accounts, insurance to property management. Everything is handled by us so you can focus on growing your portfolio.
This matters in Ohio because many investment opportunities here are priced for cash flow, not appreciation. For foreign nationals, conventional mortgages often create roadblocks by requiring US tax returns, W-2 income, or a domestic credit profile that doesn’t reflect how international investors operate.
Director of Mortgage Sales, HomeAbroad | NMLS# 1231769
“When investors ask whether DSCR is right for Ohio, I tell them to look at the rent first. If the property supports itself comfortably, DSCR usually makes more sense than forcing a conventional loan structure.”
What we see often is investors spending time trying to qualify themselves instead of qualifying the deal. HomeAbroad’s DSCR lending flips that approach. We evaluate the property’s income against its expenses, which aligns naturally with Ohio’s income-driven rental markets and allows foreign nationals to move forward without restructuring their personal finances to meet US-centric lending rules.
How DSCR is Calculated?
DSCR underwriting starts with a simple formula:
What counts as “Gross Rental Income” for DSCR Underwriting
Market rent supported by the appraisal rent schedule (commonly used for 1 to 4-unit rentals)
Executed lease rent, when acceptable to the lender and consistent with market support
What is included in PITIA
Principal
Interest
Taxes (Ohio property taxes and applicable assessments)
Insurance (including wildfire-related costs where relevant)
Association dues (HOA), if applicable)
A Quick Example
Understand how DSCR Ratio is Calculated for a Ohio Property:
Avg. Home Value in Cleveland: $108,509
Avg. Rent in Cleveland: $1,282
Loan Term: 30 Years
Interest Rate: 7%
Monthly Mortgage Payment(PITIA): $1,020
DSCR: $1,282 ÷ $1,020
DSCR = 1.25
Monthly Positive Cash flow: $262
A DSCR of 1.25 means the property generates more income than required to cover the loan’s debt obligations, creating positive cash flow and serving as a strong indicator of financial stability for us.
However, we understand that not every property's rental income will meet this threshold, which is why we also offer our No-Ratio DSCR Program for properties with a DSCR between 0 and 1. With the No-Ratio program, you can still secure financing, although it will require a slightly larger down payment (a 5% reduction in LTV) and a higher interest rate. This option is ideal for investors with a strong long-term strategy who want to acquire properties that may not immediately generate a 1.0 cash flow ratio.
Benefits of DSCR Loans in Ohio
DSCR loans offer several advantages for foreign nationals investing in Ohio:
Qualification Based on Rental Income, Not Personal Income Documentation
At HomeAbroad, we do not rely on US W2s, US paystubs, or US tax returns to qualify a foreign national DSCR loan. We qualify you primarily on the property’s rental income profile and the strength of your overall file.
Faster Closing Times
DSCR loans can move quickly when the property, rent support, and documentation are straightforward. Appraisal and rent schedule timing still matters, especially in competitive Ohio markets. At HomeAbroad, we can close your deal in as less as 27 days.
Scale Your Portfolio Faster
International real estate investors like DSCR lending because it creates a repeatable qualification approach across multiple properties. When you understand how rent, PITIA, and reserves will be evaluated, it becomes easier to screen deals before you write offers.
Foreign National Friendly
DSCR loan is one of the best mortgage options for foreign nationals, who often face friction with conventional underwriting. DSCR lending is commonly used to reduce that friction because the property performance drives the qualification logic.
How HomeAbroad Helped a South African Investor Get a DSCR Loan in Ohio
Sarah Williams, an investor from South Africa, sought to diversify her real estate portfolio by investing in a high-return rental property in Lorain, Ohio. However, as a foreign national with no US credit history and limited familiarity with the local market, she faced multiple challenges securing financing through conventional lenders
Instead of going through the traditional income-verification route, Sarah chose a DSCR loan from HomeAbroad, which allowed her to qualify based solely on the property’s rental income, thereby completely bypassing the need for US tax returns or employment history.
Ohio’s rental market remains one of the strongest in the nation, driven by population growth, high barriers to homeownership, and diverse economic drivers from technology to entertainment to agriculture.
As per our data, the key market statistics for 2025 are:
Median gross rent in Ohio: approximately $1,300/month
Median value of housing units: around $225,000 statewide
Median selected monthly owner costs with a mortgage: $1,783
Owner-occupied housing unit rate: 68% (implying a substantial renter share)
Director of Mortgage Sales, HomeAbroad | NMLS# 1231769
“In Ohio, we’re seeing consistent investor interest because pricing and rental demand stay balanced across multiple cities. Investors aren’t forced to rely on appreciation alone, which makes Ohio work well for income-driven strategies.”
The reason this matters is underwriting. When ownership costs are structurally high, DSCR outcomes become more sensitive to rate, insurance, taxes, and HOA dues.
Top Places to Invest in Ohio with a DSCR Loan
Ohio offers substantial potential for international real estate investors looking to maximize cash flow and enter the US market at a lower cost. According to recent housing market data, the average home price in Ohio is approximately $234,363, keeping entry costs well below many US states while supporting steady rental demand across multiple cities.
For foreign nationals and global investors, DSCR loans make investing in Ohio even more accessible. Since qualification is based on the property’s rental income rather than the borrower’s income or credit history, it’s easier to secure financing even without a US financial footprint.
Here are some top cities in Ohio for international real estate investors to consider for their next successful DSCR loan investment:
The investment properties shown below are pulled from the HomeAbroad property-search platform and can change daily. Review each listing’s rent assumptions, cash flow, and DSCR inputs before you underwrite an offer.
City
Rental Type
Rental Yield
Cleveland
Short-Term
27.9%
Toledo
Short-Term
18.66%
Youngstown
Long-Term
17.2%
Akron
Long-Term
10.3%
Dayton
Long-Term
10.3%
Cleveland: Rust Belt Revival Meets Rental Opportunity
Cleveland’s transformation is quietly gaining momentum. From a revitalized downtown to booming sectors in healthcare and biotech, the city is attracting renters and remote workers alike. Its affordability, paired with strong short-term rental returns, makes it a rising favorite for cash flow investors.
Median Home Price: $109,291
Average Rent: $1,299/month
What this means for investors: Low acquisition costs and a rent-to-price ratio over 13% make Cleveland a prime target for short-term rentals and DSCR strategies. With the Cleveland Clinic and University Circle driving demand, landlords are seeing high occupancy and above-average nightly rates, especially in downtown, Tremont, and Ohio City.
Investment Properties Listed Today on Sale in Cleveland
Toledo has quietly become one of the hottest real estate markets in the Midwest. A rebounding manufacturing base, high rental yields, and surging buyer interest, especially from out-of-state investors, have earned it top rankings for 2025 housing performance.
Median Home Price: $125,283
Average Rent: $1,078/month
What this means for investors: With median home prices still under $140K and rapid appreciation, Toledo offers some of the best cash-on-cash returns in the country. Investor activity is increasing rapidly, but rents remain affordable, enabling the meeting of DSCR metrics with room to spare. Consider areas such as the Old West End and Downtown for a balanced risk-to-return ratio.
Investment Properties Listed Today on Sale in Toledo
Youngstown: Ultra-Affordable Market with Long-Term Promise
Youngstown is one of the most affordable housing markets in the US, and that’s precisely why investors are paying attention. While not a flash-in-the-pan short-term play, it’s gaining traction as a stable, long-term rental market with growing local infrastructure and state-backed redevelopment.
Median Home Price: $65,626
Average Rent: $945/month
What this means for investors: For those focused on long-term holds and steady income, Youngstown checks all the boxes. High rent-to-price ratios and limited competition mean investors can secure deals below market value. Ideal for DSCR strategies that favor stable monthly income over short-term speculation.
Investment Properties Listed Today on Sale in Youngstown
Akron: College Town Stability Meets Blue-Collar Resilience
Akron blends university-town consistency with industrial market fundamentals. The presence of the University of Akron and major employers, such as Summa Health, supports consistent rental demand. Investors benefit from a tenant base comprising students, hospital staff, and working professionals.
Median Home Price: $132,280
Average Rent: $1,141/month
What this means for investors: Akron’s combination of stable rents and low property prices creates a reliable path to DSCR qualification. Long-term leases tend to dominate the market, and vacancy rates remain low near institutions and major hospitals.
Investment Properties Listed Today on Sale in Akron
Dayton, the birthplace of aviation, is also soaring as a real estate investment hub. With Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, defense contractors, and a robust healthcare sector, it’s a city built for economic resilience. The market is gaining attention for its affordability and high rent-to-value ratios.
Median Home Price: $131,434
Average Rent:$1,129/month
What this means for investors: Dayton offers strong rental returns in a city with low purchase prices and rising demand. Investors are finding it easy to hit DSCR targets, especially in areas close to base operations or downtown. The city’s steady job growth and low vacancy rates support long-term rental income and appreciation.
Investment Properties Listed Today on Sale in Dayton
Ohio Specific DSCR Underwriting Factors that Investors Overlook
Landlord–Tenant Rules and Local Eviction Procedures
Ohio is generally landlord-friendly, with no statewide rent control and a relatively streamlined eviction process. However, each county has its specific notice periods and legal procedures. A missed step, such as incorrect delivery of notice or court filing errors, can delay removals and affect income continuity. Professional property management is advisable, especially for international investors who manage their properties remotely
Property Taxes and Reassessments
Ohio’s property taxes vary significantly by county. The reason this matters is cash flow. With an average effective tax rate around 1.31%, and recent reassessments in counties like Cuyahoga and Franklin increasing tax bills by 30–40%, DSCR margins can tighten quickly if taxes aren’t modeled conservatively.
Director of Mortgage Sales, HomeAbroad | NMLS# 1231769
“One common mistake we see is investors underwriting Ohio properties with rough tax estimates. County-level reassessments can materially change the numbers if they’re not modeled accurately.”
Weather-Related Operating Risk
Ohio’s winters introduce operational considerations, including frozen pipes and weather-related repairs. In our experience, adequate landlord insurance with loss-of-rent protection plays an important role in maintaining income stability during unexpected disruptions.
City-Level Rental and STR Regulations
Ohio does not apply uniform rental rules statewide. Cities such as Columbus and Cleveland have registration, inspection, and tax requirements that affect allowable rental use. What most investors overlook is that projected rent must align with what’s legally permitted, especially when underwriting short-term or furnished rentals.
Strategic & Future Considerations for Foreign Nationals Investing in Ohio
Ohio continues to appeal to international real estate investors because of its affordability, diversified economy, and renter demand spread across multiple cities rather than concentrated in a single metro. Looking ahead, infrastructure investment, population shifts within the state, and regional job growth are likely to shape where rental demand remains strongest.
Below are key considerations foreign nationals should keep in mind when investing in Ohio.
1. Long-term affordability and entry pricing
Ohio’s relatively low home prices make it easier for foreign nationals to enter the US market without overconcentrating capital in a single asset. This supports portfolio-style investing and reduces reliance on appreciation-driven outcomes.
2. Economic diversification across cities
Major Ohio markets are supported by different economic drivers. Healthcare and education anchor cities like Columbus and Cleveland, while manufacturing and logistics support markets such as Toledo and Dayton. This diversity helps spread rental demand across the state rather than tying performance to one industry.
3. Infrastructure and redevelopment initiatives
Ongoing infrastructure upgrades, downtown revitalization projects, and transportation investments in several Ohio cities are improving livability and rental appeal. These improvements can support steady tenant demand over time, particularly in neighborhoods undergoing planned redevelopment.
4. Managing properties from abroad
For foreign nationals investing remotely, property management and local compliance become more important over time. As portfolios grow, having on-the-ground support helps maintain occupancy, manage maintenance, and preserve rental income consistency.
Ohio DSCR Loan FAQs
Are DSCR loans suitable for first-time foreign investors in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio is often considered a practical entry market due to lower home prices and steady rental demand. HomeAbroad’s DSCR loans allow first-time foreign investors to qualify based on the property rather than their US credit history.
What are the interest rates for DSCR loans in Ohio?
DSCR loan interest rates vary based on market conditions, borrower profiles, and property type, but are typically higher than conventional loan rates. However, HomeAbroad offers competitive rates that enable investors to leverage property cash flow to achieve better returns.
Are DSCR loans in Ohio available for Airbnb or rental properties?
Yes, HomeAbroad offers DSCR loans in Ohio for both Airbnb short-term rental properties and traditional long-term rental properties. Our loans help you qualify based on the property’s rental income, making them ideal for investors in short-term rental markets, such as those utilizing rental platforms like Airbnb.
How long does it take to get a DSCR loan in Ohio?
At HomeAbroad, we streamline the application process to ensure a smooth experience from loan application to closing. We guarantee that the closing will happen within 30 days.
About the author:
Steven Glick is the Director of Mortgage Sales at HomeAbroad and has over a decade of experience in the mortgage industry. As a licensed mortgage originator (NMLS# 1231769), Steven brings deep expertise in loan processing, sales operations, and non-traditional mortgages.
* Scenario-based rate shown for illustrative purposes. Reflects current pricing available to qualified borrowers with strong credit, low loan-to-value, qualifying DSCR, and selected loan terms. Actual rates vary by borrower, property, and market conditions. Not a commitment to lend. Foreign national DSCR pricing may differ from U.S. borrower programs.
Why Choose Us
Built for Foreign Real Estate Investors
HomeAbroad is a one-stop shop for global investors, from finding properties to securing financing, setting up your LLC, opening a US bank account, and managing your portfolio.
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Foreign National Mortgage Experts
No US credit history, income, or residency required. We've helped thousands of international real estate investors finance Ohio real estate.
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AI–Powered Property Search
Our investment property search platform helps you discover high-yield rentals across Ohio using smart algorithms.
⌚
Fast Digital Process
Close in as fast as 27 days with our streamlined application, remote notarization [remote closing], and digital document signing.
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500+ Expert Agents
Work with our network of experienced real estate agents who specialize in investment properties across Ohio.
Ready to Get Started?
Get your personalized rate quote in minutes. No credit pull, no obligation.
48
States We Lend In
27 Days
Average Close Time
500+
Partner Real Estate Agents
4.9 Star
Customer Rating
Pre-qualify for a DSCR Loan as an international investor
No U.S. credit history. No personal income verification. Qualify based on property’s rental income.
