Tick

DSCR Loans in North Carolina: Qualify Based on Rental Income 

DSCR loans in North Carolina help investors qualify based on rental income, not personal income. Get a rate quote today!
DSCR Loans in North Carolina: Qualify Based on Rental Income 
Curve
linkedin
facebook
Making informed real estate decisions starts with having the right knowledge. At HomeAbroad, we offer US mortgage products for foreign nationals & investors and have a network of 500+ expert HomeAbroad real estate agents to provide the expertise you need. Our content is written by licensed mortgage experts and seasoned real estate agents who share insights from their experience, helping thousands like you. Our strict editorial process ensures you receive reliable and accurate information.

Tired of strict income requirements and endless paperwork? A DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan in North Carolina offers a smarter way to invest—no W2s, pay stubs, or tax returns required! Instead of personal income, you qualify based on rental income, making it easier to secure financing for single-family homes, multi-family units, and condos.  

With these easy-to-qualify loans, you can take control of your investment future with a streamlined, investor-friendly loan process.  

Break free from traditional mortgage barriers—apply for a DSCR loan in North Carolina today! 

Key Takeaways:   

➡️With strong rental demand, a growing economy, and investor-friendly policies, North Carolina is a prime location for real estate investments.

➡️With DSCR loans, you can avail a wide range of properties, including single-family homes, multi-family units, and vacation rentals without personal income verification or US credit history.

➡️With DSCR loans, you can get flexible financing options and competitive interest rates for both US and foreign investors looking to grow their real estate portfolios based on rental income.

What is a DSCR Loan?

A DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan lets investors qualify based on a property’s rental income, making it a game-changer for those looking to scale their portfolio without traditional financing barriers. 

Why DSCR Loans Stand Out:

No Personal Income Verification – Approval is based on rental income, not personal earnings.

Qualify with High DTI – Investors can secure financing even with a high debt-to-income ratio.

No W2s, Tax Returns, or Pay Stubs – A streamlined process with minimal paperwork.

Flexible Loan Terms – Suitable for properties with low DSCR or no current rental income.

Cash-out & Refinance Options – Tap into equity for reinvestment or renovations.

Versatile Property Use – Ideal for single-family, multi-family, and short-term rentals.

If your rental income covers the mortgage and expenses, you’re in! Whether expanding your portfolio or refinancing for more investment power, DSCR loans provide the flexibility and speed investors need.

How to Calculate Your DSCR Ratio

The Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) is a crucial metric that lenders use to assess borrowers’ ability to cover mortgage payments with their rental income. For real estate investors, a higher DSCR indicates strong cash flow, which improves your chances of securing better loan terms.

Here’s the formula to calculate your DSCR:

DSCR Ratio Formula

Example

Calculating the DSCR Ratio for a North Carolina Property:

Avg. Home Price in Charlotte, North Carolina: $416,657
Down payment: 20%
Loan Term: 30 Years
Interest Rate: 7%
Monthly Mortgage Payment (Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance, HOA): $1,810
Avg. Rent in New Orleans: $2,090
DSCR: $2,090 / $1,810 = 1.16 (Lender-approved ratio)
Monthly Positive Cash Flow: $280

This example reflects positive cash flow, but HomeAbroad Loans specializes in providing DSCR loans tailored to real estate investors, even with low DSCR ratios. While many lenders require a minimum DSCR of 1 and above, we offer flexibility, with loans available for DSCR ratios as low as 0.75.

With “No Ratio DSCR loans” for properties with a DSCR below 0.75, you can secure financing even if your rental income doesn’t fully cover debt obligations. However, this option requires a larger down payment and higher interest rates to mitigate the additional risk.

How does a DSCR loan work?

DSCR Loan Interest Rates

Due to the unique nature of DSCR loans and the associated increased risk for lenders, these rates are typically 1% to 1.5% higher than conventional mortgage rates.  

Understanding these rates is crucial for investors as they significantly impact the profitability of investment properties. Before investing, follow our DSCR loan interest rate guide to learn about current DSCR loan interest rates and their influencing factors. For more details on DSCR loans and how they work, visit HomeAbroad’s DSCR loan hub

How to Qualify for a DSCR Loan in North Carolina

At HomeAbroad, we make qualifying for a DSCR loan simple and flexible, whether you’re a domestic investor or a foreign national. Now, let’s learn about our tailored DSCR loan requirements to provide domestic and foreign investors with flexible financing solutions.

FeaturesDomestic InvestorsForeign Investors
DSCR Ratio1 or Higher (No Ratio DSCR Program Available)  >= 1 for best terms, <1 eligible with higher down payment  
Credit Score  620 or higher  No US credit history required
Down Payment  20%  25%  
Loan-to-Value (LTV)  Up to 80% for purchase/refinance Up to 75% for cash-out refinance  Up to 75% for purchase/refinance Up to 70% for cash-out refinance  
Cash Reserves  2 months  6 months  
Property Use  Investment properties (residential and commercial)  Investment properties (residential and commercial)  
Loan Amount$75K – $10M  $75K – $10M 

Areas We Lend in North Carolina

Investing in North Carolina’s real estate market offers promising opportunities for high rental yields and property appreciation. Here are some top areas to consider:

  • Charlotte
  • Raleigh
  • Durham
  • Greensboro
  • Winston-Salem
  • Cary
  • Fayetteville
  • Asheville
  • Wilmington
  • Concord
  • Greenville
  • Chapel Hill
  • Hickory
  • Burlington

Let’s evaluate a case study of our past client to understand how profitable investing in the North Carolina real estate market is.

Case Study: Lorenzo, A Self-Employed Investor, Expands His Rental Portfolio in North Carolina

Property Details:

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Property Price: $450,000
Monthly Rent: $3,800

Loan Details: 

Loan Amount: $350,000 
Down Payment: 25% 
Monthly PITIA: $2892

DSCR Calculation: 

DSCR Ratio = Gross Rental Income ÷ PITIA
DSCR = $3800 / $2892
DSCR = 1.31

How HomeAbroad Helped:

HomeAbroad’s DSCR loan made the process seamless by evaluating Lorenzo’s eligibility based on property income rather than personal tax returns. With flexible loan terms and an interest-only option, she was able to:
Secure financing without traditional income verification.
✔ Maintain strong cash flow.
✔ Minimize upfront expenses and maximize rental profits.

Charlotte’s real estate market is expected to appreciate 30% in the next five years, making it a prime investment opportunity. With a DSCR of 1.31 and a monthly positive cash flow of $908, Lorenzo’s property has a positive cash flow, ensuring a steady return.

Why does This matter?

Steven Glick highlights the importance of this financing approach:

Lorenzo’s challenge was proving income stability as a self-employed investor. With our DSCR loan, we focused on the property’s income potential instead of tax returns. This allowed her to secure financing easily while keeping a strong cash flow. Charlotte’s rental market made this an even smarter investment.

Steven Glick, Director of Mortgage Sales, HomeAbroad

Top Places to Invest in North Carolina with DSCR Loan

North Carolina offers affordable real estate and attractive rental yields, making it a prime investment market. With an average home price of around $250,000—well below the national average of $355,328—investors can enter the market at a lower cost while still enjoying substantial rental income.

Thanks to renowned universities and thriving industries, Raleigh, Durham, and Charlotte experience steady, long-term demand from students and professionals. Meanwhile, Asheville, Wilmington, and the Outer Banks benefit from robust tourism, driving high short-term rental potential.

With North Carolina’s solid rental yields and access to DSCR loans, investors can secure properties that cover their mortgage and generate positive cash flow.

Here are some of the top investment cities in North Carolina:

City

Rental Type

Rental Yield

Asheville

Short-Term

10.3%

Wilmington

Short-Term

9.4%

Boone

Short-Term

11.6%

Charlotte

Long-Term

8.6%

Raleigh

Long-Term

7.6%

Need help finding the right investment property? Our AI-driven investment property search platform can help you discover high-performing rentals in North Carolina or anywhere in the US!

Invest in North Carolina with HomeAbroad’s DSCR Loan 

HomeAbroad makes real estate investment seamless for US and foreign investors with customized DSCR loan solutions. Whether you’re targeting North Carolina’s thriving markets like Charlotte, Raleigh, or Durham, our flexible loan programs help you invest confidently.  

As a one-stop PropTech and FinTech platform, HomeAbroad simplifies US real estate purchases for international buyers. We specialize in foreign national mortgages, overcoming challenges like a lack of US credit history with AI-powered property searches and expert guidance. 

With a network of 500+ experienced real estate agents, we provide personalized support in finding the right property. Our comprehensive concierge services further streamline the process, assisting with: 

LLC formation for property ownership 

Opening US bank accounts 

Homeowner’s insurance & property management coordination 

Ongoing investment support  

Seize North Carolina’s Real Estate Potential with HomeAbroad 

With our expert-backed DSCR loan solutions and full-service approach, investing in North Carolina’s booming markets has never been easier. Let HomeAbroad empower your investment journey—your success starts here. Apply now and get a DSCR loan in North Carolina with HomeAbroad. 

HomeAbroad mortgage CTA

FAQs

Can foreign nationals apply for DSCR loans in North Carolina?

Foreign nationals can apply for DSCR loans through HomeAbroad Loans without needing a US credit score, making it a flexible financing option for international investors. 

How long does it take to get a DSCR loan in North Carolina? 

At HomeAbroad Loans, we streamline the application process, ensuring a smooth experience from loan application to closing. We guarantee that the closing will happen within 30 days. 

Is cash-out refinancing available for DSCR loans in North Carolina? 

HomeAbroad Loans offers cash-out refinancing options for DSCR loans, allowing investors to extract equity from their properties for further investments or renovations. 

About the author:
Rachel Spaccarotelli is a licensed mortgage originator (NMLS #1497555) and Senior Customer Loan Manager at HomeAbroad with a decade of experience in home financing for foreign nationals, specializing in international lending and Non-QM mortgages.
HomeAbroad

How Does HomeAbroad Help?

"Unlocking US real estate for the international buyers with our tailored products."

Background Image

Pre-qualify for a DSCR Loan

No paystubs, W2s, or tax returns required
Get Started Now Get Started Now
On this Page
Jump to crossicon
GoTop