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DSCR Loan in California: No W2s and Paystubs Needed

DSCR Loans allow real estate investors to qualify based on the property's rental income potential, offering a hassle-free financing option for investment properties in California.
DSCR Loan in California: No W2s and Paystubs Needed
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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.

Investing in California real estate is easier than ever with a DSCR loan, designed for investors who want to qualify based on rental income rather than personal income. With this approach, the property’s rental income covers the mortgage payments, and a strong-performing rental can even generate positive cash flow after loan payments.

Whether you’re eyeing long-term rentals in Los Angeles or short-term vacation homes in San Diego, a DSCR loan offers a streamlined financing solution without traditional income verification. 

Get started with a HomeAbroad DSCR loan and Start your Investment journey today!

Key Takeaways

➡️DSCR loans allow investors to secure financing without relying on personal income verification.
 
➡️Unlike conventional loans, DSCR loans focus on a property's income potential rather than the borrower’s debt-to-income ratio. 

➡️DSCR loans are available for all property types, including single-family homes, multi-family units, condos, and other investment properties. 

What is a DSCR Loan?

A Debt Service Coverage Ratio loan is a financing option designed for real estate investors who want to qualify based on their property’s rental income rather than personal income. Instead of requiring W-2s, tax returns, or pay stubs, lenders assess whether the property generates enough rental income to cover the mortgage payments.

Since these loans offer more flexibility in qualification, interest rates are typically 1-2% higher than traditional mortgages. You can check the latest DSCR loan interest rates here.

With home prices in California appreciating by an average of 8.36% annually, the market presents strong opportunities for long-term equity growth. A DSCR loan allows investors to capitalize on this appreciation while securing financing without any traditional hurdles.

How to Calculate DSCR Ratio?

The Debt-Service Coverage Ratio is used to determine if a property’s rental income is sufficient to cover its loan payments. A higher DSCR indicates a lower risk for lenders, making it easier for investors to secure financing. 

Here is the DSCR Formula:

Example:

Calculating the DSCR Ratio for California Property:

Avg. Rental Income in Los Angeles: $2,865 
Loan Term: 30 Years
Interest Rate: 6.8%
Monthly Mortgage Payment(PITIA):$2,038
DSCR = $2,865 ÷ $2,038
DSCR = 1.4
Monthly Positive Cash Flow: $827

A DSCR of 1.4 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 DSCR lenders.

While most lenders require a DSCR of 1 or higher, HomeAbroad offers DSCR loans even for properties with a DSCR as low as 0.75, providing more flexibility for investors.

DSCR Loan Requirements in California

HomeAbroad provides tailored DSCR loans for both domestic and global investors, offering flexible financing solutions to meet diverse investment needs, Here are the requirements for each: 

FeaturesDomestic InvestorsGlobal Investors
DSCR Ratio1 or Higher (No Ratio DSCR Program Available) >= 1 for best terms, <1 eligible with higher down payment 
Credit Score Minimum 620No US credit needed
Down Payment20%25%
LTV Ratio Up to 80% for Purchase and Rate/Term Refinance, Up to 75% for Cash Out RefinanceUp to 75% for Purchase and Rate/Term Refinance, Up to 70% for Cash Out Refinance
Cash Reserves 2 months6 months
Property UseInvestment properties (residential and commercial) Investment properties (residential and commercial) 
Loan Amount$75K – $10M $75K – $10M 

Over the past decade, HomeAbroad has built a strong reputation for helping investors secure the right financing solutions. With deep industry expertise and a commitment to investor success, we provide tailored DSCR loans, expert guidance, and seamless support to ensure a smooth and profitable real estate investment journey.

Where We Lend DSCR Loan in California

  • Los Angeles
  • San Francisco
  • San Diego
  • San Jose
  • Sacramento
  • Fresno
  • Oakland
  • Long Beach
  • Bakersfield
  • Riverside
  • Santa Ana
  • Stockton

Let’s explore a real-life example of how HomeAbroad helped an investor succeed in the California real estate market.

Case Study: How Alex Secured a DSCR Loan to Start Investing in California 

Alex, a self-employed investor in California, wanted to start his real estate investment journey but faced challenges with traditional loans that required personal income verification. 

With the help of Steven Glick, an experienced mortgage loan officer at HomeAbroad, he secured a DSCR loan, qualifying based on his property’s rental income rather than his personal earnings. 

Property Details:

Location: San Francisco 
Property Value: $437,500 
Monthly Rental Income: $4,918 

Loan Details: 

Loan Amount: $328,125
Down Payment: $109,375 (25%)
Interest Rate: 6.9% (fixed for 30 years) 
Loan Term: 30 years

DSCR Calculation: 

DSCR: Gross Rental Income ÷ PITIA 
DSCR: $4,918 ÷ $3,500
DSCR: 1.40

With a DSCR of 1.40 Alex is easily qualified for the DSCR loan, ensuring the property could generate sufficient cash flow to cover loan repayments.

In Alex’s case, HomeAbroad’s deep understanding of the California market helped him to identify the ideal property and secure the perfect DSCR Loan tailored to his investment goals. 

One of the biggest challenges investors face is qualifying for financing without extensive income documentation. DSCR loans eliminate that hurdle by focusing on a property’s ability to generate rental income, making it easier to scale an investment portfolio.

Steven Glick, (Director of Mortgage Sales, HomeAbroad)

Top Places to Invest in California with a DSCR Loan 

California’s real estate market has experienced steady growth, with home values appreciating at an average rate of 8.36% annually over the past five years. This consistent upward trend makes it an attractive destination for investors looking to build wealth.

California offers lucrative opportunities with a strong rental market and high-demand locations. Whether you’re targeting short-term vacation rentals or long-term income properties, a DSCR loan can help you secure financing based on rental income.

Here are some top cities in California for real estate investors: 

City

Rental Type

Rental Yield

San Diego 

Short-Term

7.1%

Los Angeles 

Short-Term

5.6%

Sacramento 

Short-Term

5.24%

San Francisco 

Short-Term

4.2%

Riverside

Long-Term

4.4%

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

Get a HomeAbroad DSCR Loan in California

HomeAbroad is a leading PropTech and FinTech platform that helps both US and international investors secure customized DSCR loans with competitive rates and flexible terms to maximize returns. 

Beyond financing, our AI-driven investment property search and expert local agents assist in finding high-yield investment properties. We also offer LLC setup, US bank account opening, property management solutions, and a full concierge service—providing everything you need in one place. 

Get a DSCR loan with HomeAbroad today and start building your real estate portfolio in California!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it hard to get a DSCR loan in California?

No, getting a DSCR loan in California is easier than traditional financing because it doesn’t require personal income verification. Approval is based on your property’s rental income, making it a great option for investors. 

How long does it take to get approved for a DSCR loan in California?  

At HomeAbroad, we provide a fast and streamlined approval process in California. Our team works efficiently to close your DSCR loan within 30 days. 

Can you get a DSCR loan without a job?

Yes, you can get a DSCR loan without a job since these loans don’t require personal income verification

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 world with our tailored offerings."

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