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in Brentwood, CA
Brentwood investors choosing between DSCR and hard money loans face a fundamental trade-off. DSCR loans rely on rental income to qualify, while hard money lenders focus on the property itself and your exit strategy.
The 2026 conforming limit for Brentwood is $1,249,125. Both loan types serve investors above and below that threshold, but they operate on completely different timelines and cost structures.
DSCR loans qualify you on the property's cash flow, not your personal income. Lenders want to see the rental income covers the debt service by a specific ratio, typically 1.0x or higher.
You'll need 20-25% down on most DSCR deals. Credit scores typically start at 620, though 680+ opens better pricing.
Hard money lenders care about the property value and your exit plan, not your credit score or income. They'll fund based on the after-repair value if you're flipping, or current market value if you're holding.
Closing happens in 7-14 days. Down payments run 20-30%, and rates are significantly higher than DSCR.
Local decision guide
Use this comparison to weigh DSCR Loans and Hard Money Loans through local payment fit, eligibility, documentation, and timing before choosing a path in Brentwood.
Brentwood investors choosing between DSCR and hard money loans face a fundamental trade-off. DSCR loans rely on rental income to qualify, while hard money lenders focus on the property itself and your exit strategy.
The 2026 conforming limit for Brentwood is $1,249,125. Both loan types serve investors above and below that threshold, but they operate on completely different timelines and cost structures.
DSCR loans qualify you on the property's cash flow, not your personal income. Lenders want to see the rental income covers the debt service by a specific ratio, typically 1.0x or higher.
DSCR loans are cheaper but slower. Hard money is faster but costs more. If you're buying a rental and can wait 30-45 days, DSCR saves meaningful money over the life of the loan.
Hard money wins when you need capital fast. DSCR wins when you have time and want to hold long-term.
Choose DSCR if you're buying a rental property in Brentwood and the rental income will support the loan. Contra Costa's median household income is $125,727—investors with solid rental cash flow benefit from DSCR's lower rates.
Choose hard money if you're flipping a property or need capital in two weeks. You're willing to pay higher rates for speed.
Yes. DSCR loans ignore your personal income entirely. Lenders qualify you on the rental income from the property itself.
Hard money closes in 7-14 days. DSCR takes 30-45 days. The speed difference matters most when you're competing in a fast market.
DSCR costs less. Rates are typically 1-3% lower than hard money. On a long-term rental, that difference adds up significantly.
No. Hard money lenders care about the property and your exit strategy, not your credit score. Credit in the 600s is often acceptable.
DSCR typically requires 20-25% down. Hard money typically requires 20-30% down. The exact amount depends on the property and your experience.