Question 1

What down payment do investor loans require in Brentwood?

Accepted Answer

Most programs want 15-25% down for single properties. Portfolio lenders and DSCR loans often require 20-25% on investment purchases, especially if you already own multiple rentals.

Question 2

Can I use rental income to qualify for an investor loan?

Accepted Answer

Yes, DSCR loans qualify you entirely on the property's rent versus mortgage payment. They ignore your W-2 income and tax returns completely, which helps self-employed or high-DTI investors.

Question 3

How fast can hard money lenders close in Brentwood?

Accepted Answer

Hard money typically closes in 7-14 days once you have a purchase contract. Rates run 9-12% with points upfront, designed for short-term fix-flip projects under 12 months.

Question 4

Do investor loans require higher credit scores than owner-occupied mortgages?

Accepted Answer

Not always. DSCR programs start around 640, similar to FHA. Conventional investor loans want 680-700, but non-QM lenders care more about down payment and property cash flow than FICO alone.

Question 5

What happens when I hit the 10-property limit on conventional loans?

Accepted Answer

You switch to portfolio or DSCR lenders who don't count properties the same way Fannie Mae does. These programs let you finance 10+ properties without hitting artificial caps.

Investor Loans in Brentwood: Finance Rentals and Fix-Flips in a High-Growth Market