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Tehachapi sits at the edge of Kern County, drawing investors priced out of LA and the Central Valley. Lower entry prices and rental demand from commuters make this market worth watching.
Fix-and-flip and long-term rental strategies both work here. The key is matching the right loan structure to your exit strategy before you write an offer.
620–660
Min Credit Score
20–25%
Typical Down Payment
None (DSCR)
Income Docs Required
7–10 Days
Hard Money Close Time
DSCR, Bridge, Hard Money
Loan Types Available
Investor Loans in Tehachapi
Investor loans are non-QM — meaning lenders don't use your W-2 or tax returns to qualify you. Approval is based on the property's income potential or your asset base.
DSCR loans are the most common fit. Lenders divide the monthly rent by the mortgage payment. A ratio above 1.0 means the property covers its own debt.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect investor loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Tehachapi.
Tehachapi sits at the edge of Kern County, drawing investors priced out of LA and the Central Valley. Lower entry prices and rental demand from commuters make this market worth watching.
Fix-and-flip and long-term rental strategies both work here. The key is matching the right loan structure to your exit strategy before you write an offer.
Investor loans are non-QM — meaning lenders don't use your W-2 or tax returns to qualify you. Approval is based on the property's income potential or your asset base.
Most retail banks won't touch investor loans beyond a basic conventional second home. You need wholesale lenders — and there are over 200 to choose from through SRK CAPITAL.
Rates vary significantly across lenders for non-QM products. A broker who shops aggressively makes a real difference on investor deals. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
The biggest mistake investors make is waiting on their accountant's blessing. If your tax returns show heavy write-offs, a DSCR or bank statement loan often outperforms a conventional product.
Tehachapi properties can be quirky — rural designations, well and septic systems, or acreage. Not every investor lender will underwrite those. Know which lenders will before you're in contract.
DSCR loans are ideal for stabilized rentals with solid rent rolls. Hard money is better for a fast flip with a short hold — higher rates, but closes in days, not weeks.
Bridge loans fill the gap when you need to buy now and refinance into a DSCR after tenants are in place. Interest-only options reduce your monthly carry during that period.
Kern County has a large pool of workforce renters. Tehachapi specifically draws commuters who want space but can't afford the coast. That supports steady rental demand for single-family homes.
Rural and semi-rural parcels are common here. Investor lenders with rural overlays — or those requiring city water and sewer — will decline deals that other lenders approve easily. This is where working with a broker pays off.
Yes — DSCR loans qualify you on the property's rent, not your personal income. The property just needs to cover its own mortgage payment.
Some do, some don't. Lenders have different rural overlays. A broker helps you find one that will actually approve your specific property.
Most non-QM investor programs require 20-25% down. Some hard money lenders go higher depending on the deal.
Most DSCR lenders start at 620-660. Higher scores get better rates. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
DSCR loans typically close in 3-4 weeks. Hard money can close in 7-10 days when speed is critical.
Yes. Hard money and bridge loans are designed for flips. They're short-term, asset-based, and don't rely on your tax returns.