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in Hermosa Beach, CA
Hermosa Beach real estate runs expensive. Most investors here face a choice: conventional financing with income verification or DSCR loans based purely on rental cash flow.
The gap matters more in coastal markets. Conventional loans demand full tax returns and debt ratios. DSCR skips that entirely and qualifies you on what the property earns.
Conventional loans follow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac rules. You'll need tax returns, W-2s, and a debt-to-income ratio under 45%. Rates typically run lower than non-QM options.
Investment property purchases require 15-20% down minimum. Lenders verify every dollar of income. If you write off everything for taxes, your qualifying income shrinks fast.
DSCR loans ignore your tax returns completely. Lenders divide monthly rent by the mortgage payment to calculate coverage ratio. Most want 1.0 or higher, meaning rent covers the full payment.
You can close with 20-25% down and decent credit. No income verification means your write-offs don't hurt you. Rates run 0.5-1.5% higher than conventional but approval is faster.
Rate difference matters less than you'd think. If conventional loans knock your qualifying income down 40% because of business deductions, DSCR opens doors that stay closed otherwise.
Portfolio size drives the decision. One rental? Conventional works if your W-2 income qualifies. Building a portfolio of three or more? DSCR lets you scale without hitting DTI limits.
Use conventional if you're a W-2 earner buying your first rental. The rate savings compound over 30 years. Clean tax returns and stable employment make approval straightforward.
Switch to DSCR when tax strategy conflicts with mortgage qualifying. Self-employed investors, portfolio builders, and anyone who writes off income aggressively pays a higher rate but actually gets approved. That trade works in Hermosa Beach where rents justify the debt service.
No. DSCR loans only work for investment properties that generate rental income. Primary residences require conventional, FHA, or other owner-occupied financing.
DSCR usually beats conventional by a week. No income verification means less documentation and fewer underwriting conditions to clear before funding.
Yes, but DSCR lenders are pickier about condo approval. Conventional accepts most Fannie/Freddie approved projects. DSCR often requires full project review first.
Conventional typically requires 620 minimum for investors. DSCR lenders want 660-680 depending on down payment and property cash flow strength.
Both avoid PMI with 20% down on investment properties. Lower down payments on conventional trigger PMI. DSCR just prices the risk into the rate instead.