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in Fairfax, CA
Fairfax is a tight, high-value Marin County market. Investors here need financing that moves fast and skips the W-2 paperwork.
Both DSCR and hard money loans are non-QM products. They serve very different strategies, so picking the wrong one costs you.
DSCR loans qualify you based on the rental property's cash flow. The property pays for itself — your tax returns stay out of it.
Lenders look at your Debt Service Coverage Ratio. A DSCR above 1.0 means rent covers the mortgage. Most lenders want 1.1 or higher.
These are 30-year loans. Rates are higher than conventional, but you get a fixed payment and long-term stability.
Hard money loans are asset-based. The lender cares about the property's value — not your credit score or income history.
Terms run 6 to 24 months. These are bridge loans, fix-and-flip tools, or short-term acquisition plays.
Rates run significantly higher than DSCR. You're paying for speed and flexibility, not long-term affordability.
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 Fairfax.
Fairfax is a tight, high-value Marin County market. Investors here need financing that moves fast and skips the W-2 paperwork.
Both DSCR and hard money loans are non-QM products. They serve very different strategies, so picking the wrong one costs you.
DSCR loans qualify you based on the rental property's cash flow. The property pays for itself — your tax returns stay out of it.
DSCR loans are long-term financing. Hard money is a short-term tool. Using hard money to hold a rental is an expensive mistake.
Hard money closes faster — sometimes in under a week. DSCR takes longer but gives you a sustainable payment structure.
Credit matters more for DSCR. Hard money lenders care most about the asset and your exit strategy.
Buying a Fairfax rental and holding it? DSCR is the right call. It gives you a stable rate and a loan built for that strategy.
Acquiring a distressed property to renovate and sell? Hard money gets you to the table fast. Then you exit before rates eat your margin.
Some investors use both. Hard money to acquire and renovate, then a DSCR loan to refinance and hold long-term.
DSCR loans require the property to be rent-ready. For heavy rehab, use hard money first, then refinance into DSCR.
DSCR lenders typically want 620–680 minimum. Hard money lenders are more flexible — the asset carries more weight.
Hard money wins on speed. It can close in days. DSCR typically takes two to four weeks.
Yes. Both are non-QM products. We work with 200+ wholesale lenders who offer both programs in Marin County.
Yes — this is a common BRRRR strategy. Once the property is stabilized and renting, a DSCR refi replaces the hard money.
DSCR rates are lower. Hard money carries a premium for speed and flexibility. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.