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Alturas sits in one of California's most remote and sparsely populated counties. Modoc's median household income of $56,648 reflects a rural economy where rental properties serve as a critical wealth-building tool for local investors.
Investor loans in Alturas typically require 20% to 25% down and strong debt-service coverage ratios. Lenders focus on the property's rental income, not just the borrower's W-2 earnings.
680
Minimum FICO
20–25%
Down Payment
1.0–1.25x
DSCR Minimum
45–60 days
Closing Timeline
$56,648
County Median Income
Investor Loans in Alturas
Investor loans in Alturas start with a 680 FICO floor, though 700+ is preferred. Down payment runs 20% to 25% for standard DSCR loans.
Modoc County's median household income of $56,648 buys a modest rental property here, but investor qualification doesn't rely on household income alone. Lenders pull last two years of tax returns and rental ledgers to verify cash flow.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect investor loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Alturas.
Alturas sits in one of California's most remote and sparsely populated counties. Modoc's median household income of $56,648 reflects a rural economy where rental properties serve as a critical wealth-building tool for local investors.
Investor loans in Alturas typically require 20% to 25% down and strong debt-service coverage ratios. Lenders focus on the property's rental income, not just the borrower's W-2 earnings.
Investor loans in Alturas start with a 680 FICO floor, though 700+ is preferred. Down payment runs 20% to 25% for standard DSCR loans.
Investor loans are tighter than owner-occupied mortgages. Most California lenders require full documentation—no stated-income or bank-statement-only programs for investment properties.
Closing timelines for investor loans run 45 to 60 days, not the 30 days typical for primary residences. Underwriters scrutinize rental agreements, lease terms, and tenant credit.
Investor loans make sense in Alturas when you're buying a rental that generates real cash flow. The county's population of 8,646 and rural character mean fewer renters, so vacancy risk is real.
The trap is overestimating rents. Alturas doesn't have the demand that drives Bay Area or Sacramento rental rates. Walk comparable leases, not Zillow estimates.
Investor loans differ sharply from owner-occupied financing. Owner-occupied mortgages let you put 3% to 5% down and qualify on your salary. Investor loans demand 20% to 25% down and focus on the property's rental income, not your job.
The tradeoff: investor loans cost more in rate and fees because the lender's only safety net is the property's cash flow. Owner-occupied loans are cheaper because you live there and have skin in the game.
Alturas is the county seat of Modoc and home to Modoc National Forest access. The town's remote location and small population mean rental demand is stable but modest.
The local economy depends on ranching, timber, and government jobs. A rental property that appeals to these demographics—modest, durable, and affordable—will hold its tenant base. Avoid over-improving; the market won't support luxury finishes in Alturas.
Most lenders require a minimum 680 FICO, but 700 or higher is preferred. Investor loans are tighter than owner-occupied mortgages, so a lower score may trigger overlays or higher rates.
Investor loans require 20% to 25% down. Some lenders go as low as 15% with strong DSCR and reserves, but that's rare. The down payment protects the lender because the property's rental income is the primary repayment source, not your salary.
DSCR (debt-service coverage ratio) is the property's annual rental income divided by the annual mortgage payment plus taxes, insurance, and HOA. Lenders require a minimum of 1.0 to 1.25x.
No. Investor loans qualify on the rental property's income, not your job. Lenders want two years of tax returns and rental ledgers showing the property's actual cash flow.
Investor loans typically close in 45 to 60 days. Underwriters review lease agreements, tenant credit, and rental history in detail. Owner-occupied mortgages close faster because the documentation is simpler.
If the property's DSCR falls below 1.0, the loan won't qualify under standard programs. Some lenders offer no-ratio financing if you have substantial reserves or equity, but rates are higher.