Loading
Loading
El Cajon's rental market is attracting investors as San Diego County adds low-income housing at record pace. DSCR loans let you finance based on the property's income, not your personal W-2s.
Investors here are moving fast on multifamily and single-family rentals. DSCR underwriting focuses on the property's debt-service coverage ratio, making qualification straightforward for cash-flowing assets.
620 FICO
Minimum Credit Score
20-25%
Down Payment Range
$1,104,000
2026 Conforming Limit
30-45 days
Typical Closing Timeline
DSCR Loans in El Cajon
DSCR loans require the property's annual rental income to cover debt payments by a set ratio—typically 1.0x to 1.25x depending on the lender. Credit scores usually start at 620, though stronger scores open better terms.
Down payments range from 20% to 25% for investment properties. The county's median household income of $102,285 gives context to rental rates here—single-family rentals and small multifamily units pencil out for local investors.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect dscr loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in El Cajon.
El Cajon's rental market is attracting investors as San Diego County adds low-income housing at record pace. DSCR loans let you finance based on the property's income, not your personal W-2s.
Investors here are moving fast on multifamily and single-family rentals. DSCR underwriting focuses on the property's debt-service coverage ratio, making qualification straightforward for cash-flowing assets.
DSCR loans require the property's annual rental income to cover debt payments by a set ratio—typically 1.0x to 1.25x depending on the lender. Credit scores usually start at 620, though stronger scores open better terms.
DSCR lending in California has tightened since 2023, but portfolio lenders and credit unions still compete actively. Most require 12 months of lease history or a signed lease to document income.
Brokers can shop DSCR across multiple lenders faster than retail banks. Closing timelines run 30-45 days for investment properties with clean financials and clear lease documentation.
DSCR makes sense in El Cajon when the property's rental income is solid and the investor has 20% down. Above the conforming limit of $1,104,000, jumbo DSCR rates climb, so smaller multifamily and single-family rentals here hit the sweet spot.
DSCR doesn't work for owner-occupied homes or properties with weak lease terms. If you're buying to live in, conventional or FHA is faster and cheaper.
DSCR vs. conventional rental financing: conventional requires your personal income and credit, plus 20-25% down. DSCR ignores your W-2s and focuses on the property's lease income instead.
Conventional is faster if you have strong personal financials. DSCR wins when your rental income outpaces your job income or when you own multiple properties.
San Diego County just completed its biggest year of low-income housing construction in nearly 40 years. That supply growth supports rental demand and keeps El Cajon competitive for investors seeking stable tenancy.
The new Galū Cafe sister location opening in City Heights signals neighborhood investment and foot traffic. Rising commercial activity near residential areas can boost single-family rental appeal and tenant quality.
Most DSCR lenders start at 620 FICO. Stronger scores (680+) open better rates and terms. The property's cash flow matters more than your personal credit.
Most lenders require 20-25% down for DSCR loans. Some portfolio lenders go lower, but rates and terms worsen. Call to explore options below 20%.
Typical timeline is 30-45 days with clean financials and lease documentation. Brokers can shop multiple lenders simultaneously, which speeds the process.
Most lenders want a signed lease or 12 months of lease history. Some allow a pre-lease letter. Undocumented income makes qualification harder and rates worse.
The 2026 conforming limit for El Cajon is $1,104,000. Properties above that limit qualify as jumbo DSCR and carry higher rates and stricter terms.