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San Diego County just completed its biggest year of low-income housing construction, signaling sustained rental demand across the region. Imperial Beach investors are watching closely as the county adds more units than it has in nearly 40 years.
Investment property buyers in Imperial Beach focus on cash flow first. DSCR loans let you qualify based on the property's income, not your personal income — a real advantage when you own multiple rentals.
620
Minimum FICO
20% to 25%
Down Payment Range
1.0 to 1.25
Coverage Ratio
DSCR Loans in Imperial Beach
DSCR loans require a minimum 620 FICO and typically 20% to 25% down on investment properties. Lenders look at the property's debt service coverage ratio — usually 1.0 or higher — rather than your personal debt-to-income.
San Diego County's median household income is $102,285, but DSCR lenders care about the rental income your property generates. A property that covers its own mortgage, taxes, insurance, and HOA qualifies, even if you have limited W-2 income.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect dscr loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Imperial Beach.
San Diego County just completed its biggest year of low-income housing construction, signaling sustained rental demand across the region. Imperial Beach investors are watching closely as the county adds more units than it has in nearly 40 years.
Investment property buyers in Imperial Beach focus on cash flow first. DSCR loans let you qualify based on the property's income, not your personal income — a real advantage when you own multiple rentals.
DSCR loans require a minimum 620 FICO and typically 20% to 25% down on investment properties. Lenders look at the property's debt service coverage ratio — usually 1.0 or higher — rather than your personal debt-to-income.
DSCR lending in California has grown as investors buy more rental properties. Lenders typically require 1.0 to 1.25 debt service coverage ratio and solid reserves — usually three to six months of the property's mortgage payment.
Broker-based DSCR programs often move faster than retail bank options. Underwriting focuses on the property appraisal and rental history rather than extensive personal financial documentation.
DSCR loans make sense in Imperial Beach when you're buying a rental that generates solid monthly income. If the property's rent covers the mortgage and expenses, you qualify — your personal income barely matters.
DSCR doesn't work if the property can't sustain itself. A rental that needs your W-2 income to pencil is a sign to look at a traditional investment property loan instead.
Conventional investment loans require strong personal income and lower debt ratios. DSCR flips that — the property's cash flow matters most, and your job income barely factors in.
Conventional loans typically demand 25% down and extensive tax returns. DSCR needs 20% down and focuses on the property's rental history and appraisal instead.
San Diego is seeking delays to state law requiring high-rises near transit stops. That regulatory uncertainty affects long-term rental demand in coastal areas like Imperial Beach, where transit access is already a premium feature.
The new Galū Cafe sister location opening in City Heights signals growing food-and-beverage investment across San Diego. Neighborhoods with new dining and retail attract renters, which supports property values and rental rates for investors.
A minimum 620 FICO typically qualifies. Lenders focus on the property's income and your reserves more than your personal credit score.
Yes. DSCR works for first-time investors as long as the property generates enough rental income to hit the lender's coverage ratio.
Most DSCR loans require 20% to 25% down. The exact amount depends on the property's debt service coverage ratio and your reserves.
No. DSCR loans qualify based on the property's rental income. Your W-2 income is not the main approval driver.
If the property's income falls below the lender's coverage ratio, you won't qualify for DSCR. A conventional investment loan may work instead.