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San Francisco rents are among the highest in the country. That income is exactly what DSCR lenders underwrite against.
DSCR loans skip your tax returns entirely. The property's rent-to-payment ratio is what gets you approved — not your W-2.
1.0 (some at 0.75)
Min DSCR Ratio
620–680
Min Credit Score
20–25%
Down Payment
6–12 months
Reserves Required
Non-QM / Investment
Loan Type
DSCR Loans in San Francisco
Most DSCR lenders want a ratio of 1.0 or higher. That means monthly rent must cover the full mortgage payment.
Expect a minimum 620-680 credit score and 20-25% down. Reserves of 6-12 months are common for SF properties.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect dscr loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in San Francisco.
San Francisco rents are among the highest in the country. That income is exactly what DSCR lenders underwrite against.
DSCR loans skip your tax returns entirely. The property's rent-to-payment ratio is what gets you approved — not your W-2.
Most DSCR lenders want a ratio of 1.0 or higher. That means monthly rent must cover the full mortgage payment.
DSCR is a non-QM product. That means retail banks mostly don't offer it. You need a broker with wholesale access.
We shop this across 200+ wholesale lenders. Pricing and guidelines vary sharply between them on SF investment properties.
SF rent control complicates some DSCR deals. Lenders may haircut projected rents on rent-controlled units.
Short-term rental income — think Airbnb — gets scrutinized hard. Most lenders want long-term lease documentation.
Bank statement loans verify your personal cash flow. DSCR loans verify the property's cash flow. Two very different deals.
Hard money moves faster but costs more. DSCR rates are higher than conventional — but terms are far longer than hard money.
San Francisco's rent ordinance covers most buildings built before 1979. Know your unit's status before you run the numbers.
Vacancy rates and eviction restrictions affect cash flow assumptions. Lenders underwriting SF deals know this — price accordingly.
Most lenders require at least 1.0. Some will go to 0.75 with stronger credit and larger down payment.
Most lenders won't accept short-term rental income. Long-term lease income underwrites much more cleanly.
Yes. Lenders may reduce qualifying rent on controlled units. It directly affects your debt service coverage ratio.
Plan for 20-25% down minimum. Higher down payments can offset a weaker DSCR ratio or lower credit score.
Yes, and SF multi-units can produce strong combined rent. Each unit's income factors into the overall DSCR calculation.
Yes. DSCR is a non-QM product. Rates run higher than conventional. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.