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San Francisco is one of the most expensive rental markets in the country. That creates real opportunity — but only if your financing is structured correctly.
Most investor deals here don't fit conventional lending boxes. Non-QM products like DSCR and bridge loans are the standard toolkit for SF investors.
680 (most programs)
Min Credit Score
20-25% typical
Down Payment
Not required (Non-QM)
Income Verification
7-14 days
Hard Money Close
3-4 weeks
DSCR Close
Investor Loans in San Francisco
Investor loans are non-QM. Lenders don't verify your personal income the same way. They qualify you on the asset or the rental cash flow instead.
Most programs want a 680+ credit score and 20-25% down. Some hard money lenders go lower on credit but charge more for it.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect investor loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in San Francisco.
San Francisco is one of the most expensive rental markets in the country. That creates real opportunity — but only if your financing is structured correctly.
Most investor deals here don't fit conventional lending boxes. Non-QM products like DSCR and bridge loans are the standard toolkit for SF investors.
Investor loans are non-QM. Lenders don't verify your personal income the same way. They qualify you on the asset or the rental cash flow instead.
Retail banks rarely do investor loans well. Their overlays are strict and their underwriters don't understand cash-flow deals.
We work with 200+ wholesale lenders. That means we can match your deal to a lender who actually specializes in SF investment properties.
The biggest mistake SF investors make is trying to use a W-2-based conventional loan on a rental property. It slows everything down.
DSCR loans close faster and price the debt against rental income. For multi-unit SF properties, that's usually the cleaner path.
DSCR loans are best for stabilized rentals with existing tenants. Hard money works better for fix-and-flip or distressed acquisitions.
Bridge loans fill the gap when you need to close fast and refinance later. Interest-only options reduce monthly carry costs on high-price SF assets.
SF's rent control laws affect how lenders view cash flow projections. Some lenders discount projected rents on rent-controlled units.
Seismic retrofit requirements can add cost to older SF buildings. Factor that into your purchase price and rehab budget before you lock in financing.
Not with most non-QM programs. DSCR loans qualify based on the property's rent income, not your tax returns.
Most programs require 680 or higher. Hard money lenders may go lower but expect higher rates. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Yes, but some lenders apply a haircut to projected rents on rent-controlled units. Ask your broker how a specific lender underwrites that.
Plan for 20-25% down on most investor loan programs. Some bridge or hard money deals may require more depending on the asset.
Hard money is short-term, asset-based, and built for acquisitions or flips. DSCR is a longer-term hold product priced on rental income.
Hard money can close in 7-14 days. DSCR loans typically take 3-4 weeks depending on appraisal and title.