# The best DSCR loan lenders of 2026 are Kiavi, Visio Lending, Lima One Capital, Griffin Funding, Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions, CoreVest, ([learn more about what is private mortgage fund? mortgage lender overview | rateroots](/library/what-is-private-mortgage-fund-mortgage-lender-overview-rateroots)) ([learn more about what is lot lending? mortgage lender overview | rateroots](/library/what-is-lot-lending-mortgage-lender-overview-rateroots)) ([learn more about what is archway fund? mortgage lender overview | rateroots](/library/what-is-archway-fund-mortgage-lender-overview-rateroots)) ([learn more about small business grants: complete guide to free funding opportunities](/library/small-business-grants-complete-guide-to-free-funding-opportunities)) ([learn more about can i get a mortgage with 600 credit score?](/library/can-i-get-a-mortgage-with-600-credit-score)) ([learn more about can i get a mortgage with 500 credit score?](/library/can-i-get-a-mortgage-with-500-credit-score)) and New Silver — lenders that qualify you on the property's rental income rather than your personal income. The right one depends on your portfolio size, the property type, and whether you value the lowest rate, the fastest close, or financing for short-term rentals.
A DSCR (debt service coverage ratio) loan is built for real estate investors. Instead of digging through your tax returns and W-2s, the lender looks at whether the property's rent covers the mortgage payment. That makes DSCR loans a powerful tool for self-employed investors, those scaling a portfolio, or anyone whose tax returns understate their true cash flow. Here are the top lenders in 2026 and how to choose.
## How DSCR loans work — and what counts as a good ratio
DSCR is simple math: divide the property's gross rental income by its total debt payment (principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and any HOA).
- **DSCR of 1.0** — Rent exactly covers the payment (break-even)
- **DSCR above 1.0** — Rent exceeds the payment (positive cash flow)
- **DSCR below 1.0** — Rent falls short of the payment
Most lenders want a DSCR of **1.0 to 1.25**, though some will go below 1.0 with a larger down payment or higher rate. Expect 20–25% down, rates typically a bit above conventional investment-property loans, and credit-score minimums usually around 620–680.
## 1. Kiavi — best for tech-driven, fast closings
Kiavi (formerly LendingHome) is built around a streamlined online platform that appeals to active investors. It offers DSCR rental loans alongside fix-and-flip and bridge financing, with fast pre-qualification and closings.
- **Best for:** Investors who want speed and a digital process
- **Strength:** Fast closings, strong tech, multiple loan types
- **Worth knowing:** Focused on experienced and scaling investors
## 2. Visio Lending — best dedicated rental-loan specialist
Visio focuses specifically on rental and vacation-property loans, including DSCR products for both long-term and short-term rentals. Its singular focus on landlords shows in the process.
- **Best for:** Buy-and-hold and short-term rental investors
- **Strength:** Specialized entirely in rental financing
- **Worth knowing:** Not a fit for owner-occupied purchases
## 3. Lima One Capital — best for portfolio and BRRRR investors
Lima One offers a broad menu — DSCR rental loans, fix-and-flip, new construction, and portfolio loans that bundle multiple properties. It is a strong partner for investors running a full BRRRR strategy.
- **Best for:** Investors scaling or refinancing a portfolio
- **Strength:** Full suite of investor products under one roof
- **Worth knowing:** Geared toward serious, active investors
## 4. Griffin Funding — best for flexible qualifying
Griffin Funding is known for working with a range of borrower situations and offering competitive DSCR terms, including options for lower ratios with compensating factors. Their team-based approach helps with tricky scenarios.
- **Best for:** Borrowers who need underwriting flexibility
- **Strength:** Will structure around lower DSCRs and unique cases
- **Worth knowing:** Terms vary with the strength of the deal
## 5. Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions — best non-QM lender
Angel Oak is a leading non-QM lender, and DSCR loans fit naturally in its lineup. It is a good choice for investors who also want access to bank-statement loans and other alternative-documentation products.
- **Best for:** Self-employed investors using alternative documentation
- **Strength:** Deep non-QM expertise and product range
- **Worth knowing:** Works largely through mortgage brokers
## 6. CoreVest — best for large portfolios and blanket loans
CoreVest specializes in larger investors, offering blanket loans that cover multiple properties under a single loan and credit lines for active buyers. It is built for scale.
- **Best for:** Investors with sizable or growing portfolios
- **Strength:** Blanket loans and portfolio-level financing
- **Worth knowing:** Minimums make it less suited to a first rental
## 7. New Silver — best for fast, automated funding
New Silver uses an automated platform to deliver quick term sheets and funding for DSCR and fix-and-flip loans. It appeals to investors who want instant pricing and a fast path to close.
- **Best for:** Investors who want instant quotes and speed
- **Strength:** Automated underwriting and quick funding
- **Worth knowing:** Best for straightforward, well-defined deals
## What DSCR loans cost in 2026
Pricing reflects the investor-focused, income-flexible nature of these loans:
- **Down payment:** Typically 20–25%, sometimes higher for lower DSCRs
- **Interest rate:** Generally above conventional investment-property rates
- **Credit score:** Most lenders want 620–680 or higher
- **Reserves:** Several months of payments in reserve are common
- **Prepayment penalties:** Many DSCR loans carry them, so read the terms
The stronger the property's cash flow and your credit, the better the rate and the lower the down payment you can negotiate.
## How to choose the right DSCR lender
Start with your strategy. A single buy-and-hold or short-term rental points toward Visio or Kiavi. A growing portfolio favors Lima One or CoreVest. A tricky qualifying situation calls for Griffin Funding or Angel Oak's non-QM flexibility, and a need for speed suits New Silver. Whatever you choose, compare the full cost — rate, points, and prepayment penalty — not just the headline rate, and get quotes from at least two lenders.
## The bottom line
There is no single best DSCR lender for every investor. Kiavi and New Silver lead on speed, Visio specializes in rentals, Lima One and CoreVest are built for portfolios, and Griffin Funding and Angel Oak win on flexible underwriting. Match the lender to your property type and portfolio size, run the DSCR math before you apply, and shop the all-in cost to find the best fit.
*This article is educational and not financial advice. DSCR loan rates, terms, and qualification requirements vary by lender and property and change frequently. Confirm current terms directly with each lender before applying.*
