DSCR Guidelines
Compare DSCR Loan Requirements, Guidelines & Program Options
The DSCR marketplace is made up of dozens of lenders, each with slightly different guidelines. At Crestmark Lending, we compare the top national DSCR programs and match you to the best option based on your:
- Property type
- DSCR ratio
- Credit score
- Loan amount
- Long-term or short-term rental income
- LLC or personal title
- Cash-out or purchase scenario
The information below outlines general DSCR loan requirements and eligibility, providing a snapshot of typical program ranges and underwriting guidelines.
DSCR Loan Eligibility Guidelines
Exact DSCR lender guidelines vary — we shop them for you and select the best match.
Credit Score Requirements
Program Type
Standard DSCR
STR/Airbnb DSCR
Low DSCR (<1.0)
Multi-Family (2–8 units)
Minimum FICO
620–660+
640–660+
660+
660+
Best Pricing FICO
700+
700+
700+
700+
DSCR Ratio Requirements
Scenario
Strong cash flow
Standard approval
Limited cash flow
Break-even (0.00–0.74)
Typical Minimum DSCR
1.20+
1.00–1.19
0.75–0.99
Case-by-case
Notes
Best pricing & smoothest approval
Most common range
Higher rates / lower LTV
Few lenders offer; higher reserves
Maximum LTV Limits
Transaction Type
Purchase
Rate & Term Refi
Cash-Out Refi
DSCR < 1.0
Condos / Non-Warrantable
Max LTV
Up to 80%
Up to 75–80%
Up to 75–80%
Typically 65–70%
65–75%
Loan Amount Limits
Program Type
Standard DSCR
High-Balance DSCR
Portfolio Loans
Small Multi-Family
Loan Size
$75,000 – $3,000,000
Up to $5,000,000
No hard limit (cross-collateral available)
Up to $3–8M depending on units
Property Types Eligible
Property Type
Single-Family (1 unit)
Condo / Townhome
Non-Warrantable Condo
Duplex, Triplex, Fourplex
Multi-Family 5–8 Units
Condotel
New Construction STR
Mobile/Manufactured
Eligible?
✔
✔
✔ (case-by-case)
✔
✔ (select lenders)
Possible (case-by-case)
Possible (lender dependent)
Limited (case-by-case)
Reserve Requirements
Loan Size / Profile
Strong DSCR + High FICO
Standard DSCR
DSCR < 1.0 or STR
Portfolio Loans
Reserves
3–6 months
6 months
9–12 months
12+ months
Prepayment Penalty Options
Prepay Structure
5-Year Standard
3-Year Stepdown
1-Year
No Prepay
Available?
✔
✔
✔
✔
Notes
Lowest rate
Common
Higher rate
Highest rate (rarely used)
Eligible Borrower Structures
Borrower Type
Individual / Personal Name
LLC
Corporation (S-Corp/C-Corp)
Partnership
Trust
Foreign National
Eligible?
✔
✔
✔
✔
Possible (case-by-case)
✔ (special programs)
Income Documentation Accepted
Income Type
Long-term lease
DSCR Market Rent (Form 1007)
Actual Airbnb / VRBO income
Projected STR income
Personal income docs
Accepted
✔
✔
✔
✔
❌
Notes
Most common
Used for LTR
Uses STR income history
Appraisal-based or AirDNA
Not required
This DSCR Loan Guideline shows the current underwriting guidelines from major DSCR lenders across the market. Requirements vary by lender, property type, and borrower profile. Use this guide to compare LTVs, credit score minimums, reserve requirements, DSCR ratios, STR eligibility, and more.