7 Best Property Investment Loans [2023]

 by Amresh Singh

·

Updated on May 4, 2023·
13 min read

If you’re considering buying an investment property but need help knowing where to start with financing, you’re not alone. Obtaining property investment loans can sometimes seem overwhelming, with many options available and varying requirements to meet. So, here is a detailed guide on investment properties to help you know, compare and choose the best loan program for you.

In this guide, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the best real estate investment loans, including the different types of loans available, their eligibility requirements, and the pros and cons of each option. By the end of this guide, you’ll better understand the loan options and be better equipped to make an informed decision.

What is a Property Investment Loan?

An investment property loan is a mortgage used to purchase a property not intended for personal use but rather for generating income through rent, future sales, or both.

Now, look at the best investment property loans available in 2023 that can offer you the most significant benefits.

7 Best Real Estate Investment Loans- Their Requirements, Pros, and Cons

Here is a list of the best property investment loans. This list will enable you to evaluate and differentiate various investment property loans available and decide the best one that suits your needs.

1. DSCR Loan

DSCR stands for Debt Service Coverage Ratio, is a financial metric used to determine a borrower’s ability to repay a loan through the cash flow generated by a property. It is calculated by dividing the property’s net operating income by its total debt service, including principal and interest payments.

So, if the DSCR ratio is equal to 1, it means that the property is generating sufficient income to cover its mortgage payments.

If the ratio is below 1, it implies that the property is not generating sufficient income to cover its debt.

Lenders typically use this ratio to evaluate the risk of lending money to borrowers and make informed decisions about loan approvals and terms.

Connect with the Best DSCR Lenders

Get quotes from multiple lenders to compare and pick the best one!

Requirements/Qualifications

• A strong Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) is typically required, with a minimum ratio of 1.
• Lenders may impose a maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of 75% to 80%, meaning the loan amount cannot exceed 75% to 80% of the property’s appraised value.
• To determine the worth of the property, the lender will ask for an appraisal.
• A credit score of 620 or higher is required to qualify for a DSCR loan.
• To qualify for a DSCR loan, lenders typically mandate a down payment that ranges from 20% to 25% of the total loan amount.

Pros

• The most significant advantage of a DSCR loan is that it passes the property’s cash flow and rental income rather than the borrower’s income. Hence the lenders do not require the borrower’s employment history, proof of income, or tax returns. Instead, lenders solely evaluate the positive cash flow that the property generates.
• Since DSCR loans are primarily based on the property’s cash flow, the lender can focus on reviewing the property’s financials and rental income rather than the borrower’s financials. This can lead to faster processing times and a quicker closing.
• DSCR loans do not bind borrowers to a single property; instead offer the flexibility to purchase multiple properties. This feature enables investors to expand their investment portfolios faster.

Cons

• DSCR loans often come with higher interest rates when compared to conventional loans, as they involve a greater degree of risk.
• Lenders may limit the amount of money that can be borrowed through a DSCR loan, which could be a drawback for borrowers who need more substantial financing.

Learn more about DSCR loans here!

2. Asset-Based Loan

An asset-based loan is a type of loan that is secured by assets that the borrower pledges as collateral. The assets may include accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, or real estate.

Asset-based loans cater to borrowers with significant assets but possibly limited income or employment track records. As a result, these borrowers may not need to present standard income verification or adhere to debt-to-income (DTI) ratio criteria.

It is important to remember that private mortgage lenders offer asset-based mortgages, which may have different eligibility criteria, features, and requirements depending on the lender.

Connect with the Best Asset-Based Loan Lenders

Get quotes from multiple lenders to compare and pick the best one!

Requirements/Qualifications

• The lenders require you to have substantial assets that can be pledged as collateral, such as inventory, accounts receivable, equipment, or real estate.
• The lender may also require the borrower to have certain insurance policies, such as property or liability insurance, to protect the collateral.
• A down payment of 20-25% is required.
• Having a good credit score is a plus.
• Lenders usually mandate the borrowers to submit financial statements such as balance sheets, cash flow statements, and income statements to evaluate the business’s financial condition.

Pros

• Easy to qualify for than traditional mortgages.
• Faster approval as the collateral serves as a guarantee for the loan.
• Investors with limited cash flow can secure financing through asset-based loans, as the collateral can guarantee the loan.

Cons

• To safeguard the collateral against loss or damage, the lenders might need you to maintain insurance coverage.
• The loan amount is limited by the value of the collateral, which may be insufficient for your financial needs.
• In case of default, the lender can cease and sell the collateral.
• Asset-based loans may have higher interest rates or fees due to the additional risk involved.

For more information on the Asset-based loans guide.

3. Conventional Mortgages

Conventional mortgage loans are one of the most popular forms of financing for real estate investors. It’s an excellent option for investors with enough capital to make a down payment.

However, conventional mortgages are govt-backed mortgages, and you need complete documentation like paystubs, employment history, debt-to-income ratio, asset info, etc. So, if you have the ideal financial documents, then you can opt for this mortgage loan.

Comparing different lenders before applying for a conventional mortgage loan is always advisable. It will help you get the best terms available and ensure you get the most out of your investment loan.

Connect with the Best Conventional Mortgage Lenders

Get quotes from multiple lenders to compare and pick the best one!

Requirements/Qualifications

• A credit score of 620 or higher is required to qualify for conventional mortgage loans.
• A down payment of 3%-20% is usually required for conventional mortgages.
• Lenders will look at your debt-to-income ratio, which is the amount of debt you have compared to your income. Typically, lenders prefer a debt-to-income ratio of 43% or lower.

Pros

• Borrowers with a credit score of 740 or higher can obtain the most favorable loan terms for a conventional loan, which can eventually result in lower interest rates.
• Conventional mortgages offer various terms and options, such as adjustable or fixed rates and different repayment periods, allowing borrowers to choose what works best.
• Conventional mortgages are generally offered as fixed-rate products, meaning that after the borrower has locked in an interest rate, their payment will remain constant for the duration of the loan.

Cons

• Conventional mortgages tend to have stricter debt-to-income requirements, meaning borrowers may need a lower debt-to-income ratio to qualify for a loan.
• Conventional mortgages typically require larger down payments than government-backed loans.

4. Hard Money Loan

In 2023, you can consider hard money lenders as an option for investment properties. Hard money loans are short-term financing options that are backed by real estate assets. Typically, these loans require less paperwork and can be approved quickly compared to traditional mortgage loans. Hard money loans’ terms and interest rates vary depending on the lender and the borrower’s credit history and collateral. Generally, they are approved based on the value of the investment property rather than your credit score.

The main benefit of a hard money loan is that it can provide access to funds faster than other methods, such as a bank loan or equity financing. It is also an ideal option for individuals who may not qualify for a bank loan due to their credit score or lack of income. Additionally, since the loan amount is based on the payments from an investment property, it can be used as leverage for purchasing additional properties with little or no out-of-pocket cost upfront.

Connect with the Best Hard Money Mortgage Lenders

Get quotes from multiple lenders to compare and pick the best one!

It is important to remember that though hard money loans are investment property loans, they are not beginner friendly and often come with higher interest rates and risks. So choose wisely!

Requirements/Qualifications

• Hard money lenders may require the borrower to have a minimum income level or proof of income to demonstrate their ability to repay the loan.
• Typically, hard money lenders expect the borrowers to make a down payment ranging from 20% – 30% of the property’s value.
• Hard money lenders generally expect a loan-to-value ratio of at least 70% to 80%.

Pros

• The property’s market value as collateral is more important than the borrower’s creditworthiness.
• Hard money loans offer more flexible terms than conventional loans.
• A good alternative if you can’t qualify for traditional mortgages.

Cons

• The repayment period for a hard money loan is typically limited to a few months to a few years, meaning that the borrower must repay the loan within this timeframe.
• Hard money loans charge higher interest rates than traditional loans. It is due to the increased risk that lenders are taking on.

5. No-Doc Mortgage

A no-doc mortgage is a type of loan that does not require the borrower to provide documentation of their income, assets, or employment history. No-doc mortgage does not ask for documents; typical mortgage lenders ask. No-doc mortgage lenders use other documents like bank statements to assess your creditworthiness. The lender assesses the borrower’s ability to repay the loan based on the information provided by the borrower, including self-reported income and assets.

No-doc mortgages typically come with higher interest rates but flexible terms than traditional ones. If you don’t have the traditional documents for loan qualification, then this could be an excellent option for you.

Connect with the Best No-Doc Mortgage Lenders

Get quotes from multiple lenders to compare and pick the best one!

Requirements/Qualifications

• Lenders often require a credit score of 700 or higher from the borrowers.
• Borrowers may be required to make a sizeable down payment of 30%-40% which is higher than usual.
• Borrowers may need significant cash reserves to show that they can repay the loan amount.

Pros

• No-doc mortgages can be an excellent option for those who need to purchase an investment property quickly but cannot qualify for other types of loans.
• Extensive paperwork to support borrowers’ claims is not required for these loans.

Cons

• Borrowers may require a credit score of 700 or higher due to the risk they pose compared to conventional mortgage loans.
• A higher down payment may be required, often in the 30-40% range.
• Interest rates may vary depending on the investment lenders, but you may require to pay a higher interest rate than conventional loans.

If you’re interested in learning more about no-doc mortgages, be sure to refer to our comprehensive guide on no-doc mortgages.

6. Bank Statement Loan

A Bank statement loan is a type of loan that allows people to qualify for a loan who are self-employed or people with a non-traditional source of income to qualify for a loan.

As the name suggests, people can use their bank statements as proof of income instead of producing traditional documentation such as their pay stubs or tax returns. This type of loan is typically utilized by small business owners, freelancers, or those with irregular income.

Connect with the Best Bank Statement Mortgage Lenders

Get quotes from multiple lenders to compare and pick the best one!

Requirements/Qualifications

• Borrowers must show their bank statements for several months (e.g., 12-24 months) to verify their income.
• The down payment can vary depending on the lender but typically falls within the range of 20-25%.
• Borrowers’ debt-to-income ratio, which is their monthly debt payments divided by their gross monthly income, is also essential.

Pros

• A Bank statement loan is an excellent alternative to conventional mortgage loans.
• Bank statement loans can be processed more quickly when compared to traditional mortgages. This is because fewer documents are required in bank statement loans, which is why they can be processed promptly.

Cons

• Not all lenders offer bank statement loans. It would be best if you do some research to find the lenders offering bank statement loans. HomeAbroad can help you here. We can connect you with the best bank statement mortgage lenders to save you from tiresome research and give you a head start.
• Bank statement loans may come with interest rates 1-2% higher than those for conventional mortgages.
• A bank statement loan requires a 20-25% down payment. This may be even higher if the borrower has a low credit score.

Here is the guide for more information on Bank statement loans.

7. Self-Employed Mortgage Loans

A self-employed mortgage loan is designed specifically for self-employed individuals who may find it challenging to qualify for a conventional mortgage. Self-employed borrowers may have fluctuating income or irregular cash flow. Hence they may be unable to produce the steady income documentation that traditional lenders require.

Instead, self-employed mortgage loans take into account the borrower’s business income. To establish creditworthiness and verify income, borrowers may need to provide business financial statements, bank statements, or other documentation. This type of loan is often preferred by entrepreneurs, freelancers, or small business owners who have a reliable income but lack the traditional documentation required for a standard mortgage.

Connect with the Best Self-Employed Mortgage Lenders

Get quotes from multiple lenders to compare and pick the best one!

It is important to remember that private mortgage lenders offer self-employed mortgages, and they may have different eligibility criteria, features, and requirements depending on the lender.

Requirements/Qualifications

• A good credit score of at least 620 is required.
• A down payment of 20-25% is required.
• As the name suggests, you must be self-employed or own a business to qualify for a self-employed mortgage loan.
• Business financial statements, bank statements, or other documentation showing your business income is necessary.

Pros

• Self-employed mortgages give flexibility to individuals who may not have traditional income documentation. This allows the borrowers to qualify for a mortgage based on their business income.
• Self-employed borrowers may be able to deduct mortgage interest and other expenses related to the property on their taxes, which may eventually lower their tax liability.
• Self-employed borrowers may be able to qualify for more money than they would be able to with a traditional mortgage loan.

Cons

• Self-employed mortgage loans may come with higher interest rates when compared to traditional mortgages.
• Self-employed borrowers may need more documentation to verify their income and creditworthiness.

Want to know more about self-employed mortgage loans? Here is a complete guide to it.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Investment Property Loan

When choosing property investment loans, you have to consider some factors. These factors include:

• Your credit score: Your credit score will play a significant role in determining the type and amount of loan you qualify for. It would be best to meet a minimum credit score for an investment property loan. Generally, lenders prefer borrowers to have a credit score of 620 or higher to qualify for an investment property loan. The higher your credit score, the better terms you can expect from mortgage lenders.
• Down payment: The larger the down payment amount you are willing to put up, the lower the interest rate and other fees associated with your loan may be. Additionally, larger down payments may give you access to better repayment terms and conditions than those with smaller or no down payments.
• Interest rate: The interest rate of your loan decide how much you pay in interest over the life of the loan. Hence it is essential to choose a loan with a competitive rate.
• Repayment terms and conditions: The loan term refers to the length of time over which you will be making payments and paying interest on the chosen loan. A shorter loan term means you will pay less interest overall, but your monthly payment will be higher. A longer loan term, on the other hand, means lower monthly payments but more interest paid over time. So think and choose wisely!
• Comparing different lenders: It is always advisable to compare other lenders before applying for an investment property loan, as it helps you to get the best terms available.
• Reputation of the lender: It is crucial to consider the credibility of the mortgage lender when choosing an investment property loan. They should have a good track record of providing quality services and fair loan terms. You can check online reviews or ask your friends and family to find the best mortgage lender. You can also connect with HomeAbroad to find trustworthy and highly-rated mortgage lenders for your needs.
• Cash flow from the investment property: The cash flow generated from the investment property should be good enough to cover your loan payments and other expenses. This is an essential factor to consider when choosing an investment property loan.

Connect with the best investment property loan lenders.

Conclusion

Choosing the best investment property loan is essential for the success of a real estate investment. It is always better to evaluate the lender’s reputation, interest rate, and terms and conditions before applying for an investment property loan.

Conducting a thorough real estate market analysis is also essential to understand the potential income your investment property could generate. With careful planning and consideration, you can generate a stable source of income and secure your future!

HomeAbroad can help you connect with the most suitable lenders based on your requirements.

Connect with the best investment property loan lenders.

Frequently Asked Question

About the author:

Amresh Singh is the founder & CEO of HomeAbroad and has an extensive 12+ years of experience in the financial services and mortgage industry – building business development and product strategy and leading customer strategy
in the financial services industry domain.

Prior to co-founding HomeAbroad, Amresh has worked for one of
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