Best DSCR Lenders in 2026: Honest Reviews and Comparisons

Finding the right DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) lender can make or break your investment property deal. Unlike traditional mortgages that scrutinize your personal income and tax returns, DSCR loans qualify you based on the rental income the property generates. This makes them invaluable for real estate investors with complex tax situations, multiple properties, or income from self-employment.

After analyzing dozens of DSCR lenders, we've identified the best options across different investor needs. This guide breaks down what actually matters: rates, minimum DSCR requirements, credit standards, loan-to-value ratios, and how quickly they close.

What Makes a DSCR Lender "Best"?

Before diving into specific lenders, understand what separates exceptional DSCR lenders from mediocre ones:

Competitive Rates: DSCR loans typically run 0.5-2% higher than conventional mortgages, but the best lenders minimize this premium while offering rate flexibility based on your DSCR and down payment.

Flexible DSCR Requirements: Some lenders work with DSCR ratios below 1.0 (meaning the property doesn't fully cover the mortgage payment), while others require 1.25 or higher. The more flexible, the better for investors buying value-add properties.

Reasonable Credit Minimums: Top lenders accept credit scores as low as 640-660, making DSCR loans accessible to more investors than conventional financing.

Portfolio Lending Options: The best lenders don't immediately sell your loan to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Portfolio lenders keep loans on their books, allowing more underwriting flexibility.

Speed and Communication: Real estate deals move fast. Lenders that close in 20-30 days and provide responsive communication are worth their weight in gold.

Top DSCR Lenders for 2026

1. Visio Lending

Best For: Experienced investors seeking competitive rates and fast closings

Visio Lending has built a reputation as one of the most investor-friendly DSCR lenders in the market. They specialize exclusively in rental property financing, which means their entire operation is optimized for what investors actually need.

Key Features:

• Minimum credit score: 660
• DSCR as low as 0.75 accepted
• Loan amounts up to $3 million
• Closing in as fast as 15 days
• LTV up to 80% (with strong credit and DSCR)

Rates: Currently 6.75-8.25% depending on DSCR, credit score, and down payment. Their rate sheets update daily based on market conditions.

Pros: Lightning-fast closings, experienced with out-of-state investors, excellent online portal for tracking loan progress, accepts recently purchased properties for cash-out refinances (6 months seasoning).

Cons: Slightly higher rates if your DSCR falls below 1.0, prepayment penalties on some loan products (though they offer no-penalty options).

2. Kiavi (formerly LendingHome)

Best For: Fix-and-flip investors transitioning to long-term rentals

Kiavi started as a hard money lender but has expanded into competitive DSCR products. Their experience with investors shows in their underwriting flexibility and understanding of renovation projects.

Key Features:

• Minimum credit score: 660
• DSCR as low as 1.0
• Loan amounts up to $3 million
• Bridge-to-DSCR programs available
• LTV up to 80%

Rates: 7.00-8.50% with options for rate buydowns

Pros: Excellent for investors who started with their bridge loans, will finance properties currently under renovation (with completion timeline), strong technology platform, relationship pricing for repeat borrowers.

Cons: Less flexible on sub-1.0 DSCR than some competitors, slightly longer processing times (25-35 days typical).

3. Truss Financial Group

Best For: Investors with lower credit scores or unique property types

Truss built their business on saying "yes" when other lenders say "no." They're particularly strong with investors who have credit events in their past or properties that don't fit conventional molds.

Key Features:

• Minimum credit score: 640
• DSCR as low as 0.75
• Loan amounts up to $2.5 million
• Accepts non-warrantable condos
• Foreign national programs available
• LTV up to 80%

Rates: 7.25-9.00%, with the higher end for challenged credit or low DSCR

Pros: Most flexible credit requirements among major DSCR lenders, will work with recent bankruptcies (24+ months discharged), accepts unique property types including manufactured homes on land, excellent for foreign investors.

Cons: Rates run slightly higher than competitors, longer closing times (30-40 days), may require larger reserves.

4. Lima One Capital

Best For: Investors building large portfolios with multiple simultaneous purchases

Lima One understands scale. If you're buying multiple properties or have ambitious growth plans, their portfolio approach and investor-centric policies make them exceptional.

Key Features:

• Minimum credit score: 660
• DSCR as low as 1.0
• Loan amounts up to $4 million (higher available for strong borrowers)
• Portfolio pricing for 10+ properties financed
• LTV up to 80%

Rates: 6.50-8.00%, with significant rate breaks for portfolio borrowers

Pros: No limit on number of financed properties, excellent for investors with 10+ properties, will finance newly purchased properties immediately (no seasoning), strong construction-to-permanent programs, responsive account management for portfolio clients.

Cons: Less competitive for single-property investors, minimum loan amount $75,000, stricter on DSCR requirements than some competitors.

5. CoreVest

Best For: Investors seeking the most competitive rates with strong financials

CoreVest caters to investors with excellent credit, healthy reserves, and properties with strong rental income. If you check all the boxes, they offer some of the lowest DSCR rates available.

Key Features:

• Minimum credit score: 680
• DSCR minimum: 1.1
• Loan amounts up to $5 million
• LTV up to 80%
• 30-year fixed and 5/1 ARM options

Rates: 6.25-7.50% for well-qualified borrowers

Pros: Most competitive rates for strong borrowers, streamlined process with good technology, flexible on property types, strong ARM products for investors planning to refinance or sell.

Cons: Stricter qualification requirements, less flexible on credit or DSCR, slower on communication compared to smaller lenders.

6. RCN Capital

Best For: New investors making their first DSCR purchase

RCN Capital provides more hand-holding than most DSCR lenders, making them ideal if you're transitioning from owner-occupied properties to investment real estate.

Key Features:

• Minimum credit score: 660
• DSCR as low as 1.0
• Loan amounts up to $2.5 million
• First-time investor programs
• LTV up to 80%

Rates: 7.00-8.25%

Pros: Educational resources and guidance for newer investors, flexible on seasoning requirements, will finance recent property purchases (3-month seasoning), strong customer service with dedicated loan officers.

Cons: Slightly higher rates than competitors for similar profiles, requires more documentation than some portfolio lenders, closing times run 30-40 days.

7. Anchor Loans

Best For: California investors and those seeking local expertise

While Anchor operates nationally, their California roots show in their understanding of high-cost markets and competitive products for West Coast investors.

Key Features:

• Minimum credit score: 640
• DSCR as low as 0.75
• Loan amounts up to $3.5 million
• Strong in high-cost areas
• LTV up to 80%

Rates: 6.75-8.50%

Pros: Excellent for expensive markets, competitive in California where few lenders operate efficiently, flexible underwriting, strong construction loan products for value-add investors.

Cons: Less competitive outside high-cost markets, relationship-dependent pricing means best deals for repeat customers.

How DSCR Requirements Affect Your Options

The DSCR ratio is calculated by dividing the property's monthly rental income by its total monthly debt obligations (mortgage payment, taxes, insurance, HOA fees). A DSCR of 1.25 means the property generates 25% more income than required to service the debt.

DSCR Above 1.25: You'll qualify with nearly any DSCR lender and receive the best rates. Consider CoreVest or Lima One for the most competitive pricing.

DSCR Between 1.0-1.25: Still strong qualification territory. Visio Lending and Kiavi offer competitive rates in this range without excessive premiums.

DSCR Between 0.75-1.0: The property doesn't fully cover its debt service, but many lenders still work with you. Expect to put more money down (25-30%) and pay higher rates. Truss Financial and Anchor Loans are most flexible here.

DSCR Below 0.75: Very few DSCR lenders operate in this range. You'll likely need hard money or bridge financing until you can increase rents or refinance into better terms.

Credit Score Impact on DSCR Loans

Unlike conventional mortgages where credit scores dramatically affect rates, DSCR lenders focus more on the property's performance. However, credit still matters:

680+: Best rates and terms available, all lenders compete for your business.

660-679: Slight rate premium (typically 0.25-0.50%), still strong access to quality lenders.

640-659: Rate premiums of 0.50-1.00%, more limited lender options. Truss Financial and Anchor Loans are your best bets.

Below 640: Very few DSCR options. Consider hard money financing to stabilize the property, then refinance once credit improves.

Loan-to-Value Ratios and Down Payments

Most DSCR lenders offer up to 80% LTV, meaning you'll need at least 20% down. However, actual LTV varies based on:

• Credit score: Higher scores unlock higher LTV
• DSCR ratio: Properties with DSCR above 1.25 qualify for 80% LTV more easily
• Reserves: Lenders want to see 6-12 months of reserves (PITI) per property
• Experience: First-time investors may be limited to 75% LTV

Some lenders offer up to 85% LTV for exceptional borrowers (720+ credit, 1.3+ DSCR, strong reserves), but expect significantly higher rates.

Making Your Decision

The "best" DSCR lender depends entirely on your specific situation:

Choose Visio Lending if you need speed and have solid credit and DSCR ratios above 1.0.

Choose Kiavi if you're already in their ecosystem with bridge loans or appreciate strong technology.

Choose Truss Financial if you have credit challenges or unique properties that conventional lenders reject.

Choose Lima One if you're scaling a portfolio and need a lender that grows with you.

Choose CoreVest if you have strong financials and want the absolute best rates.

Choose RCN Capital if you're new to investment property lending and want guidance.

Choose Anchor Loans if you're investing in California or other high-cost markets.

Start by getting quotes from 3-4 lenders. DSCR loan rates and terms vary significantly, and the landscape shifts monthly based on investor appetite and market conditions. The lender offering the best rate today may not be competitive next month.

Focus on the total cost of the loan over your anticipated hold period, not just the interest rate. A slightly higher rate with no prepayment penalty beats a lower rate that costs you thousands to exit early.

Most importantly, choose a lender with experience in DSCR loans specifically. Your brother's conventional mortgage broker probably can't help you here—DSCR lending is a specialized field requiring specialized expertise.