Easy Street Capital DSCR Review: Best for Investors?

Easy Street Capital has emerged as one of the more flexible DSCR lenders, particularly known for working with investors who don't fit the traditional lending mold. With a willingness to finance properties with DSCR as low as 0.80 and accept various non-traditional income scenarios, Easy Street fills an important gap in the market—but does flexibility come at too high a price?

About Easy Street Capital

Easy Street Capital was founded in 2016 and operates as a nationwide private lender specializing in investment property financing. Based in California, the company has funded over $2 billion in loans since inception, focusing primarily on real estate investors rather than owner-occupants.

Easy Street offers multiple loan products including DSCR rental loans, bridge loans, and hard money loans. Their sweet spot is working with self-employed investors, portfolio builders, and those with complex financial situations that traditional lenders struggle to underwrite.

The company positions itself as the "flexible alternative" to more rigid DSCR lenders, accepting lower credit scores, lower DSCR ratios, and first-time investors—markets that premium lenders like Visio Lending don't serve.

Easy Street DSCR Loan Details

Core Program Features

• Loan amounts: $75,000 to $3 million
• Interest rates: 7.99% - 11.50% (as of Q1 2026)
• Loan terms: 30-year fixed, 7/1 ARM, 10/1 ARM
• DSCR minimum: 0.80 (among the lowest in the industry)
• Credit score minimum: 620 (600 considered with compensating factors)
• Maximum LTV: 80% (75% for DSCR below 1.0)
• Down payment: 20-25%
• Property types: 1-4 units, condos, townhomes, single-family
• Coverage: 40+ states
• Closing timeline: 20-35 days
• Experience required: None

What Makes Easy Street Different

Ultra-Low DSCR Acceptance: The 0.80 DSCR minimum is among the lowest available. Most lenders require 1.0 minimum; Easy Street will finance properties generating only 80% of their debt service from rent.

Credit Flexibility: While the stated minimum is 620, Easy Street has worked with borrowers in the high 500s with large down payments and strong compensating factors.

No Experience Required: First-time rental investors are welcome without rate penalties or additional restrictions.

Complex Income Situations: Easy Street is comfortable with bank statement loans, 1099 income, cryptocurrency gains, and other non-traditional income sources for reserve verification.

Interest Rates and Pricing

Easy Street's rates are higher than premium lenders but competitive within the "flexible underwriting" segment of the market.

Rate Structure

Base Rates by Product:

• 30-year fixed: 7.99% - 11.50%
• 7/1 ARM: 7.49% - 11.00%
• 10/1 ARM: 7.74% - 11.25%

Pricing Adjustments

Credit Score Impact:

• 740+: Base rate (currently 7.99% for strong profile)
• 700-739: +0.50%
• 680-699: +0.75%
• 660-679: +1.00%
• 640-659: +1.50%
• 620-639: +2.00%

The penalties for lower credit are steep but reflect increased risk.

DSCR Impact:

• 1.25+: Base rate
• 1.10-1.24: +0.25%
• 1.00-1.09: +0.50%
• 0.90-0.99: +0.75%
• 0.80-0.89: +1.25%

LTV Impact:

• 60-70% LTV: Base rate
• 70-75% LTV: +0.25%
• 75-80% LTV: +0.50%

Experience Level:

• 5+ rental properties: -0.25%
• 1-4 rental properties: Base rate
• No experience: +0.25%

Unlike Visio which requires experience, Easy Street actually penalizes lack of experience with a rate increase.

Property Type:

• Single-family: Base rate
• 2-unit: +0.125%
• 3-4 unit: +0.25%
• Condo: +0.375%

Fee Structure

Origination: 2-3 points (higher than many competitors)

• Loans under $300K: 3 points
• Loans $300K-$750K: 2.5 points
• Loans $750K+: 2 points (negotiable)

Processing: $750 (not included in origination)

Other Fees:

• Underwriting: Included in origination
• Appraisal: $500-$800
• Credit report: $75
• Document preparation: $350
• Title and escrow: Market rate

Total closing costs typically run 3-4% of loan amount for Easy Street compared to 2-3% for premium lenders.

Prepayment Penalties:

Standard structure: 5-4-3-2-1 (5 years)

• Year 1: 5%
• Year 2: 4%
• Year 3: 3%
• Year 4: 2%
• Year 5: 1%
• Year 6+: None

No-penalty option available for +0.75% rate increase.

Eligibility Requirements

Borrower Criteria

Credit Score: Stated minimum is 620, but approvals in the 600-620 range require:

• 30%+ down payment
• 12+ months reserves
• DSCR above 1.0
• Clean credit for past 24 months

Credit Issues: Easy Street is more forgiving than most lenders on:

• Collections and charge-offs (can be outstanding)
• Previous late payments (30-day lates acceptable if over 12 months old)
• High credit utilization
• Limited credit history

Bankruptcies and Foreclosures:

• Chapter 7 bankruptcy: 3 years from discharge
• Chapter 13 bankruptcy: 1 year from discharge
• Foreclosure: 3 years from completion
• Short sale: 2 years from completion

These are notably shorter than institutional lenders.

Reserves: Vary based on profile:

• Strong credit (720+), high DSCR: 6 months
• Average profile: 9 months
• Weak credit or low DSCR: 12-18 months

Income Verification: None required for DSCR calculation. However, reserves must be verified through bank statements, which indirectly shows income sources.

First-Time Investors: Fully accepted. Easy Street doesn't penalize first rentals beyond the +0.25% rate adjustment.

Property Requirements

Eligible Property Types:

• Single-family homes
• 2-4 unit multifamily
• Condos (warrantable and non-warrantable)
• Townhomes
• PUDs

Property Condition: Must be habitable and rent-ready. Light deferred maintenance is acceptable, but properties requiring significant repairs should use Easy Street's bridge loan product.

Property Age: No maximum, but properties built before 1950 may require additional inspection.

Location: Available in 40+ states. Not available in: Alaska, Hawaii, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and some rural counties.

Occupancy: Must be investment property. No owner-occupied or second homes.

Title Holding: Can be in individual name, LLC, trust, or partnership.

DSCR Calculation

Easy Street uses standard DSCR methodology:

Income: Lower of actual rent or appraised market rent. No vacancy deduction applied.

Expenses: P&I + taxes + insurance + HOA fees

Formula: DSCR = Monthly Rent ÷ Monthly PITIA

Unique Consideration: Easy Street will allow you to use "projected rent" after minor repairs if supported by appraisal, giving flexibility for properties slightly below market rent.

Example of Low DSCR Financing:

• Property value: $400,000
• Purchase price: $380,000
• Down payment: 25% ($95,000)
• Loan amount: $285,000
• Market rent: $2,400/month
• P&I at 9.5%: $2,397
• Taxes: $350
• Insurance: $150
• Total PITIA: $2,897
• DSCR: $2,400 ÷ $2,897 = 0.83

Most lenders would decline this. Easy Street approves it with 25% down and compensating factors.

Application Process

Timeline

Days 1-2: Application

• Online application (20-30 minutes)
• Soft credit pull
• Initial property evaluation
• Preliminary quote provided

Days 2-7: Documentation Upload required documents:

• Photo ID
• 3-6 months bank statements (reserves)
• Lease agreement or rent roll
• Insurance declaration
• Purchase contract or current mortgage statement
• LLC documents (if applicable)

Days 7-14: Appraisal

• Easy Street orders appraisal
• Full inspection with rental analysis
• Typical turnaround 5-8 business days

Days 14-21: Underwriting

• Underwriting review
• Conditional approval issued
• Conditions typically include: proof of insurance, updated reserves, entity docs

Days 21-28: Clear to Close

• Borrower submits final conditions
• Final underwriting approval
• Clear to close issued

Days 28-35: Closing

• Title work completed
• Closing scheduled
• Documents signed
• Funding 1-2 days after signing

Average Timeline: 30-35 days, slightly longer than faster lenders but reasonable given the flexibility.

Pros of Easy Street Capital

1. Exceptional Flexibility on DSCR

The 0.80 DSCR minimum opens doors in markets where cash flow is tight but appreciation is strong (coastal California, Seattle, etc.). This is Easy Street's biggest differentiator.

2. Low Credit Score Acceptance

Working with borrowers down to 620 (or lower with compensating factors) serves a market segment that premium lenders exclude.

3. Short Bankruptcy/Foreclosure Seasoning

3-year waiting periods vs. 4-5 years at institutional lenders gives investors with past issues faster access to capital.

4. No Experience Required

First-time rental investors can access DSCR financing without being forced into higher-cost hard money loans.

5. Flexible Reserve Requirements

While reserves are required, Easy Street accepts non-traditional verification including crypto holdings, stock portfolios, and business accounts.

6. Non-Warrantable Condo Acceptance

Many lenders only finance warrantable condos. Easy Street accepts non-warrantable with pricing adjustments, opening more inventory.

7. Projected Rent Consideration

Ability to use post-repair rent values (with documentation) helps investors identify value-add opportunities.

8. Entity Flexibility

Comfortable with LLCs, trusts, partnerships, and complex ownership structures without excessive documentation requirements.

9. Portfolio Loan Options

Investors with multiple Easy Street loans can access portfolio pricing and streamlined processing.

10. Responsive Customer Service

Borrowers report good communication and reasonable responsiveness, important when working through complex scenarios.

Cons of Easy Street Capital

1. Significantly Higher Rates

Rates are 0.75-2.00% higher than premium lenders. For a strong borrower (740 credit, 1.25 DSCR), you're paying a premium for flexibility you don't need.

2. High Origination Fees

At 2-3 points, fees are among the highest in the DSCR space. On a $300,000 loan, that's $6,000-$9,000 upfront.

3. Steep Prepayment Penalties

5 years at 5-4-3-2-1 is longer and steeper than most competitors. Refinancing out in year 3 costs 3% of the balance ($9,000 on a $300,000 loan).

4. Limited Geographic Coverage

Not available in all 50 states, limiting options for investors in excluded states.

5. Higher Total Costs

Between high rates, high fees, and long prepayment penalties, Easy Street is one of the most expensive DSCR options for borrowers who could qualify elsewhere.

6. Slower Processing Than Advertised

While marketed as "fast," actual closing times of 30-35 days are average at best, not particularly quick.

7. Inconsistent Underwriting

Some borrowers report that underwriting decisions can be unpredictable, with similar files getting different treatment.

8. Limited Loan Amounts

$3 million maximum is lower than many competitors who go to $5M or higher.

Easy Street vs. Competitors

vs. New Silver

Flexibility: Both very flexible; New Silver slightly more so (accepts 0.75 DSCR)
Rates: New Silver typically 0.25-0.50% lower
Fees: New Silver lower (1.5-3 points vs. 2-3 points)
Verdict: New Silver generally better unless Easy Street provides better quote for your specific situation

vs. Kiavi

Flexibility: Easy Street more flexible on credit; similar on DSCR
Rates: Kiavi 0.50-1.00% lower for qualified borrowers
Speed: Kiavi faster (15-20 days)
Verdict: Kiavi better for 680+ credit; Easy Street for 620-680 credit range

vs. Lima One

Credit Requirements: Easy Street much more flexible (620 vs. 660)
Rates: Lima One 0.75-1.50% lower
DSCR Minimum: Easy Street lower (0.80 vs. 1.0)
Verdict: Lima One for 660+ credit; Easy Street for below 660 or very low DSCR

vs. Visio Lending

Experience: Visio requires experience; Easy Street doesn't
Rates: Visio 1.00-2.00% lower
Credit Minimum: Visio 680 vs. Easy Street 620
Verdict: Totally different markets; Visio for experienced + strong credit; Easy Street for first-timers or weak credit

Who Should Use Easy Street Capital?

Ideal Candidates

Credit-Challenged Investors (620-680 FICO): If your credit prevents qualification with premium lenders, Easy Street may be your best option that isn't hard money.

Low-DSCR Property Investors: Buying in markets like San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Seattle where monthly cash flow is minimal but equity growth is strong.

First-Time Rental Investors: Who can't access Visio or other experience-required lenders and don't want hard money rates.

Recent Bankruptcy/Foreclosure: If you're 3 years out from bankruptcy but not yet at the 4-5 years most lenders require.

Complex Financial Situations: Self-employed with messy tax returns, cryptocurrency income, or other non-traditional situations.

Non-Warrantable Condo Investors: When traditional lenders won't touch the condo association structure.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Strong Credit Borrowers (700+): You're overpaying significantly. Get quotes from Visio, Lima One, or Kiavi.

Experienced Investors with Good Deals: If you have 680+ credit, 1.1+ DSCR, and investment experience, you can get 1-2% lower rates elsewhere.

Cost-Sensitive Investors: If you're operating on thin margins, the high rates and fees will destroy your returns.

Speed-Critical Buyers: 30-35 days isn't slow, but it's not fast either. Other options exist for rapid closings.

Tips for Working with Easy Street

1. Shop Extensively First

Get quotes from at least 3-4 other lenders before choosing Easy Street. You might be surprised to find you qualify for better terms than expected.

2. Negotiate Fees on Larger Loans

On loans above $500K, push back on the 2.5-3 point origination. Target 2 points or less.

3. Consider the Prepayment Penalty Math

Calculate whether the no-penalty option (adding 0.75% to rate) makes sense based on your likely hold period and refinance plans.

4. Maximize Down Payment if Possible

Getting LTV below 75% can improve rates by 0.25-0.50%, often worth the extra capital.

5. Work on Credit Simultaneously

If you're at 625, take 6-12 months to reach 680+ and access dramatically better rates. The delay might cost less than the rate premium.

6. Document Reserves Cleanly

Provide clear, complete bank statements. Messy documentation slows underwriting and can lead to higher reserve requirements.

7. Have an Exit Strategy

Given the high costs, have a plan to refinance into cheaper financing within 2-3 years as your credit improves or DSCR increases.

8. Use for Deals Others Won't Finance

Easy Street makes the most sense for properties or situations where you literally can't get approved elsewhere. For anything standard, cheaper options exist.

Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1: Credit-Challenged First-Timer

• Profile: 635 credit, no rental experience, self-employed
• Property: Single-family, $250K purchase, $1,900 rent, DSCR 0.95
• Loan: 75% LTV, 30-year fixed at 10.25%, 3 points origination
• Verdict: Approved where others declined. High cost but access to capital not otherwise available. Plan to refinance in 2 years after building history.

Scenario 2: Low-DSCR Appreciation Play

• Profile: 700 credit, 2 existing rentals, buying in expensive market
• Property: Condo, $480K purchase, $2,800 rent, DSCR 0.82
• Loan: 75% LTV, 30-year fixed at 9.50%, 2.5 points origination
• Verdict: Property works for long-term appreciation but cash flow is tight. Easy Street's 0.80 minimum makes the deal possible. Should consider 7/1 ARM to lower payment.

Scenario 3: Recent Bankruptcy

• Profile: 680 credit, Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharged 3.5 years ago, experienced investor
• Property: Duplex, $340K purchase, $2,900 rent, DSCR 1.15
• Loan: 80% LTV, 30-year fixed at 9.00%, 2.5 points origination
• Verdict: Approved at Easy Street; still 6 months away from qualifying at institutional lenders. Rate is high but timing works. Could refinance in 6-12 months with Lima One or Kiavi for ~1% rate reduction.

The Bottom Line

Rating: 3.3/5

Easy Street Capital serves an important niche: investors who don't fit traditional boxes but aren't ready to pay hard money rates. The flexibility on credit, DSCR, and experience opens doors for borrowers excluded elsewhere.

However, that flexibility comes at a significant cost. Rates are 1-2% higher than premium lenders, fees are steep, and prepayment penalties are long and punitive.

Use Easy Street when:

• Your credit is 620-680
• Your property DSCR is 0.80-0.99
• You've had bankruptcy/foreclosure within past 3-5 years
• You're a first-time rental investor excluded from experience-required lenders
• You literally cannot get approved anywhere else

Avoid Easy Street when:

• Your credit is 680+
• Your DSCR is 1.0+
• You have rental property experience
• You can qualify for conventional or premium DSCR financing
• You're margin-sensitive and the high costs will destroy returns

Final Thoughts

Easy Street Capital is best understood as a bridge solution—not your permanent financing but a way to get into a deal when better options aren't available. The smart play is often:

1. Use Easy Street to acquire the property
2. Build rental history and improve credit
3. Refinance within 2-3 years into cheaper financing
4. Treat the high costs as the price of access

If you fit this profile and understand you're paying a premium for flexibility, Easy Street can be a valuable tool. Just don't mistake it for a long-term financing solution when you could qualify for better terms elsewhere.

For investors with credit challenges, first rentals, or marginal cash flow properties, Easy Street lives up to its name: an easier path to financing, even if it's not the cheapest street to take.