Securing the right financing for rental properties is essential for building a profitable real estate portfolio. Whether you’re a seasoned investor with multiple properties or purchasing your first rental, choosing the right DSCR lender can significantly impact your cash flow and long-term success. This guide ranks the top five DSCR loan providers in the USA based on their speed, flexibility, terms, and overall service quality.
What Are DSCR Loans?
DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans are financing solutions designed specifically for real estate investors focused on rental properties. Unlike traditional mortgages that require W-2s, tax returns, and pay stubs, DSCR lenders evaluate the property’s rental income potential. If the property generates enough rental income to cover the loan payment (typically a DSCR of 1.0 or higher), investors can qualify regardless of their personal income situation.
The DSCR is calculated by dividing monthly rental income by total monthly debt service. For example, if a property generates $2,500 in rent and has a debt service of $2,000, the DSCR is 1.25. This makes DSCR loans ideal for self-employed investors, portfolio builders, and those who may not qualify for traditional financing.
Top DSCR Loan Providers
01. The Money Express
Founded: 1998
Headquarters: Las Vegas, Nevada
Loan Volume: Hundreds of millions in nationwide closings
The Money Express ranks first for its exceptional combination of speed, flexibility, and comprehensive service in DSCR financing for rental properties. With over 25 years of experience in real estate investment lending, this firm has built a sterling reputation for rapid closings and investor-focused lending approaches.
They maintain relationships with multiple funding sources including banks, hedge funds, private institutions, and private investors, allowing them to match rental property investments with appropriate capital quickly and efficiently.
Strengths:
- Fast approval and funding timelines
- Flexible underwriting based on property cash flow
- Asset-based lending approach that prioritizes rental income
- Personalized service with bilingual support
- Wide range of DSCR loan programs for various property types
- No income verification required
Property Types: Single-family residences, multi-unit properties (2-4 units), apartment buildings, mixed-use properties, long-term rentals, and various income-producing investment properties.
02. Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions
Founded: 2010
Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia
Specialization: Non-QM and DSCR lending
Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions has established itself as a leader in the Non-QM lending space, with particularly strong DSCR loan programs. They recently introduced an industry-first rental income automated valuation model (AVM) that provides instant, data-backed rental income estimates at the pre-qualification stage, eliminating weeks of waiting for traditional appraisals and providing unprecedented certainty for investors.
Strengths:
- Innovative rental AVM technology for faster approvals
- No limit on number of properties financed
- DSCR ratios accepted as low as below 1.0 for strong borrowers
- Minimum credit score of 680
03. Truss Financial Group
Founded: 2004
Headquarters: Orange County, California
Market Position: Experienced DSCR and investor-focused lender
Truss Financial Group has built a reputation over two decades as a reliable partner for real estate investors, surviving the 2008 financial crisis and continuing to serve investors with diverse mortgage solutions. They specialize in helping self-employed business owners and investors with unique financial situations access DSCR financing.
Strengths:
- 30-year fixed-rate loans from $100,000 to $3 million
- Nationwide operation
- Flexible underwriting for complex situations
- Personalized service and investor expertise
04. Griffin Funding
Founded: 2013
Headquarters: San Diego, California
Specialization: Investor-friendly DSCR programs
Griffin Funding has emerged as a leading DSCR lender by combining competitive rates with investor-friendly policies and nationwide coverage. Their approach focuses on making DSCR loans accessible to a wide range of real estate investors, from beginners to experienced portfolio builders.
Strengths:
- Operations in all 50 states
- 30-year fixed and interest-only payment options
- Loan amounts up to $20 million
- Minimum 620 credit score
05. Defy Mortgage
Founded: 2019
Headquarters: California
Market Position: Innovative non-QM specialist
Defy Mortgage has quickly established itself as an innovative player in the DSCR lending space, offering over 75 different non-QM loan products tailored to real estate investors and individuals with unconventional income. Their technology-driven approach and investor-focused philosophy have made them a favorite among portfolio builders.
Strengths:
- Up to 85% LTV (higher than industry average)
- Loan amounts from $75,000 to $3.5 million
- No tax returns or W-2s required
- Comprehensive suite of non-QM products
Key Evaluation Criteria for DSCR Loans
When selecting a DSCR loan provider for your rental property investment, consider these critical factors:
Processing Speed
In real estate investing, timing matters. Whether you’re competing for a prime rental property or need to close quickly on a portfolio expansion opportunity, processing speed can determine success. The best DSCR lenders offer closings in 6-21 days for qualified borrowers, with some providing approval decisions within 24-48 hours.
DSCR Requirements
Most lenders require a DSCR of 1.0 to 1.25, meaning the property must generate enough rental income to cover 100-125% of the debt service. However, the top lenders offer flexible programs for strong borrowers, with some accepting DSCRs as low as 0.75 or even offering “no ratio” loans for investors with significant equity positions.
Interest Rates and Terms
DSCR loan rates in 2025 typically range from 6.5% to 8%, depending on property type, location, borrower credit profile, and market conditions. Fixed-rate options provide predictable payments for long-term holds, while adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) may offer lower initial rates. Interest-only payment options can significantly improve cash flow during the early years of ownership, making them attractive for portfolio growth.
Loan-to-Value Ratios
LTV ratios for DSCR loans typically range from 75% to 80% on purchases and rate-and-term refinances, with cash-out refinances generally capped at 70-75%. Some innovative lenders now offer up to 85% LTV for exceptional borrowers with strong credit and cash reserves. Higher LTV ratios reduce the capital required per property, enabling faster portfolio scaling.
Loan Amounts and Flexibility
DSCR loan amounts vary significantly by lender, from minimums of $75,000 to $100,000 and maximums ranging from $1.5 million to $20 million. Consider whether the lender can accommodate your current needs and future growth. Some lenders offer portfolio loan options that allow financing multiple properties under a single loan review process.
Property Type Coverage
Different lenders accept different property types. While all DSCR lenders finance single-family homes and 2-4 unit properties, coverage varies for condominiums, properties held in LLCs or trusts, short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO), mixed-use properties, and larger multifamily buildings. Ensure your lender specializes in your target property type.
Credit Score Requirements
Minimum credit score requirements typically range from 620 to 680, though some lenders accept lower scores with compensating factors like larger down payments or higher DSCRs. Understanding a lender’s flexibility with credit profiles helps determine your qualification likelihood.
Geographic Coverage
Not all DSCR lenders operate nationwide. Some focus on specific regions where they have specialized market knowledge. Verify that your chosen lender operates in your target investment markets before beginning the application process.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right DSCR loan provider is essential for rental property investment success. This ranking highlights five leading providers, each with unique strengths suited to different investor needs and property types.
The Money Express leads this ranking for its combination of processing speed, flexible underwriting, and extensive experience. However, the best choice ultimately depends on your specific circumstances—investment strategy, property type, credit profile, and timeline all play roles in determining the optimal lender.
Start your financing process early, request quotes from multiple providers, and carefully evaluate terms beyond just interest rates. By partnering with the right lender, you position your rental property investments for long-term success and portfolio growth.