Dear real estate investors, are you looking to leverage your property investments for greater financial gains? Then, you've stumbled upon the right article.

Today’s article is all about breaking down the important aspects of a (DSCR) Debt-Service Coverage Ratio cash out refinance so you can make the most out of your property’s equity.

    Things to remember:
  • The final key metric towards qualifying for a DSCR loan is your FICO or qualifying credit score.

  • The DSCR measures how much money is available to pay off the loans you currently have.

  • Your lender will focus only on the total property income & not your personal income.

  • DSCR loans work for different kinds of rental properties, like short and long-term rentals

Understanding DSCR Cash Out Refinance

Let’s say you’ve fully used the benefit of a tax write-off. Most conventional mortgage refinancing options require you to provide your past pay stubs, tax returns, and W2s. Here’s where a DSCR cash-out refinance comes into the picture.

They're great for investment properties. It works similarly to a regular cash-out refinance, allowing you to convert a portion of your property’s equity into cash in exchange for a much higher mortgage balance than before.

DSCR stands for debt-to-service coverage ratio used to measure how much money you have available to cover your current debts.

Let’s crunch the numbers and understand more about DSCR in the next section!

Excited to get your DSCR application rolling?

Assessing Your Property's Viability

Now that you understand the basics of a DSCR refinance let's talk about how you can assess your property's viability.

🔢Time For A Rapid Calculation!

To calculate your DSCR, you need 2 things. One is your net operating income and then the total debt servicing for a company, i.e., your company’s current debt obligations.

Let’s say your net operating income is $100,000 and total debt servicing is $50,000. Your DSCR would be 2.0.

Note: A ratio below one indicates a negative cash flow and reduces your chances of qualifying for a DSCR loan refinance. While there's no fixed ratio, aim for a ratio that’s exactly 1 or higher.


If your property's DSCR falls below 1, no worries! There are ways to improve your property's DSCR, such as increasing rental income, reducing expenses, or implementing value-add strategies to boost property performance.

5 DSCR Cash-Out Refinance Must-Knows

Planning to apply for the loan right away? Pause for a moment! It's important to understand these five key things before you start filling out any application forms.

  • 1. They’re For Rental Properties Only

    A DSCR loan refinance is specifically designed for investment properties, which means properties that you don't live in yourself but rent out to tenants.

    So, if you're looking to finance your own home, a DSCR loan wouldn't be suitable. It's meant for properties that generate rental income.

  • 2. Property Income Matters Most

    When you apply for a DSCR loan refinance, the lender looks at how much money the property itself is making, rather than how much you personally earn.

    This is important because even if you have a high-paying job if the property isn't bringing in enough rental income to cover the mortgage and other expenses, you might not get approved.

  • 3. Options Are Available For Empty Properties

    If your investment property is currently vacant or not making enough money to cover its expenses, don't worry. There are still mortgage refinancing options available for you.

    Some lenders might offer home refinance solutions or strategies to help you improve the property's cash flow or structure the loan in a way that works for your situation.

  • 4. Renting Options Are Flexible

    Whether you're renting out your property on a long-term basis (like a traditional lease) or short-term basis for DSCR loans (like Airbnb), both are generally acceptable.

    This flexibility allows you to choose an ideal rental strategy that best suits your investment goals and market conditions.

  • 5. Get Expert Help

    When dealing with a DSCR cash out refinance loan, it's crucial to work with the best cash out refinance loan officer who has a lot of experience and expertise in this area.

    Talk to a licensed DSCR loan expert today


    They understand the unique requirements and complexities of DSCR loans and can guide you through the process, help you deal with potential challenges, and ensure that you get the best possible terms for your loan.

Alright, if you’re still pondering whether DSCR loans work well for your investment properties, let me make it easier for you. Read through the benefits below to understand the real potential of DSCR mortgage refinancing.

9 Benefits of DSCR loan

As a real estate investor, opting for a DSCR cash out refinance loan over a traditional mortgage offers numerous advantages. Here are some of the key benefits:

    • ➙ No income or employment history is required.

    • ➙ There’s no limit on the number of properties.

    • ➙ You can take loans up to $5,000,000 from the best cash out refinance lenders.

    • ➙ You can enjoy unlimited cashouts.

    • ➙ Down payments are as low as 20%.

    • ➙ Interest-only loans are also available.

    • ➙ It’s good for both new and experienced investors.

    • ➙ DSCR works with both short-term and long-term rental properties.

    • ➙ No reserves are required on cash-out loans.

Expert Insights On The Usage of DSCR Cash Out Refinance

When you opt for a DSCR cash out refinance, you may wonder what you can actually do with the cash you receive. Here are the most profitable uses suggested by experts:

  • Property Upgrades

    You can use the cash to make renovations or upgrades to your property and invest in amenities or upgrades that can attract and retain high-quality tenants, such as landscaping, community spaces, or security features.

  • Invest In A New Property

    If you're looking to expand your investment portfolio, you can use the cash to fund the purchase of a new property.

  • Pay All Your Current High-Interest Debts

    If you have other debts with higher interest rates, you can use the cash to pay them off, consolidating your debt into a single, more manageable payment.

  • Save It For Unexpected Uses In The Future

    It's always wise to have some money set aside for unexpected expenses or emergencies. You can use the cash to build up your reserves for peace of mind.

DSCR loan facts you wish you'd known sooner

Is DSCR Cash-Out Refinance Right for Your Property?

DSCR cash out refinance loan presents a unique opportunity for real estate investors to access the equity in their properties and fuel further growth. However, it might not always work in your favor, right? So what do you do then?

Start by assessing your property’s viability and your future investment goals. By doing so, you can determine whether DSCR cash out refinance aligns with your investment strategy and financial objectives.

Remember, each property is unique, so take the time to evaluate your options and choose the path that best supports your long-term success in real estate investment.

About the writer

Micah_Greenberg

Micah Greenberg
Reverse Mortgage Expert

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