Can You Get a DSCR Loan With No Money Down?
Not from the programs we read. Every published DSCR program we checked expects a down payment on a purchase, set by its maximum loan-to-value. The smallest we found is 15% down, at one lender; others publish limits of 75% to 85% loan-to-value, which means 15% to 25% down depending on the program and your credit score.
Last updated October 21, 2026What lenders publish
- One lender lends up to 80% loan-to-value, so at least 20% down.
- One lists up to 75% loan-to-value at a 680 credit score and up to 85% at 720.
- One lists a 15% minimum down payment.
- One lender's single-family rental loan goes up to 80% loan-to-value on a purchase, and its short-term rental loan up to 75%.
Why a bigger down payment helps the ratio
A larger down payment means a smaller loan and a smaller monthly payment. A DSCR loan compares the property's rent with that payment, so the same rent covers a smaller payment more easily, and the ratio goes up.
Can I qualify if the property doesn't cash flow?
At some lenders, yes. One lender's published requirements go as low as a 0.8 ratio, meaning rent covers 80% of the payment. Another funds loans below 1.0 when reserves support the deal, and offers a no-ratio program that doesn't use cash flow to qualify. See DSCR minimum ratio and requirements.
Where no money down does exist
On a home you'll live in, if you're eligible for a VA loan. VA's purchase loan has no down payment as long as the sales price isn't higher than the appraised value, but you have to live in the home. See can you use a VA loan for an investment property.
| No money down | Not offered by the published DSCR programs we read |
|---|---|
| Smallest published down payment | 15% at one lender |
| Published loan-to-value limits | 75% to 85% on a purchase, by program and credit score |
| Rent short of the payment | A 0.8 ratio at one lender; below 1.0 with reserves at another |
Related questions
Sources
- https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/loan-types/purchase-loan/
- https://www.kiavi.com/loans/dscr
- https://angeloakms.com/programs/investor-cash-flow-mortgage-program/
- https://www.griffinfunding.com/non-qm-mortgages/dscr-loans/
- https://limaone.com/rental/detail/
Sourced from licensed loan officers and brokers in the FreeRateUpdate network.
Educational information only, not individualized financial or legal advice. Program details and rates change; verify current terms with a licensed loan officer before making a decision.