Real Estate Investment Financing
15 articles
Financing is where deals are made or broken. Understanding your options — from conventional mortgages to DSCR loans, hard money, and creative structures — gives you a competitive edge. These guides draw on 30+ years of mortgage lending experience to explain how real estate financing actually works, what lenders look for, and how to structure deals that get funded. Whether you are buying your first property or scaling a portfolio, the right financing strategy amplifies your returns.
All Articles
DSCR & Investor Financing: The Complete Guide
Everything investors need to know about DSCR loans, conventional financing, hard money, and portfolio loans — from an independent, unbiased perspective.
Mar 17, 2026
DSCR Loans Explained: The Complete Guide for Real Estate Investors (2026)
Learn how DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans work, how to qualify, what they cost, and when they make sense versus conventional financing so you can scale your rental property portfolio in 2026 and beyond.
Mar 15, 2026
Do You Need a Financial Advisor for Real Estate Investing?
As your rental portfolio grows, your finances get more complex. Here’s when a financial advisor actually adds value for real estate investors, what to look for, and when you’re better off managing things yourself.
Mar 15, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DSCR loan?
A Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loan qualifies based on the property's rental income rather than your personal income. If the property generates enough rent to cover the mortgage payment (typically 1.0-1.25x), you can qualify regardless of your W-2 income. Popular with portfolio investors.
Can I use an FHA loan for an investment property?
Not directly — FHA loans require owner occupancy. However, you can buy a 2-4 unit property with an FHA loan (3.5% down), live in one unit, and rent the others. This is the basis of house hacking and is one of the most powerful strategies for new investors.
What is hard money lending?
Hard money loans are short-term (6-18 months), asset-based loans from private lenders. They fund quickly (days vs weeks), focus on the property's value rather than borrower credit, and are commonly used for fix-and-flip or BRRRR deals. Interest rates are typically 10-15%.
How many investment properties can I finance?
Conventional lenders typically allow up to 10 financed properties. Beyond that, you will need portfolio lenders, DSCR loans, or commercial financing. Many investors use a mix of loan types as they scale.
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Key Terms to Know
Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)
A mortgage with an interest rate that changes periodically based on a benchmark index. ARMs typically start with a lower rate than fixed-rate mortgages but carry the risk of rate increases. Common structures include 5/1 ARM (fixed for 5 years, then adjusts annually).
Amortization
The process of spreading loan payments over time. Each payment includes both principal and interest, with early payments being mostly interest and later payments being mostly principal. A 30-year amortization schedule means the loan is fully paid off in 30 years.
Balloon Payment
A large, lump-sum payment due at the end of a loan term. Balloon loans have lower monthly payments but require refinancing or a large cash payment when the balloon comes due. Common in commercial real estate and hard money lending.
Blanket Mortgage
A single mortgage that covers multiple properties. As properties are sold, a release clause removes them from the mortgage. Blanket mortgages simplify financing for portfolio investors but require all properties to serve as cross-collateral.
Bridge Loan
A short-term loan used to bridge the gap between purchasing a new property and selling an existing one, or between acquisition and long-term financing. Bridge loans typically have higher interest rates and terms of 6-24 months.
Contract for Deed
An installment sale agreement in which the buyer makes payments directly to the seller over time, but legal title to the property does not transfer until the full purchase price is paid or a specified milestone is reached. Also called a land contract, installment land contract, or agreement for deed.
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