Defy Mortgage vs Visio Lending
Defy explicitly accepts Airbnb/STR income for DSCR qualification using AirDNA data. Visio requires traditional leases for most programs. If you're building an STR portfolio, Defy is the clear choice.
Shared products: DSCR · Updated March 2026
3.9
Defy Mortgage
Wins 4 categories
4.2
Visio Lending
Wins 1 categories
Full Comparison
| Feature | Defy Mortgage | Visio Lending |
|---|---|---|
| Interest Rates | 6.5%–9% | 6.5%–8.5% |
| Max LTV | 80% | 80% |
| Min Credit Score | 620Better | 680 |
| Loan Range | $100K–$3M | $75K–$2M |
| Origination Fee | 0–2 points | 1–2 points |
| Speed to Close | 21–30 days | 21–30 days |
| Experience Required | No experience required | No experience required |
| LLC Borrowing | Yes | Yes |
| Interest-Only | Available | Available |
| Prepayment Penalty | 3-year step-down | 5-4-3-2-1 step-down |
| Foreign National | YesBetter | No |
| Coverage | Nationwide | Nationwide |
| Property Types | SFR (1-4), Condo, Townhouse, Multifamily (5+), STR / AirbnbBetter | SFR (1-4), Condo, Townhouse, Multifamily (5+) |
| Loan Products | 2 productsBetter | 1 products |
| Founded | 2020 | 2012 |
| Editor Rating | 3.9 / 5.0 | 4.2 / 5.0Better |
Pros & Cons
Defy Mortgage
Pros
- +Strong STR/Airbnb DSCR programs
- +Bank statement and asset depletion products
- +Low credit minimums
- +Foreign national programs
- +Competitive non-QM rates
Cons
- –Newer company (2020) — shorter track record
- –No fix-and-flip or bridge products
- –Marketing can oversell — verify terms carefully
Visio Lending
Pros
- +DSCR specialist — deep product knowledge
- +Competitive rates for 30-year DSCR
- +Consistent underwriting process
- +Interest-only options available
- +Multifamily (2-8 units) eligible
Cons
- –DSCR only — no flip or bridge products
- –Longer closing times than fix-and-flip lenders
- –Longer prepayment penalty period (5 years)
- –Higher credit requirement (680+) than some competitors
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Defy Mortgage or Visio Lending better for real estate investors?
Defy explicitly accepts Airbnb/STR income for DSCR qualification using AirDNA data. Visio requires traditional leases for most programs. If you're building an STR portfolio, Defy is the clear choice.
What loan types do Defy Mortgage and Visio Lending both offer?
Both lenders offer DSCR. Defy Mortgage offers 2 total products vs Visio Lending's 1.
Which has lower rates, Defy Mortgage or Visio Lending?
Defy Mortgage advertises rates starting at 6.5% while Visio Lending starts at 6.5%. Both have the same starting rate, but actual rates depend on your credit score, LTV, property type, and loan product. Always get quotes from both lenders.
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