The SmartVest DSCR & STR program offers tailored financing solutions for experienced real estate investors seeking to purchase or refinance investment properties. This business-purpose loan product evaluates eligibility primarily through Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR), not traditional income verification—making it ideal for those leveraging property cash flow.

Why Choose the SmartVest DSCR & STR Program?

SmartVest is designed for both long-term and short-term rental investors, offering flexible terms, generous loan amounts, and no income documentation requirements. Whether you’re managing a portfolio of single-family homes or expanding with short-term vacation rentals, this program delivers.

Key Benefits of SmartVest DSCR & STR

  • No personal income documentation required
  • DSCR as low as 0.50 for long-term and short-term rental financing
  • Loan amounts up to $2,000,000
  • LTVs up to 85% based on credit tier
  • 30-year and 40-year fixed-rate and interest-only options
  • Foreign national eligibility
  • Multiple property financing allowed

SmartVest DSCR & STR Eligibility Highlights

Long-Term Rental Guidelines

For DSCR ≥ 1.00, borrowers can access up to 85% LTV with a minimum 720 credit score. Foreign nationals qualify with 70% LTV. If DSCR falls between 0.50 and 0.99, max LTV is capped at 75% with reduced loan limits.

Short-Term Rental Guidelines

Borrowers using platforms like Airbnb or VRBO must provide an AirDNA Property Earning Potential report and meet a Market Score threshold. If the Market Score is under 60, DSCR must be at least 1.00. Otherwise, qualifying income is based on projected or actual short-term rental performance, using the lesser of AirDNA or income statement averages.

SmartVest DSCR & STR Underwriting Features

  • Loans must be manually underwritten
  • Cash-out allowed up to $1,000,000 based on LTV
  • Appraisals required with additional secondary valuation if >$1.5M
  • Maximum of eight loans with aggregate exposure of $3,000,000
  • No IRS transcripts or 4506-C required
  • Minimum reserve requirements apply based on loan size and borrower profile

SmartVest STR (Short-Term Rental) Income Documentation

Income for short-term rentals is calculated using:

  • AirDNA Property Earning Potential (Market Score > 60)
  • 12-month third-party rental income history (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.)
  • Form 1007/1000 with detailed market commentary
  • Income is averaged and the lower value is used to determine qualifying rent

SmartVest DSCR & STR Borrower and Property Requirements

  • Only business-purpose investment properties (non-owner occupied)
  • Eligible property types: 1-4 units, condos (including condotels), modular, leasehold
  • Ineligible borrowers include non-permanent resident aliens and first-time homebuyers
  • Ineligible properties include mobile homes, properties with environmental hazards, or unique construction (e.g., tiny homes)

Final Thoughts

The SmartVest DSCR & STR loan program is built for today’s savvy investors who want flexible, asset-based lending options. With competitive terms and minimal documentation, it’s an excellent fit for those growing a rental portfolio—especially in markets with strong cash flow or short-term rental demand.

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