Qualify for an investment property loan on rental income — not your W2.
DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans are the single most powerful financing tool for H1B, NRI, and immigrant professionals acquiring rental properties in Greater Boston. No employment letter required. No W2. The property's rent qualifies the loan.
How it works
What is a DSCR loan?
A Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loan is an investment property mortgage where the lender qualifies you based on the property's rental income, not your personal income or employment status.
The DSCR formula is simple:
DSCR = Monthly Rent ÷ Monthly Mortgage Payment
A DSCR of 1.25 means the property earns 25% more than the mortgage costs.
Most lenders require a DSCR of 1.0–1.25 to qualify. The higher the DSCR, the better the rate you'll receive.
Example: 3-unit in Malden, MA
No W2 required. The lender doesn't ask about your visa status, employment letter, or personal tax returns. The property qualifies the loan.
Why DSCR for you
Why DSCR loans are ideal for H1B and NRI investors
No visa hurdles
Most DSCR lenders have no citizenship or residency requirement. Your visa status is not a factor. H1B, L1, OPT, EAD, NRI — all eligible with the right lender.
Scale beyond one property
Conventional loans cap at 4–10 financed properties and require job income. DSCR loans are portfolio-friendly — each deal is underwritten independently on its own income.
Plan before you close
Use our rental analysis tool to model DSCR before making an offer. Know exactly how much rent you need to qualify, and find properties that already meet the threshold.
What to expect
Typical DSCR loan terms in Massachusetts
| Eligible property types | 1–4 unit residential, condos, some mixed-use |
| Minimum DSCR | 1.0 (some lenders offer sub-1.0 products) |
| Down payment | 20–25% (single-family), 25–30% (2–4 unit), 30–35% (NRI) |
| Loan amounts | $100K – $3M+ (varies by lender) |
| Rates (2026 est.) | Typically 0.5–1% above comparable 30-yr fixed |
| Credit score minimum | 620–680 minimum (better rates at 700+) |
| No. of properties | Unlimited — no portfolio cap like conventional loans |
| Income verification | None — property rent income only |
| H1B / NRI eligible? | Yes — most DSCR lenders have no visa restriction |
Rates and requirements change frequently. We connect you with current lenders — the table above reflects typical 2026 market conditions, not a lender quote.
DSCR Loan FAQs
What is a DSCR loan?
A Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loan is a type of investment property mortgage where the lender qualifies you based on the property's rental income — not your personal income or employment status. If the property generates enough rent to cover the mortgage payment (typically a DSCR of 1.0–1.25+), you can qualify.
Can H1B visa holders get a DSCR loan?
Yes. DSCR loans are particularly useful for H1B holders because they remove the typical W2 or employment-letter requirement. Many DSCR lenders have no citizenship or residency requirement — they care about the property's income potential, not your visa status. We can connect you with lenders who routinely work with H1B, OPT, and L1 visa holders.
Can NRI (non-resident) investors use DSCR loans?
Yes, though NRI DSCR loans have slightly stricter requirements — typically 30–35% down payment and a credit file or foreign credit history. Some lenders also accept ITIN instead of SSN. We partner with lenders experienced in NRI investment financing in Massachusetts.
What DSCR ratio do lenders require?
Most DSCR lenders in Massachusetts require a DSCR of at least 1.0 (break-even cash flow) to 1.25 (25% positive cash flow after mortgage). A DSCR above 1.25 typically unlocks better rates. Below 1.0 ("DSCR < 1.0" products) exist but carry higher rates and require larger down payments.
How much down payment is required for a DSCR loan?
Typically 20–25% for single-family investment properties and 25–30% for 2–4 unit properties. NRI borrowers may need 30–35%. Down payment requirements vary by lender, property type, and DSCR ratio.
What property types qualify for DSCR loans?
DSCR loans work for 1–4 unit residential investment properties (single-family, duplex, triplex, fourplex), condos (warrantable), and some mixed-use properties. They do not apply to owner-occupied properties.
Ready to qualify on rental income?
We'll walk you through which properties in Greater Boston currently pencil at a qualifying DSCR, and connect you with lenders who work with H1B and NRI investors.