San Francisco Investor Loans
DSCR Loans in San Francisco
Finance SF investment property with DSCR underwriting — the property’s rental cash flow qualifies the loan. Up to 75% LTV under the California overlay, credit scores from 640, loans to $2M.
San Francisco DSCR realities
Cash-flow is tight at max LTV
SF rents (median ~$3,500 1BR, ~$5,000 2BR) generally don't cover an 80% LTV mortgage at current rates. Plan for 25–35% down to hit DSCR 1.00+.
Multi-unit is the move
2–4 unit buildings — Mission, Bernal Heights, Outer Sunset — DSCR pencils far better than single-family. Combined rental income lifts the ratio.
Condos are eligible
Warrantable and non-warrantable SF condos qualify. Pacific Heights, SoMa, Mission Bay — all eligible under DSCR with the standard 75% LTV cap.
STR (Airbnb) restrictions
San Francisco requires Office of Short-Term Rentals registration and limits STRs to primary residences. DSCR-financed investment STRs are difficult in SF specifically — pure long-term rental strategy is more common.
San Francisco DSCR — FAQs
Can I get a DSCR loan in San Francisco?
Yes. Total Quality Lending finances DSCR investor loans throughout San Francisco — single-family, condos, and 2–4 unit multi-family. The California state overlay applies: max 75% LTV on purchase, 70% on refinance, $2M maximum loan amount.
What's the LTV cap on SF investment property?
75% LTV on purchase, 70% LTV on refinance under the California DSCR overlay. Maximum loan amount is $2.0M. For properties above $2M, larger down payments bring the loan within program limits.
Do SF properties cash-flow at 75% LTV?
Often no. SF rents typically don't cover an investor mortgage at 75% LTV given today's rates. Most successful SF DSCR investors put 30–35%+ down to bring the DSCR ratio to 1.00 or higher.
Can I finance a duplex or triplex in San Francisco with DSCR?
Yes. 2–4 unit properties are eligible under standard DSCR. Combined rental income from all units counts toward the DSCR ratio — this usually makes SF multi-unit pencil better than single-family.
Is an Airbnb in SF eligible for DSCR financing?
Challenging. SF restricts short-term rentals to a host's primary residence and requires Office of Short-Term Rentals registration. Investment-property STRs are typically not legal in SF. Long-term rental strategy is far more common for DSCR-financed SF properties.