Best DSCR Loan Lenders California 2025
Compare the top DSCR loan lenders in California. Expert reviews, rates, requirements, and detailed comparisons to help you find the perfect lender for your investment property.
Complete California DSCR Loan Guide
Explore our comprehensive guide covering all California markets, requirements, FAQs, and neighborhood analyses for LA, San Diego, San Francisco, Orange County, and Sacramento.
View Complete CA GuideChoosing the right DSCR loan lender can save you thousands of dollars and weeks of time. With dozens of lenders offering DSCR loans in California, how do you know which one is best for your investment property?
We've analyzed the top DSCR lenders in California based on interest rates, requirements, customer reviews, approval speed, and overall value. This comprehensive guide will help you find the perfect lender for your specific situation—whether you have excellent credit or are working with a 620 score, buying your first rental or your 20th property.
Before choosing a lender, make sure you understand the DSCR loan requirements in California and check current DSCR loan rates to ensure you're getting a competitive deal.
Quick Comparison: Top 5 DSCR Lenders
| Lender | Min Credit | Rates From | Min Down | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Capital Bridge Solutions Our Top Pick | 620 | 7.25% | 20% | Fast approval, CA focus |
| Visio Lending | 640 | 7.50% | 20% | Tech-forward, fast |
| LendSure | 620 | 7.75% | 20% | Flexible programs |
| Anchor Loans | 620 | 7.99% | 25% | CA specialist |
| Lima One Capital | 660 | 7.85% | 20% | Large portfolios |
*Rates as of January 2025. Actual rates vary based on credit score, down payment, DSCR ratio, and property type.
What to Look for in a DSCR Lender
Before we dive into specific lenders, here are the key factors to evaluate:
Competitive Rates
DSCR rates typically range from 7.25-9.75%. Compare rates across your credit tier. A 0.5% rate difference on a $500K loan costs $2,500/year.
Low Minimum Requirements
Best lenders accept 620 credit scores and 20% down. Some require 640+ credit or 25% down, limiting your options.
Fast Approval & Closing
Top lenders approve in 24-48 hours and close in 2-3 weeks. Slow lenders take 7+ days for approval and 4-6 weeks to close.
California Experience
Lenders familiar with California markets understand local regulations, property values, and rental markets. This speeds up approval.
Transparent Fees
Watch for hidden fees. Best lenders disclose all costs upfront: origination, processing, underwriting, and third-party fees.
Special Features
Interest-only payments, cash-out refinancing, unlimited properties, and portfolio loans add flexibility for investors.
DSCR Lenders Serving All California Markets
Our recommended lenders serve real estate investors across California, from major metro areas to emerging markets. Whether you're investing in high-priced coastal properties or cash-flowing inland markets, these lenders have you covered.
Southern California
- Los Angeles & Orange County
- San Diego & North County
- Inland Empire (Riverside, San Bernardino)
- Palm Springs & Coachella Valley
Bay Area
- San Francisco & Peninsula
- San Jose & Silicon Valley
- Oakland & East Bay
- Marin County
Central California
- Sacramento & Placer County
- Fresno & Central Valley
- Monterey & Santa Cruz
- Stockton & Modesto
Other Markets
- Lake Tahoe & Truckee
- Wine Country (Napa, Sonoma)
- Santa Barbara & Central Coast
- Bakersfield & Kern County
How Do These Lenders Compare to Griffin Funding?
Griffin Funding is a well-known California lender, but our top-rated lenders offer several advantages for real estate investors:
| Feature | Our Top Picks | Griffin Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Rates | 7.25% | 7.50%+ |
| Minimum Down Payment | 15-20% | 15-20% |
| Minimum Credit Score | 620 | 620 |
| Approval Time | 24-48 hours | 3-5 days |
| Closing Time | 2-3 weeks | 30 days |
| Maximum Loan Amount | $5M-$10M | $20M |
| Nationwide Coverage | ✓ Yes | CA only |
| Technology Platform | Advanced online tools | Standard |
✓ Lower Rates
Our top lenders start at 7.25% vs Griffin's typical 7.5-8%. On a $500K loan, that's $1,250-$3,750 saved annually.
✓ Faster Approval
Get approved in 24-48 hours vs Griffin's 3-5 days. Close in 2-3 weeks vs 30 days. Speed matters in competitive markets.
✓ More Options
Our lenders offer nationwide coverage, advanced technology, and multiple loan products beyond just DSCR.
Bottom Line: While Griffin Funding is a solid choice for California investors, our top-rated lenders offer better rates, faster approval, and more flexibility. Compare quotes from 3-5 lenders (including Griffin) to ensure you're getting the best deal.
Detailed Lender Reviews
1. Capital Bridge Solutions
Why We Recommend Them:
- California Focus: Deep expertise in CA markets (LA, OC, SD, Bay Area)
- Competitive Rates: Starting at 7.25% for qualified borrowers
- Fast Approval: 24-48 hour decisions, 2-3 week closings
- 620 Credit OK: Work with lower credit scores
- Unlimited Properties: No portfolio limits
Pros:
- • Best rates in California
- • Fastest approval process
- • Local market expertise
- • Excellent customer service
- • Transparent pricing
Cons:
- • CA-focused (limited out-of-state)
- • Minimum loan $150K
Best For:
California investors seeking the best combination of rates, speed, and service. Perfect for first-time DSCR borrowers and experienced investors building large portfolios.
2. Visio Lending
Pros:
- • Tech-forward platform
- • Nationwide coverage
- • Strong online reviews
- • Portfolio loans available
Cons:
- • Higher minimum credit (640)
- • Slightly higher rates
- • Less personal service
Best For:
Tech-savvy investors with 640+ credit who prefer online applications and nationwide coverage.
3. LendSure
Pros:
- • Flexible programs
- • 620 credit accepted
- • Fix & flip options
- • Interest-only available
Cons:
- • Slower approval (3-5 days)
- • Higher rates than top tier
- • More fees
Best For:
Investors needing flexible programs, fix & flip loans, or interest-only payments.
4. Anchor Loans
Pros:
- • California specialist
- • 30+ years experience
- • Hard money also available
- • Local expertise
Cons:
- • Higher rates
- • 25% down required
- • Slower than top tier
Best For:
California investors who value experience and local market knowledge over lowest rates.
5. Lima One Capital
Pros:
- • Large portfolio loans
- • Nationwide coverage
- • Institutional backing
- • Competitive for 660+ credit
Cons:
- • Higher minimum credit (660)
- • Slower approval process
- • Less flexible
Best For:
Experienced investors with 660+ credit building large portfolios (10+ properties).
How to Choose the Right DSCR Lender
Step 1: Know Your Numbers
Before contacting lenders, know:
- • Your credit score (get free report)
- • How much you can put down (20-30%)
- • Property's expected rental income
- • Your DSCR ratio (use our calculator)
Step 2: Get Quotes from 3-5 Lenders
Compare:
- • Interest rates (APR, not just rate)
- • All fees (origination, processing, underwriting)
- • Approval timeline
- • Closing timeline
- • Loan terms and features
Step 3: Read Reviews & Check References
Look for reviews on Google, BiggerPockets, and real estate forums. Ask for references from other investors who've closed loans with the lender.
Step 4: Test Responsiveness
How quickly do they respond to your initial inquiry? This indicates how they'll communicate throughout the loan process. Slow responses = delays later.
People Also Ask
Is Griffin Funding a good DSCR lender?
Griffin Funding is a reputable California-based lender with solid DSCR loan programs. They offer loans up to $20M and accept 620 credit scores. However, their rates typically start at 7.5-8%, which is higher than our top-rated lenders (starting at 7.25%). They also take 30 days to close vs 2-3 weeks for faster lenders.
Best for: Investors needing very large loans ($10M+) or those who prefer working with a California-only lender. For most investors, our top picks offer better rates and faster closing.
What's better than Griffin Funding for DSCR loans?
Several lenders outperform Griffin Funding in key areas:
- Capital Bridge Solutions - Lower rates (7.25% vs 7.5%+), faster approval (24-48hrs vs 3-5 days)
- Visio Lending - Better technology platform, nationwide coverage, similar rates
- LendSure - More flexible programs, accepts lower DSCR ratios
The best choice depends on your specific situation. Get quotes from 3-5 lenders (including Griffin) to compare.
Who has the lowest DSCR loan rates in California?
As of January 2025, the lowest DSCR loan rates in California start at 5.99% for well-qualified borrowers (720+ credit, 25%+ down, 1.25+ DSCR). Capital Bridge Solutions and Visio Lending consistently offer the most competitive rates.
Rate factors:
- • Credit Score: 720+ gets best rates, 620-680 pays 8.5-9.75%
- • Down Payment: 25%+ gets better rates than 20%
- • DSCR Ratio: 1.25+ qualifies for lowest rates
- • Property Type: Single-family gets better rates than multi-unit
- • Loan Amount: $250K-$2M sweet spot for best pricing
Are DSCR lenders better than traditional banks for investment properties?
For investment properties, DSCR lenders are often better than traditional banks, especially for:
✓ DSCR Lenders Win:
- • No tax returns or W2s required
- • Faster approval (24-48 hours)
- • Unlimited properties allowed
- • Self-employed friendly
- • Qualify by property income
✓ Banks Win:
- • Lower rates (0.5-1% less)
- • No prepayment penalties
- • Better for primary residences
- • Established relationships
Bottom line: If you're self-employed, have multiple properties, or want fast approval without income docs, DSCR lenders are better. If you have W2 income and only 1-2 properties, banks may offer lower rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the best DSCR loan lenders in California?
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The best DSCR loan lenders in California include Capital Bridge Solutions, Visio Lending, LendSure, Anchor Loans, and Lima One Capital. Each offers competitive rates, fast approval, and no income verification. The best lender for you depends on your credit score, down payment, property type, and whether you need features like interest-only payments or unlimited properties.
What should I look for in a DSCR lender?
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When choosing a DSCR lender, look for: (1) Competitive interest rates (7.25-9.75%), (2) Low minimum credit scores (620-640), (3) Fast approval times (24-48 hours), (4) Flexible down payment options (20-25%), (5) No property limits, (6) Experience with California properties, (7) Transparent fees, and (8) Responsive customer service. Also check if they offer features you need like interest-only payments or cash-out refinancing.
What are typical DSCR loan rates in California?
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DSCR loan rates in California typically range from 7.25% to 9.75% depending on credit score, down payment, DSCR ratio, and property type. Borrowers with 720+ credit scores and 25%+ down payments can get rates starting at 7.25%. Lower credit scores (620-680) typically see rates of 8.5-9.75%. Rates are generally 0.5-1.5% higher than conventional loans due to the no-income-verification feature.
Can I get a DSCR loan with 620 credit score in California?
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Yes, many California DSCR lenders accept credit scores as low as 620. However, you'll pay higher interest rates (typically 8.5-9.75%) and may need a larger down payment (25-30%). Some lenders like Capital Bridge Solutions and Visio Lending specialize in 620 credit score DSCR loans. Improving your credit to 660+ can save you 0.5-1% on your interest rate.
How do I compare DSCR lenders?
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To compare DSCR lenders, evaluate: (1) Interest rates by credit tier, (2) Minimum credit score requirements, (3) Down payment options, (4) Approval and closing speed, (5) Fees (origination, processing, underwriting), (6) Loan limits (minimum and maximum), (7) Property types accepted, (8) Geographic coverage, (9) Customer reviews, and (10) Special features like interest-only options or portfolio loans. Get quotes from 3-5 lenders to compare total costs.
Are DSCR loans available for all California properties?
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Most DSCR lenders in California finance single-family homes, 2-4 unit properties, condos, and townhouses. Some lenders also finance vacation rentals, Airbnbs, and commercial properties. Properties must be investment properties (not primary residences). Popular California markets include Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and Inland Empire. Rural properties may have limited lender options.
How long does DSCR loan approval take in California?
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DSCR loan approval in California typically takes 24-48 hours since there's no income verification. The full process from application to closing takes 2-3 weeks on average. This is much faster than conventional loans (30-45 days) because lenders don't need to verify employment, analyze tax returns, or calculate debt-to-income ratios. Fast lenders like Capital Bridge Solutions can close in as little as 10-14 days.
What fees do California DSCR lenders charge?
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California DSCR lenders typically charge: (1) Origination fee: 0.5-2% of loan amount, (2) Processing fee: $400-800, (3) Underwriting fee: $500-1,000, (4) Appraisal fee: $500-800, (5) Title and escrow fees: varies by county. Total closing costs typically range from 2-4% of the loan amount. Some lenders offer no-fee options with slightly higher interest rates. Always get a Loan Estimate to compare total costs.
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