Is there any way to get a DSCR loan with 15% down?

Not from LYNK Mortgage or most institutional lenders. Hard money lenders might go to 65-70% LTV (35-30% down) at much higher rates (10%+). The risk-reward doesn't favor ultra-high LTV DSCR loans.

Does LYNK Mortgage ever do 85% LTV DSCR loans?

Rarely, and only for experienced borrowers with exceptional properties and portfolio strength. If your DSCR is 2.0+ and you have multiple performing properties, we can discuss 85% LTV on a new acquisition.

If I have 30% to put down, does that significantly improve my rate?

Somewhat—30% down improves your rate vs. 20% by 0.25-0.50%, and improves approval odds if DSCR is marginal. But the improvement per additional 10% down decreases, so 20% down is often the sweet spot.

What's the practical minimum down payment if I'm just starting?

20% is the practical minimum for your first deal. LYNK Mortgage doesn't have portfolio history with you yet, so lenders stick to standard terms. After one or two successful deals, terms improve.

DSCR Loan Minimum Down Payment: What's the Absolute Floor?

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Quick Facts

Standard Minimum

20% down

Standard LTV

80%

Rare Exception LTV

Up to 85% for exceptional deals

Factor Affecting Minimum

DSCR ratio strength

LYNK Mortgage Approach

Portfolio underwriting

The minimum down payment for a DSCR loan is typically 20%, which equals 80% loan-to-value (LTV). Some properties or experienced investors may qualify for higher LTV in rare cases, but 20% is the practical floor across the industry.

Why 20% Is the Standard Minimum

20% down (80% LTV) is the industry standard for DSCR loans because it balances lender safety and borrower accessibility. A 20% equity cushion protects the lender if the property loses value or you default; if real estate drops 15%, the lender still has cushion. Borrowers appreciate 20% as achievable—higher minimums (25-30%) make capital-efficient deals harder to close. DSCR lenders have standardized on 80% LTV for this reason. LYNK Mortgage follows this market standard, though portfolio considerations can shift terms on subsequent loans.

Properties and Borrowers That Might Get Better Terms

A few scenarios allow lower down payment (higher LTV) on DSCR loans: Exceptionally strong DSCR (1.75+) with excellent property condition can push some lenders to 85% LTV. Multi-unit stabilized properties with 15+ year lease history sometimes qualify for 85% LTV. Experienced investors with 3+ properties in portfolio and strong performance may negotiate 85% LTV on new acquisitions. Portfolio-level underwriting of existing equity can support higher LTV on new deals. LYNK Mortgage evaluates portfolio strength and borrower experience; if you're a repeat investor, your second and third properties sometimes qualify at better terms.

Seller Credits as a Down Payment Strategy

Instead of lowering the LTV requirement (which lenders won't do much), you can reduce out-of-pocket down payment by negotiating seller credits. If you're buying a $400,000 property, a 3% seller credit ($12,000) covers closing costs, meaning you only pay $100,000 down (20% down payment) instead of ~$112,000 (down + closing). This doesn't reduce the 20% LTV requirement, but it makes the total capital needed at closing lower. In competitive markets, seller credits are harder to get; in buyer's markets, they're more available.

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LYNK Mortgage offers fix & flip loans, new construction loans, multi-family bridge loans, and DSCR rental loans to real estate investors.

Disclaimers: LYNK Mortgage makes loans solely for business purposes (and not for personal or consumer use) and is exempt from licensing in all states in which it operates. LYNK Mortgage does not lend on owner-occupied properties. Listed rates, terms, and conditions are offered only to qualified borrowers, may vary by loan product, deal structure, property state, or other applicable considerations, and are subject to change at any time without notice. No information on this site is intended to, or shall, create a legally binding commitment or obligation on the part of LYNK Mortgage and all terms are expressly subject to LYNK Mortgage's credit, legal, and investment approval process.

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