How much down payment is generally required?

Rather than quoting one figure, DSCR lenders think in terms of maximum leverage, meaning the share of the property's value they are willing to finance. The borrower brings the remainder as equity, plus closing costs and reserves. Stronger files, with healthy coverage and solid credit, typically support the highest leverage a program allows, while first-time investors, certain property types, and cash-out requests often sit a notch more conservative. Plan on a meaningful equity contribution, generally larger than an owner-occupied purchase would call for, with reserves on top. Leverage caps shift with market conditions and vary by program, so treat any figure you hear as a starting point. Our DSCR loan requirements page describes how leverage is determined.