Posted over 5 years ago

Top 3 Tips for Getting First-Time Arizona Rental Property Loans

Getting as a first-time investor can be a challenge. With a little outside-the-box thinking, you’ll increase your odds of success.

We’ve come a long way since the market crash. Home values are climbing virtually everywhere and interest rates are low, making it a great time to purchase investment properties. However, if you’ve started looking into , you’ve probably noticed they’re not easy to get, particularly if this will be your first investment property. The good news is, you can still get financing, but you’ll have to be creative to make it work.

1. Have a sizable down payment. If you’re attempting to get bank financing, 20% is still the norm for owner-occupied homes. Once you get into investing, banks start to look for at least 25% before they start offering favorable terms. Owner-occupied borrowers can also sometimes get a second mortgage to help them cover the 20%, but it’s very difficult to get one for investment properties.

2. Demonstrate strength. Lenders look for financial strength in three key areas. Having a good credit score is one. For traditional lending options, you’ll likely need to top 740 to get good terms. Lenders will also consider your reserves. They’ll want to be sure you can afford to make good on the payments even if your property is vacant for a period of time. The loan-to-value (LTV) matters as well. This is the amount of the loan compared to the value of the property. For example, if you’re taking out a $60k loan on a $100k property, your LTV is 60%. The lower the LTV, the more likely you’ll be to get financing and good terms.

3. Skip the big banks. The reality is, most people looking into investment properties aren’t going to be able to bring a big down payment or demonstrate strength in the ways big banks want. Chances are, you’ll have more luck with a neighborhood bank or by going with some form of alternative lending.

Hard Money Can Make Your Investment Dreams Come True

One form of alternative lending is hard money, and it works well for , even if you’re a first timer. Hard money can be used to purchase properties for short-term renters, such as those listed on Airbnb or HomeAway, on traditional homes, and on multi-unit properties too. While LTV still comes into play, things like your credit score matter less, so it’s easier to qualify.

Once you’re successful, you can move onto a conventional loan with greater ease.

Hard money aren’t a permanent solution, but they’re a great way to get your foot in the door and start generating income. Many people use them to purchase fixer-uppers, make repairs, and get tenants in before going for a conventional loan. By approaching it this way, you can build up your cushion for the 20-25% down, increase your reserves, and increase the value, so you’re a strong buyer with cash ready. If you’re ready to get started generating a steady stream of income, consult with a broker who works with hard money.

Dennis Dahlber Broker Ri CEO Level 4 Funding LLC Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel: (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel: (512) 516-1177
[email protected]
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

About the Author: Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters and 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.