I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23If a purchase, you also generally need reserves / savings to show you have 3-6 month payments of PITIA (principal / interest (mortgage payment), property taxes and insurance and HOA (if applicable).

If you have 100k invested in a property but you're only cash flowing $200 a month, it might make more sense to sell and reinvest into another property or simply put the 100k in a high yield saving account at this point in time.  

Also understanding how things are put together, how siding works, gutters, etc (basically as many aspects of the home as possible)Having this knowledge will also help you from getting burned by contractors telling you things just so they can save time and money and deliver a crappy service. 

Quote from @Chris Seveney: Quote from @Caroline Gerardo: @Lizie Pilicy  instead withdraw ten grand from your savings and do this:.   

And now your building a community and reputation with the BEST finance-$ there is, PRIVATE-$.

@Jared KhanHow about saving and using cash?

It's called "Investing in Real Estate Private Equity: An Insider’s Guide to Real Estate Partnerships, Funds, Joint Ventures & Crowdfunding".

As for PadSplit, it’s definitely an option, but if you’re gonna live there yourself and don't mind a little hands-on management you can save and still cash flow.

I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23If a purchase, you also generally need reserves / savings to show you have 3-6 month payments of PITIA (principal / interest (mortgage payment), property taxes and insurance and HOA (if applicable).

It's better to preserve a healthy relationship with the tenant than save a few bucks.