That is another factor that a bank will consider. 

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 hard not to be emotional when house hacking becasue you're living there but think about other factors for you too, not just the cost.

As a family-run business we’re curious—what factors do lenders prioritize most when evaluating projects like ours?

Treat this property as a business and factor in all the associated expenses, including mortgage payments (if you pull a loan), maintenance, and potential vacancy periods.To simplify management and make this less of a hands-on job, I’d strongly recommend working with a property management company.

@Robert Quiroz I think all of the factors you have listed might contribute.So I’m not going to comment on that but I am going to comment on an assumption you made.If 85% of rents are below market on deals you underwrite then those contract rents are probably THE market rent.You can’t just go based upon area median income to rent ratio.First off urban areas are oftentimes street by street, block by block.

Quality pics are by far the number one contributing factor.

When under contract at 300k with the expectation that codes would be the determining factor on what can be done on with the property, as it relates to new construction.

When under contract at 300k with the expectation that codes would be the determining factor on what can be done on with the property, as it relates to new construction.

Also factor in if the rents jumped a lot and if that would lead to a vacancy, which will cost you more in the short term.