STR Home Financing | Short-Term Rental & Vacation Home Loan Experts at cmg home loans

"We’re super excited! Closed on our first STR property today! I can’t give enough praise to Jeff Chisum and

his team! They are absolutely awesome to work with!

Highly recommend them!"

David T. - The Poconos

"Super efficient and fast!! Jeff and his team are the best in the business. Their expertise, communication and customer service is unmatched. If you are buying a STR/Vacation Rental they are the obvious choice for a lending partner"

Jodi E. - Bourbon Trail KY

"As a new STR investor Jeff's podcast really helped me jump the learning curve in this asset class. Jeff's detail and practical examples really bring it home for anyone looking to understand the fundamentals of STR investing.

Graham H. - W North Carolina

GET THE FACTS

Short-Term Rental
Financing Explained

Navigating short-term rental capital shouldn't feel like guesswork. Whether you need a no-ratio DSCR loan based solely on Airbnb revenue or a flexible 10% down second-home product, our specialized lending desk delivers transparent underwriting and swift execution so you never lose a prime deal.

⚡ Pre-approvals issued in as little as 24-48 hours. No personal tax returns needed for DSCR.

Can I buy a short-term rental property with just 10% down?

Yes! Depending on your qualifications and the loan program, you may be able to purchase a short-term rental with as little as 10% down.

Certain second-home financing programs allow eligible borrowers to rent their vacation property when they're not using it personally, subject to occupancy and rental restrictions. Some investment-property programs also offer 10% down options.

Do I need 20% down to purchase an investment property?

Not necessarily! While traditional investment-property loans often require larger down payments, specialized financing programs may allow qualified borrowers to purchase an investment property with as little as 10% down.

The required down payment depends on the loan program, property type, credit profile, and other qualifications.

Can I use projected Airbnb or VRBO income to qualify for a mortgage?

Yes, with certain loan programs. Some investment-property financing options allow borrowers to use eligible rental income to help qualify.

Depending on the program, lenders may consider market rent, documented rental history, or qualifying short-term rental revenue. Not every loan program permits projected STR income.

What is a DSCR loan, and how does it work for short-term rentals?

A Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loan is an investment-property mortgage that primarily evaluates the property's qualifying rental income relative to its debt payments rather than relying on the borrower's traditional employment income.

DSCR loans can be particularly helpful for self-employed investors, business owners, and borrowers who have difficulty qualifying using conventional income documentation.

Can I finance a short-term rental property through an LLC?

Yes! Certain investment-property and DSCR loan programs allow borrowers to purchase or refinance properties in an LLC.

This can be attractive to investors who prefer holding rental properties through a business entity. However, personal guarantees may still be required, and LLC ownership is generally not permitted for standard conventional second-home financing.

What is the difference between second-home financing and investment-property financing?

The biggest difference is how you intend to use the property.

Second-home financing is designed for borrowers purchasing a vacation home for their own personal use. Eligible borrowers may be permitted to rent the property when not using it, but the property must satisfy the lender's second-home occupancy requirements.

Investment-property financing is intended for properties purchased primarily to generate rental income. These programs generally offer greater flexibility for properties operated as short-term rentals.

Can I refinance my existing short-term rental to access equity?

Absolutely! Depending on your property's value, existing mortgage balance, and qualifications, you may be eligible for a cash-out refinance or a second-lien loan.

Investors commonly access equity to purchase additional properties, renovate existing rentals, or fund other investments. Available loan-to-value limits and cash-out restrictions vary by program.

Is it harder to finance a short-term rental than a traditional home?

Not when you work with a lender who understands short-term rental financing.

STR financing requires an understanding of occupancy classifications, rental-income guidelines, property eligibility, and specialized investor loan programs.

Working with a mortgage team experienced in vacation homes and STR investments can help you identify financing options that fit your goals.

Mortgage Solutions for Short-Term Rental Investors

We specialize in financing for Airbnb, VRBO and other short-term rental properties nationwide

Jeff Chisum

Branch Manager/Loan Officer, NMLS ID# 673623

5495 Belt Lien Road, Suite 140

Dallas, TX 75254, Branch NMLS ID# 2477725

CMG Mortgage, Inc. dba CMG Home Loans, NMLS ID# 1820 (For licensing information go to www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org, www.cmghomeloans.com), Equal Housing Opportunity. Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act No. 4150025.; AZ #0903132; Colorado regulated by the Division of Real Estate; Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #15438; Mortgage Servicer License No. MS068. Hawaii Mortgage Loan Originator Company License No. HI-1820. Massachusetts Mortgage Lender License #MC1820 and Mortgage Broker License #MC1820; Mississippi Licensed Mortgage Company Licensed by the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance; Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department; Licensed by the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance; Licensed Mortgage Banker – NYS Department of Financial Services; Ohio Mortgage Broker Act Mortgage Banker Exemption #MBMB.850204.000; Rhode Island Licensed Lender #20142986LL; Registered Mortgage Banker with the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending, and Licensed by the Virginia State Corporation Commission #MC-5521. CMG Mortgage, Inc. is licensed in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. www.cmgfi.com/corporate/licensing.

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