If you're a foreign national looking to invest in U.S. real estate, you likely already know the struggle.
Traditional lenders often turn you away due to a lack of U.S. credit history or residency. About 50% of international buyers purchase U.S. properties in cash, compared to just 28% of American buyers. This isn't by choice, but because financing seems out of reach.
Here's the good news: there's a loophole that you can exploit.
Debt-service-coverage-ratio (DSCR) loans offer a way to acquire U.S. rental property without the bureaucracy. DSCR loans help you qualify based on the property's rental income potential rather than your personal financial credentials. In this guide, we'll walk you through how DSCR loans work and why they’re particularly beneficial for foreign nationals.
At its core, a debt-service-coverage-ratio loan measures how comfortably the rental income from your property covers your loan payments. If your property generates enough rental income to pay the mortgage, you’ll likely qualify.
For example, if your rental property brings in $2,000 per month and your monthly loan payment is $1,500, your DSCR would be 1.33—meaning you earn 33% more than what you owe each month.
Unlike traditional loans, DSCR financing doesn't rely on your personal income, tax returns, or U.S. credit history, making it uniquely suited for foreign nationals. Instead, lenders focus entirely on the property's rental potential. In many cases, a DSCR above 1 is considered acceptable.
The biggest advantage for international investors? No U.S. credit history required. This removes a major hurdle that often blocks foreigners from traditional financing options. Whether you're navigating complex visa statuses, have income from international sources, or lack U.S.-based employment altogether, a DSCR loan levels the playing field, giving you direct access to U.S. real estate investment opportunities.
For instance, imagine earning rental income abroad but facing constant roadblocks when trying to secure a U.S. mortgage. With a DSCR loan, the property's income potential speaks louder than your passport or pay stubs.
Foreign investors face enough hurdles without getting tangled in red tape. DSCR loans cut through the noise and offer three clear advantages:
Serious about building your U.S. real estate portfolio? Apply for a DSCR loan with Waltz today.
No U.S. tax returns? No problem.
With DSCR loans, proving your financial health is simpler. Often, bank statements from your home country are enough to get the ball rolling, reducing stress and speeding up your investment timeline. However, not all lenders are willing to work with foreign nationals even with a DSCR loan. This is where Waltz stands out, offering a streamlined and welcoming path for international investors.
While traditional financing can take months, DSCR loans through Waltz typically close within about a month, giving you a much faster path to your next rental property. This speed isn't just convenient—it allows you to repeat the process, swiftly building a substantial U.S. real estate portfolio.
See how others made it happen: Real Estate Investment Success Stories.
DSCR loans aren't an afterthought for investors; they're specifically designed for rental properties. Waltz stands out by making the requirements even more accessible: no U.S. credit history, no U.S. income verification, no residency requirement, and an LLC setup included through Waltz’s Investor Kit. It's a true end-to-end solution built for global investors.
Learn more: Residential Rental Property Types that Qualify for DSCR Loans
Setting up your investment correctly is just as important as choosing the right property. From entity formation to property type, Waltz helps foreign investors make smart, compliant decisions right from the start.
When investing in U.S. real estate, how you structure your property purchase matters. An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a common choice for foreign investors: it provides asset protection and simplifies ownership.
Waltz’s Investor Kit streamlines this crucial step by handling your LLC and EIN (Employer Identification Number) setup in minutes, not weeks. Normally, setting up an LLC would require hiring a lawyer, navigating state filing systems, and waiting months for your EIN approval.
Waltz bundles everything into one seamless service, saving you time and money while eliminating the headache of coordinating multiple stakeholders. Additionally, choosing the right type of property, whether it's a condo, single-family home, or multi-unit, can significantly impact your rental income potential..
Securing a DSCR loan through Waltz is designed to be as simple and transparent as possible. Here’s a quick look at the steps you’ll follow:
Getting started with a DSCR loan through Waltz is straightforward and stress-free. Here's how it works:
Learn more: How to Apply for a DSCR Loan as a Foreign National
Unlike traditional banks or scattered service providers, Waltz offers everything under one roof. You'll work with real people who guide you through every step of your investment journey.
There’s no need to chase multiple providers or wait months for approval. With Waltz, you can confidently close your loan in as little as a month, without any requirement for a U.S. credit score or local income verification.
Investing in U.S. real estate can be challenging for foreign nationals who work with traditional lenders. DSCR loans help level the playing field by shifting the focus from personal income and credit to the property's earning potential, opening up new financing opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach for foreign nationals.
With Waltz handling the complexities behind the scenes, you can confidently move forward with your investment plans: whether it's your first U.S. property or an expansion of your portfolio.
Ready to invest in U.S. real estate without the typical headaches? Start your DSCR loan application today!
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