Most people believe you need a 20% down payment and a spotless credit score to become a real estate investor. That is the traditional path — and it shuts out a lot of people who have the drive, the vision, and the right property in front of them.
At Genesis Commercial Loans, we want to put as many options in front of you as possible. Because the right deal deserves the right financing — and we work with lenders who think creatively.
The Standard Starting Point: 20% Down
Yes, typical real estate investing does start at roughly 20% of the purchase price. That is the baseline for most conventional investment property loans — non-owner occupied single family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and small multi-unit properties.
If you have that 20% and solid financials, we can move quickly. But if your situation is more complicated, keep reading — because we have options most lenders will never tell you about.
DSCR Loans — Let the Property Qualify Itself
One of our most powerful tools for real estate investors is the DSCR loan — Debt Service Coverage Ratio financing.
Here is how it works: instead of qualifying you based on your personal income, tax returns, or W-2s, the lender looks at the property's rental income. If the rent covers the mortgage payment, you qualify. It is that straightforward.
DSCR loans are ideal for:
- Self-employed investors with complex tax returns
- Investors who own multiple properties
- Anyone who wants to keep their personal finances separate from their investment portfolio
- Borrowers who want to scale quickly without hitting income limits
No W-2s. No tax returns. No personal income verification. The property does the talking.
Challenged Credit? We Have a Lender for That.
Here is something most lenders will never say out loud: we have a lender who will work with challenged credit — if the property qualifies.
That means if the numbers on the deal make sense, your credit score is not automatically a dealbreaker. The property's value, rental income potential, and loan-to-value ratio carry the weight.
This is not a loophole — it is a legitimate lending program designed for investors who have had bumps in the road but are ready to build wealth through real estate.
50% First Position — A Truly Creative Option
This one surprises a lot of people.
We have access to a lender who will purchase 50% of the property in first position. This means you can acquire an investment property with significantly less capital out of pocket — and still own the asset.
This type of creative structure is not available at your local bank. It takes a lending partner who understands real estate investing at a deeper level — and that is exactly what Genesis brings to the table.
What Types of Properties Do We Finance?
We finance a wide range of investment property types across all 50 states:
- Non-owner occupied single family homes — the classic fix and hold or buy and rent strategy
- Multi-unit residential properties — duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and larger apartment buildings
- Large residential complexes — 5+ unit apartment communities
- Commercial real estate — mixed-use, retail, office, and other income-producing commercial properties
Whether you are buying your first rental or adding to a growing portfolio, we have programs built for your situation.
Competitive Rates and Terms — Nationwide
All of our real estate investing loan programs come with competitive rates and terms. We are not a last-resort lender charging penalty rates. We represent you — working across our network of lenders to find the best fit for your deal and your goals.
We serve investors in all 50 states. Your market, your property type, your timeline — we work around you.
Why Genesis?
Most investors come to us after being turned down somewhere else. A bank said no because of their credit. A hard money lender wanted too much down. A private lender had terms that did not make sense.
We take a different approach. We listen to your situation, look at your deal, and go to work finding a path forward. Our job is to get you funded — not to find reasons to say no.
Ready to explore your options? Submit a free loan analysis and a Senior Loan Officer will review your deal and walk you through what is available for your specific situation. No hard credit pull required to get started.