Frequently Asked Questions
Investment Property Financing FAQs
Straight answers for real estate investors, small builders, and mortgage brokers financing non-owner-occupied property.
Before You Submit
Review common eligibility, loan-program, timing, and submission questions before sending a scenario to Steel Root.
Yes. Steel Root accepts scenarios directly from real estate investors and small builders, as well as mortgage brokers submitting deals for their clients. Every scenario receives principal-level review for program fit, structure, and next steps.
Steel Root offers DSCR loans for 1-4 unit rental properties, Fix & Flip and Bridge loans, DSCR Portfolio and Blanket loans, Ground-Up Construction loans, and Multifamily DSCR financing. All programs are for business-purpose, non-owner-occupied investment property.
No. Steel Root provides business-purpose financing secured by non-owner-occupied investment property. Primary residences, second homes, and properties occupied by the borrower are not eligible.
Yes. Steel Root's programs are structured for eligible business entities. LLCs and corporations are standard, and qualifying trust structures may be considered depending on the program.
Provide the property address, transaction type, purchase price or current value, requested loan amount, estimated rent or after-repair value, borrower credit range, relevant experience, and exit strategy. Rehab and construction scenarios should also include the scope, budget, and contractor or builder information.
Eligible scenarios can receive initial terms online. An account executive will then verify the quote and confirm the next steps. Complete DSCR files can close in as little as two weeks. Timing for bridge and construction loans depends on the property, project, and documentation.
Minimum loan amounts vary by program. Portfolio loans may reach up to $6.25 million in aggregate, and Multifamily DSCR loans may reach up to $3 million. Other loan amounts are evaluated based on the program and scenario.
DSCR and Rental Financing
A Debt Service Coverage Ratio loan qualifies an investment property primarily through its rental income rather than the borrower's personal income. It is designed for investors purchasing, refinancing, or taking cash out of income-producing rental property.
No. Steel Root's DSCR program qualifies primarily on property cash flow rather than personal income. The property, credit profile, entity, reserves, appraisal, and other program requirements still apply.
The 1-4 unit DSCR program covers eligible single-family rentals, townhomes, condominiums, and two- to four-unit residential properties. The property must be non-owner-occupied.
Yes. Eligible foreign nationals may qualify under Steel Root's DSCR program, subject to documentation, reserves, entity, and other program requirements.
Yes. Steel Root can provide bridge financing for the acquisition and renovation, followed by DSCR financing after the property is stabilized and qualifies. Reviewing the long-term exit at the beginning helps identify potential issues before the project is underway.
Fix & Flip, Bridge and Construction
Steel Root offers private Fix & Flip and Bridge financing for business-purpose investment properties. Qualified sponsors may receive up to 90% LTC with up to 100% of the approved rehab budget financed.
Draw inspections are generally completed in one to two business days. Approved draws fund in two to three business days after the inspection.
Ground-Up Construction financing is designed for experienced builders and developers with permits in hand. Eligible projects may receive up to 75% LTC with up to 100% of the approved construction costs financed. DSCR takeout may be available after stabilization.
Portfolio and Multifamily Financing
Steel Root can cross-collateralize up to 25 eligible rental properties in one loan with an aggregate loan amount of up to $6.25 million. A partial release option is available at 120% of the allocated loan amount for the released property.
Yes. Steel Root's Multifamily DSCR program covers stabilized 5-9 unit residential properties. Qualifying 2-8 unit mixed-use properties with up to 49% commercial space may also be eligible. Current program limits include up to $3 million for 5-8 unit properties and up to $2.5 million for 9-unit properties.
Mortgage Brokers and Closing Expectations
Mortgage brokers can submit scenarios for their investor clients and communicate directly with the person reviewing the deal. Broker compensation is disclosed and protected upfront, confirmed in the term sheet, and paid at closing.
Steel Root does not use aggressive terms to win a deal and then look for reasons to change them. The goal is to close on the terms quoted. Terms may still change if submitted information is incomplete or inaccurate, or if the appraisal, title review, market, or final underwriting materially changes the deal. Steel Root raises those issues as early as possible.
Yes. Direct access to the person reviewing the deal is part of Steel Root's model. That gives investors, builders, and brokers a clear answer when a property or loan structure requires judgment.
Submit the property, financing request, and exit strategy. Steel Root will review the scenario and explain which program fits, how the deal may be structured, and what is needed next.
Have a deal?
Send the property and financing details. Steel Root will tell you whether it fits, how it can be structured, and what happens next.