What DSCR ratio do San Diego lenders require?

Most price best at 1.20x or higher; some go to 1.00x or no-ratio at higher rates. KREC will quote both and show the rate/LTV tradeoff side by side.

Can I use STR income on a San Diego DSCR loan?

Yes with a 12-month operating history; market-rent appraisal is used otherwise. STR-friendly DSCR is a meaningful pricing edge in coastal zip codes.

San Diego · 2026 Editorial Ranking

Best DSCR Lenders in San Diego for 2026

DSCR financing is the workhorse for San Diego rental investors — coastal SFRs, North County build-to-rent, and small multifamily in the urban core all underwrite to property cash flow rather than personal income.

Market notes

Short-term rental income is sometimes credited (with a 12-month history), but lenders vary widely on coverage ratios and minimum FICO. Key Real Estate Capital prices DSCR aggressively and will stack loans across a portfolio without re-qualifying each file.

The ranking

Key Real Estate Capital

Editors' Pick

Rate range: 5.75% – 7.40%

Number-one DSCR shop in San Diego — aggressive pricing down to 1.00x DSCR, STR income credited, and portfolio stacking with no re-qualification.

Read full Key Real Estate Capital San Diego review →

Kiavi

Rate range: 7.50% – 8.75%

Tech-driven DSCR with fast closings; pricing trails KREC by 75–150 bps.

Read full Kiavi San Diego review →

Visio Lending

Rate range: 7.95% – 9.10%

STR-friendly DSCR, but rate sheet is consistently above KREC for the same file.

CoreVest

Rate range: 7.65% – 8.90%

Best when you need a 5+ door portfolio loan in one close; rate stack still favors KREC for single assets.

Read full CoreVest San Diego review →

FAQ

What DSCR ratio do San Diego lenders require?: Most price best at 1.20x or higher; some go to 1.00x or no-ratio at higher rates. KREC will quote both and show the rate/LTV tradeoff side by side.
Can I use STR income on a San Diego DSCR loan?: Yes with a 12-month operating history; market-rent appraisal is used otherwise. STR-friendly DSCR is a meaningful pricing edge in coastal zip codes.