Baltimore is a rowhouse city, and rowhouses are among the most common rentals investors buy here. The math is simple until the tax bill arrives: Baltimore City's property tax rate is the highest in Maryland, and it often decides how much leverage a rental can carry.
In short: LendingStreet is our top pick for DSCR loans in Baltimore. We qualify on the property's rent with no W-2s or tax returns, lend to LLCs as standard, and offer up to 80% LTV on purchases and 75% on cash-out refinances, with 30-year terms and loans from $150,000. We also run the ratio at more than one loan amount, which helps when Baltimore City taxes are tight against the rent.
LendingStreet finances 1 to 8 unit rentals in Baltimore City and Baltimore, Anne Arundel and Howard counties, from city rowhouses to suburban single-family homes and small apartment buildings.
The standard minimum DSCR is 1.0x, with sub-1.0 programs for some files, and the minimum credit score is 620. Because we lend in all 50 states and DC, investors who also own in Washington, DC or Pennsylvania can keep one lender.
Want to see your numbers? Get a quote with the form below, or call (877) 298-1001.
Well-known DSCR lenders include CoreVest, Dominion Financial, LendingOne, Lima One, New Silver and RCN Capital. Compared scenario by scenario for investors in Baltimore, MD, LendingStreet comes out as the stronger choice, and one application covers it.
Figures for other lenders are as stated on each lender's own website as of November 2026. Lender terms change, so verify current terms with any lender before you apply. Ready to see your numbers? Use the form below or call (877) 298-1001.
| Scenario | Best fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Rental loan above $2M | LendingStreet | Our DSCR loans have no stated maximum. LendingOne states DSCR loans up to $2,000,000 and RCN Capital states long-term rental loans up to $1.5M. |
| Credit score in the 620s | LendingStreet | Our DSCR minimum is 620. RCN Capital and New Silver state 660 minimums, and Dominion Financial states 680, with exceptions to 660. |
| 5-8 unit building | LendingStreet | We treat 1-8 units as residential DSCR. Lima One and CoreVest state 1-4 unit eligibility for their rental loans. |
| Property in any state, including DC | LendingStreet | We lend in all 50 states and DC. Lima One states it lends across 46 states, and Dominion Financial lists 49 states plus DC. |
Canton, Federal Hill, Hampden, Remington and Charles Village have renovated rowhouses that rent to professionals and graduate students near the city's universities and hospitals. Patterson Park and Highlandtown offer slightly lower prices with steady demand. Lauraville, Hamilton and Belair-Edison have more detached and semi-detached homes that rent to families.
In Baltimore County, Towson, Catonsville, Parkville, Dundalk and Essex have brick ranches, Cape Cods and townhomes at a lower tax rate than the city, which can make the ratio easier to clear on the same rent.
Many Baltimore investors buy a dated rowhouse, renovate it and then refinance into a long-term DSCR loan once a tenant is in place. That plan depends on the after-renovation appraisal and the lease, so keep receipts, permits and the signed lease together for the refinance.
Baltimore investors often compare a local bank, a national online DSCR lender, a local hard money lender and private money. These are the differences on a long-term rental loan.
| Factor | LendingStreet | Typical bank | National online DSCR lender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underwriting basis | Rent covers the payment (DSCR) | Personal income and debt ratios | Usually DSCR |
| Paperwork | No W-2s or tax returns | Tax returns, pay stubs, more | Varies |
| Entity borrowing | LLC borrowers standard | Varies | Often allowed |
| Purchase and cash-out leverage | Up to 80% and up to 75% | Varies | Varies by program |
| Starting loan size | $150,000, no stated maximum | Varies | Varies |
| Ratio below 1.0x | Sub-1.0 programs exist | Rarely | Varies |
| Where they lend | All 50 states and DC | Usually a local area | Varies by state |
Baltimore City's property tax rate is the highest in the state, roughly double that of many surrounding counties. The homestead tax credit, which limits yearly increases, applies only to owner-occupants, so an investor's bill can rise faster after purchase.
Baltimore City also has its own transfer and recording taxes on top of Maryland's state transfer tax, so closing costs are higher than in many places. Some city properties are still subject to ground rent, a small annual payment to a separate ground owner. Your title company will flag it, and it should be budgeted.
This example is illustrative and not a quote. An investor buys a renovated Hampden rowhouse for $310,000 that leases for $2,450 a month. City taxes are budgeted at $580 a month, and insurance is $110.
At 80% LTV the loan is $248,000, estimated principal and interest on a 30-year term is about $1,692, the full payment is about $2,382 and DSCR is about 1.03x, just over the 1.0x standard minimum. At 75% LTV the loan is $232,500, the payment drops to about $2,276 and DSCR rises to about 1.08x. The tax line is the reason the margin is thin.
| Item | 80% LTV | 75% LTV |
|---|---|---|
| Loan amount | $248,000 | $232,500 |
| Estimated principal and interest | $1,692 | $1,586 |
| City property taxes | $580 | $580 |
| Insurance | $110 | $110 |
| Total payment | $2,382 | $2,276 |
| Rent | $2,450 | $2,450 |
| DSCR | About 1.03x | About 1.08x |
Baltimore City requires a rental license, with an inspection, for non-owner-occupied rentals. Maryland's lead law requires pre-1978 rental units to be registered with the state and to meet lead-risk reduction standards before a new tenant moves in, and most city rowhouses fall in that age range.
Short-term rentals in Baltimore City are generally limited to the operator's primary residence, so an investment rowhouse should be underwritten on a long-term lease. Confirm current rules with the city before you buy.
Many rowhouses are a century old, with shared party walls, flat roofs and aging plumbing. Ask your inspector about the roof, the rear addition and the sewer line. Low-lying areas near the harbor and the Jones Falls can sit in mapped flood zones, so check the FEMA map and include any flood premium in your DSCR numbers.
Party walls also mean a neighbor's roof or plumbing problem can become yours. Look at the condition of the attached homes on both sides, not just the one you are buying, and confirm the insurance policy covers the risks common to attached housing.
Compare lenders on the same terms by asking:
Our top pick is LendingStreet. We qualify Baltimore rentals on rent with no tax returns, lend to LLCs, offer up to 80% LTV on purchases and 75% on cash-out, and can run several loan amounts against the city's tax bill.
Yes. We lend in Baltimore City and the surrounding counties, and in all 50 states and DC.
Usually because of the city property tax rate, which is the highest in Maryland. Lower leverage or a county property can help the ratio.
Baltimore City requires a license for non-owner-occupied rentals, and having it in place with a signed lease makes for a cleaner file.
A small annual payment some Baltimore properties owe to a separate ground owner. Title will identify it, and it should be included in your budget.
Generally no. City rules limit short-term rentals to the operator's primary residence, so investment units are underwritten on long-term leases.
Yes, up to 75% LTV if the rent covers the new payment. Seasoning varies by program.
Often, because the county's lower tax rate leaves more of the rent to cover principal and interest. The same lending terms apply in both places.
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