Tampa Bay grew quickly, and many investors who bought rentals here years ago are now sitting on real equity. After the 2024 hurricane season, they are also sitting on higher insurance bills. A good DSCR lender helps you balance both.
In short: LendingStreet is our top pick for Tampa DSCR loans. We qualify on the property's rent with no W-2s or tax returns, close in LLCs, and offer 30-year terms. Cash-out refinances go up to 75% LTV and purchases up to 80%, with loans from $150,000 and a 620 minimum score. When flood and wind premiums push the ratio down, we show you how much cash to take, or a sub-1.0 program, to make it work. Call (877) 298-1001 or use the form below.
We finance non-owner-occupied 1 to 8 unit rentals across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties. Every loan is business-purpose and qualifies on the property's rent, so you can refinance or buy without a personal income review.
LendingStreet suits long-time Tampa landlords cashing out equity, investors refinancing out of short-term rehab debt, and buyers adding single-family homes in the suburbs. Start with the form below and we will size the loan on your rent.
If you are weighing CoreVest, Dominion Financial, LendingOne, Lima One, New Silver and RCN Capital for a DSCR loan for investors in Tampa, FL, this is the short version: LendingStreet wins the scenarios below, and you can get a quote with the form below.
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. |
Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights and West Tampa have 1920s bungalows and Craftsman homes. Ybor City and Sulphur Springs offer older homes and small multi-unit buildings. Town 'n' Country and Temple Terrace have concrete block ranches. Brandon, Riverview, Wesley Chapel and Plant City offer newer subdivisions, many with HOA or community development district (CDD) assessments.
Across the bay, St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Largo add older coastal homes and duplexes. Elevation and flood zone vary block by block, especially near the water. Tenant demand is broad, from hospital and port workers to families moving in from other states, which keeps vacancy manageable in most submarkets when the home is priced to the market.
Here is how we compare with the banks and hard money lenders Tampa investors usually consider. National online DSCR lenders are also an option, and the questions in our checklist below will help you compare them fairly. Ask each one how it treats flood insurance and CDD assessments in the ratio.
| What investors need | LendingStreet | Typical local bank or credit union | Typical hard money lender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualify on the rent, not your tax returns | Yes, DSCR loans qualify on the property's rent | Often asks for tax returns and personal income | Asset-based, but built for short holds |
| Close in your LLC | Standard | Varies; may require commercial terms | Common |
| Long-term financing | 30-year terms available | Often shorter terms or balloons on investor loans | Usually short-term only |
| Purchase leverage | Up to 80% LTV | Varies by bank | Varies; often tied to cost |
| Cash-out refinance | Up to 75% LTV | Varies by bank | Rarely a long-term option |
| Loan size | From $150,000, no stated maximum | Varies; may be capped | Varies |
| Lends beyond Tampa Bay | All 50 states and DC | Usually a local footprint | Often regional |
Investors do not get the homestead exemption, and non-homestead assessments can rise up to 10% a year for non-school taxes. On a refinance your existing bill is a fair guide; on a purchase, a sale resets the value, so budget on your price.
Outside Miami-Dade, Florida's deed documentary stamp tax is $0.70 per $100 of price. A new mortgage, including a cash-out refinance, adds documentary stamps of $0.35 per $100 and intangible tax of 0.2% of the loan. Your title company will confirm the exact figures.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024 brought storm surge to coastal Pinellas and Hillsborough and inland flooding along rivers and creeks. Premiums and deductibles rose for many landlords, and some properties now face closer flood-zone review.
Some carriers have pulled back from writing new Florida policies, while others have entered the market, so shopping your coverage can change the ratio. Before you refinance, pull your current policy, a fresh quote, the FEMA flood zone and an elevation certificate if you have one. Properties that were substantially damaged may need repairs or permits finished before a new loan.
Florida law limits new local bans on short-term rentals, but cities and counties still require registration and tax collection, and many HOAs prohibit stays under 30 days or cap rentals. Pinellas beach towns each have their own rules. Check with the city or county and your HOA before relying on nightly income.
For long-term rentals, Florida limits local rent control, so landlords generally set rents with the market. Lenders still qualify on today's lease or market rent, so a fresh lease at market before you refinance can help your numbers.
This example is illustrative and not a quote. An investor owns a Seminole Heights bungalow valued at $360,000 with a $150,000 loan balance. It leases for $2,650 a month. Taxes are $520, insurance is $300 and flood insurance is $70 a month.
At 75% LTV the new loan is $270,000, about $120,000 gross cash-out before closing costs. Estimated principal and interest is about $1,796 and the total payment is about $2,686, for a DSCR of about 0.99x, just under 1.0x. At 65% LTV the loan is $234,000, cash-out is about $84,000, and DSCR is about 1.08x.
| Item | 75% LTV | 65% LTV |
|---|---|---|
| Value | $360,000 | $360,000 |
| Loan amount | $270,000 | $234,000 |
| Gross cash-out before closing costs | $120,000 | $84,000 |
| Estimated principal and interest | $1,796 | $1,557 |
| Property taxes | $520 | $520 |
| Insurance | $300 | $300 |
| Flood insurance | $70 | $70 |
| Total monthly payment | $2,686 | $2,447 |
| DSCR at $2,650 rent | About 0.99x | About 1.08x |
A short list of questions separates lenders that fit investors from those that do not.
LendingStreet's answers: 80% LTV on purchases, 75% on cash-out, and up to 80% on rate-and-term on some programs. A 1.0x standard minimum DSCR, with sub-1.0 options. Seasoning varies by program. LLCs are standard. We set expectations on timing once we see your file, and while there is no stated maximum, leverage can be lower on larger balances and on 5 to 8 units.
Send the address, value, current balance, rent and insurance declarations. We will show you how much cash the rent supports and the options at each level. Use the form below or call (877) 298-1001.
Our top pick is LendingStreet, for rent-based qualifying with no tax returns, cash-out up to 75% LTV, LLC borrowers and sub-1.0 programs when insurance tightens the ratio.
Yes. We lend across Tampa Bay, the rest of Florida, and all 50 states and DC.
Up to 75% LTV on cash-out, as long as the rent supports the new payment. Seasoning varies by program.
The loan rules did not change, but higher premiums and flood costs raised many payments, which lowers the ratio. Get a current quote before you apply.
Yes. CDD and HOA assessments are part of the monthly payment we use to calculate the ratio.
Yes, if local rules and your HOA allow it. Some programs qualify on projected short-term rental revenue.
Yes. LLC borrowers are standard, and you sign for the loan personally.
620.
2-3 competing quotes from 30+ capital sources. No credit pull. No commitment.
By clicking, you provide express written consent to be contacted by LendingStreet (NMLS #1734316) via SMS, phone, or email, possibly using automated technology, regarding your loan inquiry. Reply STOP to opt out. Consent is not required to obtain services. See our Privacy Policy and Terms.