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    1. Loans
    2. Investment
    3. Vacation Rental Loans
    Investment

    Vacation Rental Loans

    "Finance your Airbnb investment."

    Specialized financing for short-term rental properties. Qualify using projected rental income from Airbnb, VRBO, and other booking platforms.

    20-25%

    Min Down

    680+

    Min Credit

    $3M+

    Max Loan

    Get Pre-ApprovedTalk to an STR Specialist
    Last reviewed: January 2026 · CMS Mortgage Editorial Team

    Vacation Rental Loans Benefits

    Everything you need to know about your benefits

    STR Income Qualifies

    Use projected or actual short-term rental income instead of long-term lease rates

    No Tax Returns

    DSCR-based qualification means no personal income documentation required

    Higher Cash Flow Potential

    Vacation rentals often generate 2-3x more income than long-term rentals

    LLC Ownership OK

    Hold properties in business entities for liability protection and tax benefits

    Portfolio Scalable

    Build a vacation rental empire without personal income limiting your purchases

    Multiple Property Types

    Finance beach houses, mountain cabins, urban condos, and more

    How It Works

    Your path to homeownership in just a few simple steps

    Find STR-Friendly Property

    Identify properties in high-tourism areas that allow short-term rentals (check HOA and zoning).

    2

    Analyze Rental Potential

    Use AirDNA or actual booking history to project income and verify DSCR qualification.

    Submit STR Documentation

    Provide booking history, projections, or market analysis to support income qualification.

    DSCR Underwriting

    Lender calculates DSCR using projected STR income vs. monthly payment (typically 1.0-1.25 required).

    Find STR-Friendly Property

    Identify properties in high-tourism areas that allow short-term rentals (check HOA and zoning).

    2

    Analyze Rental Potential

    Use AirDNA or actual booking history to project income and verify DSCR qualification.

    Submit STR Documentation

    Provide booking history, projections, or market analysis to support income qualification.

    DSCR Underwriting

    Lender calculates DSCR using projected STR income vs. monthly payment (typically 1.0-1.25 required).

    Close and List

    Complete purchase and launch your listing on Airbnb, VRBO, or your preferred platform.

    Loan Details

    Documentation Required

    • 12-24 months Airbnb/VRBO income history (if available)
    • AirDNA or similar market projection report
    • Property management agreement (if applicable)
    • Bank statements showing rental deposits
    • Property appraisal with STR income analysis

    Eligible Property Types

    • Single-family homes in tourist areas
    • Condos and townhomes (STR-allowed)
    • Beach houses and lake properties
    • Mountain cabins and ski condos
    • Urban apartments in high-demand cities

    Additional Info

    • DSCR calculated using STR income projections
    • Properties with booking history preferred
    • Furnished property value considered
    • Higher reserves for seasonal markets

    Vacation Rental vs. Other Loan Types

    FeatureVacation Rental (DSCR)(This loan)Second HomeTraditional Investment
    Primary UseFull-time STR rentalPersonal + limited rentalLong-term tenant
    Income QualificationSTR projections/historyPersonal income (DTI)Lease income or DTI
    Down Payment20-25%10%15-25%
    Tax Returns RequiredNoYesDepends on loan type
    Rental RestrictionsNone (verify zoning)Limited rental allowedNone
    Best ForAirbnb investorsPersonal vacation useTraditional landlords
    Seasonality ConsideredYes (annual average)N/ANo (12-month lease)

    * Rates and terms subject to change. Contact us for current offers.

    FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about Vacation Rental Loans

    Last updated: May 12, 2026

    How do lenders calculate income for vacation rentals?

    Lenders use one of three methods: actual booking history (12-24 months of Airbnb/VRBO income), AirDNA market projections for new purchases, or a hybrid approach blending history with projections. Properties with proven track records typically get better terms.

    What DSCR is required for vacation rental loans?

    Most lenders require 1.0-1.25 DSCR for vacation rentals, meaning the projected annual income must equal or exceed 100-125% of annual debt service. Stronger DSCR (1.25+) may qualify for better rates.

    Can I finance a property with no rental history?

    Yes, for new purchases we can use AirDNA or similar market data to project income based on comparable properties in the area. The appraiser may also provide an STR income addendum analyzing the property rental potential.

    Lenders analyze annual average income, not just peak season. Beach properties may have strong summer months but lower winter occupancy. We calculate DSCR using 12-month projected income to account for seasonal fluctuations.
    You cannot use STR income to qualify if rentals are restricted. Before purchasing, verify HOA rules and local zoning ordinances allow short-term rentals. Some areas require permits or have minimum stay requirements.
    Second home loans require personal use intent and limit rental activity—you get better rates but cannot run a full-time Airbnb. Vacation rental loans assume full-time STR operation and qualify using rental income, but require higher down payments (20-25% vs 10%).
    Compare all loan types — Read our comprehensive mortgage guide
    Read the Compare GuideSee how Vacation Rental Loans stacks up against other mortgage options
    Compare All Programs Side-by-SideDrop Vacation Rental Loans next to up to 2 others and compare requirements line by line

    Get Rate Drop Alerts

    We'll notify you instantly when rates drop to your target.

    Get Started with Vacation Rental Loans See Today's Rates
    Top 50 National Brokerage•NMLS #212405

    Ready to Finance Your Vacation Rental?

    Use Airbnb income to qualify—no tax returns required

    Get Pre-ApprovedTalk to an STR Specialist

    Or call us directly: (757) 558-2603

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      Virginia Beach, VA 23464
    • (757) 558-2603
    • info@cmsmortgage.com
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