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Lender Guidelines Library

Know Exactly What You Need to Qualify

Transparent, detailed requirements for every NON-QM loan program. Compare lender guidelines side-by-side and see where you fit.

Bank Statement Loans

For self-employed borrowers who can't provide traditional tax returns

Credit Score
Minimum:620
Preferred:680

Higher scores get better rates

Down Payment
Minimum:10%
Preferred:20%

Lower LTV = better pricing

Debt-to-Income (DTI)
Maximum:50%

Calculated using bank statement income

Reserves
Minimum:6 months PITI
Preferred:12 months

More reserves = better approval odds

Income Calculation
Formula:

Average monthly deposits × 12 months

Deductions:

50% expense ratio (can vary by lender)

Some lenders allow 1.0x or 1.5x multiplier

Required Documentation
  • 12 or 24 months personal/business bank statements
  • Valid government-issued ID
  • Proof of business existence (license, articles, etc.)
  • Purchase contract or refinance docs
Lender-Specific Variations
Requirements vary by lender - these are examples to show the range
Lendermin Creditmax D T Imin DownNotes
Lender A62050%10%Allows 1.5x income multiplier
Lender B66045%15%Stricter but better rates
Lender C64050%10%Flexible on property types

DSCR Investment Loans

No income verification - qualify based on rental income alone

Credit Score
Minimum:620
Preferred:700

DSCR ratio improves with higher credit

Down Payment
Minimum:20%
Preferred:25%

Lower LTV for DSCR < 1.0

Debt-to-Income (DTI)
Maximum:N/A

No personal income verification required

Reserves
Minimum:6 months PITI
Preferred:12 months

Higher reserves for DSCR < 1.0

Income Calculation
Formula:

Monthly rent ÷ Monthly PITI

Deductions:

None - uses gross rent

DSCR ≥ 1.0 preferred, some allow 0.75+

Required Documentation
  • Lease agreement or rental appraisal
  • Property appraisal
  • 12-24 months bank statements (for reserves)
  • Valid government-issued ID
Lender-Specific Variations
Requirements vary by lender - these are examples to show the range
Lendermin Creditmin D S C Rmin DownNotes
Lender A6200.7520%Allows DSCR < 1.0
Lender B6801.020%Best rates for DSCR ≥ 1.25
Lender C6400.8025%Flexible on property condition

Asset Depletion Loans

Qualify using liquid assets instead of income

Credit Score
Minimum:660
Preferred:720

Higher credit required for asset-based

Down Payment
Minimum:20%
Preferred:30%

More equity = better terms

Debt-to-Income (DTI)
Maximum:45%

Calculated using asset depletion income

Reserves
Minimum:12 months PITI
Preferred:24 months

Substantial reserves required

Income Calculation
Formula:

(Total assets - down payment) ÷ 360 months

Deductions:

Down payment, closing costs, reserves

Some lenders use 240 or 480 month divisor

Required Documentation
  • 60-90 days bank/investment statements
  • Asset verification letters from institutions
  • Valid government-issued ID
  • Purchase contract or refinance docs
Lender-Specific Variations
Requirements vary by lender - these are examples to show the range
Lendermin Creditdivisormin DownNotes
Lender A66036020%Standard asset depletion
Lender B70024025%Higher income calculation
Lender C68048030%Conservative but flexible

Foreign National Loans

For non-U.S. citizens purchasing U.S. real estate

Credit Score
Minimum:N/A
Preferred:Foreign credit report

No U.S. credit history required

Down Payment
Minimum:30%
Preferred:40%

Higher down payment typical

Debt-to-Income (DTI)
Maximum:43-50%

Varies by lender and property type

Reserves
Minimum:12 months PITI
Preferred:24 months

Substantial reserves required

Income Calculation
Formula:

Varies by lender and visa status

Deductions:

Depends on documentation type

Some lenders allow DSCR-only for investors

Required Documentation
  • Valid passport
  • Visa (if applicable)
  • Foreign bank statements (translated)
  • Proof of income (foreign or U.S.)
  • 12-24 months reserves
Lender-Specific Variations
Requirements vary by lender - these are examples to show the range
Lendermin Downreserve MonthsNotes
Lender A30%12Accepts ITIN, no SSN required
Lender B35%18Requires foreign credit report
Lender C40%24Most flexible on visa status

HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit)

Revolving credit line secured by your home equity - works with ALL income types

Credit Score
Minimum:620
Preferred:700

Higher scores unlock better rates and higher limits

Down Payment
Minimum:N/A (refinance product)
Preferred:Max 80-90% CLTV

Combined loan-to-value includes existing mortgage

Debt-to-Income (DTI)
Maximum:50%

DSCR option available (no DTI requirement)

Reserves
Minimum:0-6 months
Preferred:6-12 months

Varies by income type and CLTV

Income Calculation
Formula:

Flexible - accepts ALL income types

Deductions:

Bank statements: 50% expense ratio | P&L: per tax return | DSCR: rental income | Asset-based: asset depletion

Choose the income method that works best for your situation

Required Documentation
  • Proof of income (bank statements, P&L, tax returns, or DSCR)
  • Current mortgage statement
  • Property appraisal
  • 12 months bank statements (for reserves)
Lender-Specific Variations
Requirements vary by lender - these are examples to show the range
Lendermin Creditmax C L T Vincome TypesNotes
Lender A62085%AllMost flexible income options
Lender B68090%AllHigher CLTV for strong credit
Lender C64080%AllFast closing, 10-14 days

HELOAN (Home Equity Loan)

Fixed-rate second mortgage with lump sum payout - works with ALL income types

Credit Score
Minimum:620
Preferred:700

Fixed rate makes budgeting predictable

Down Payment
Minimum:N/A (refinance product)
Preferred:Max 80-90% CLTV

Combined loan-to-value includes existing mortgage

Debt-to-Income (DTI)
Maximum:50%

DSCR option available (no DTI requirement)

Reserves
Minimum:0-6 months
Preferred:6-12 months

Varies by income type and CLTV

Income Calculation
Formula:

Flexible - accepts ALL income types

Deductions:

Bank statements: 50% expense ratio | P&L: per tax return | DSCR: rental income | Asset-based: asset depletion

Choose the income method that works best for your situation

Required Documentation
  • Proof of income (bank statements, P&L, tax returns, or DSCR)
  • Current mortgage statement
  • Property appraisal
  • 12 months bank statements (for reserves)
Lender-Specific Variations
Requirements vary by lender - these are examples to show the range
Lendermin Creditmax C L T Vincome TypesNotes
Lender A62085%AllFixed rates, predictable payments
Lender B68090%AllNo closing costs option available
Lender C64080%AllBest for debt consolidation
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