What percent do you have to put down for a DSCR loan?

Usually 20 to 25% on a purchase. The 20% tier, an 80% loan-to-value, requires a DSCR around 1.25 and a credit score around 720 or higher at most lenders. Weaker ratios, lower scores, two to four unit properties and cash-out refinances push the requirement to 25 to 35%.

The real minimum is often set by the ratio rather than the lender's headline number. If the rent only covers the payment at a 1.0 ratio with 25% down, and the lender wants 1.25, you need enough extra down to shrink the payment until the ratio clears. On a $500,000 property at $4,000 rent and 7.5%, that moves the down payment from 25% to about 29%.

Closing costs, prepaid taxes and insurance, and reserves of three to six months of the payment come on top of the down payment. Gift funds are accepted at some lenders and refused at others.