How to Secure a Loan for Investment Property Before 2025 Ends

October 17, 2025

Why September Is Still a Great Time to Invest

If you’ve been sitting on the fence about getting a loan for investment property, this month is a golden opportunity. While the peak summer buying season is over, savvy investors know that fall is when serious deals happen.

Here’s why:

Sellers are more motivated to close before the year ends
Less buyer competition gives you room to negotiate
Rental demand remains strong as leases expire in fall
You can still close before Q4 and benefit from year-end tax advantages

Top Loan Options for Investment Properties

Depending on your income type, experience level, and investment goals, here are your best options this September:

DSCR Loans (Debt-Service Coverage Ratio)

Instead of relying on your personal income, these loans use the projected rental income of the property to determine eligibility.

Who it’s for:
Buy-and-hold investors, landlords, and those with multiple properties.

Bank Statement Loans

Showcase your income using bank deposits, not tax returns. Perfect for self-employed investors.

Who it’s for:
LLC owners, gig workers, entrepreneurs.

Bridge Loans

Short-term loans that help you buy now and refinance later. Often used for flips or when timing is tight.

Who it’s for:
Flippers, BRRRR investors, or buyers facing competitive offers.

Mixed-Use and Commercial Loans

For properties that combine residential and business space — think upstairs apartments with retail below.

Who it’s for:
Urban investors, business owners, and mixed-income property buyers.

Steps to Qualify for a Loan This Month

Even if you haven’t applied yet, you can still close before October. Here’s how:

Gather financial documents — bank statements, lease projections, ID, entity documents
Identify the loan product that fits your goals
Apply for pre-approval — this gives you negotiating power
Work with a responsive lender — speed matters in Q4
Lock your rate as soon as your offer is accepted

Bonus tip: DSCR loans usually require as little as 620+ credit and a 20–25% down payment. If you’re close to qualifying, lenders can offer advice to strengthen your application.

Tips for First-Time Real Estate Investors

New to investment properties? You’re not alone — and you’re not behind.

Many investors get started in the second half of the year by:

Buying a turnkey single-family home
Using a DSCR loan to qualify faster
House-hacking a duplex or triplex
Flipping a cosmetic fixer-upper
Investing through an LLC or family trust

Even if you’re new, you can still close with confidence when paired with the right financing and strategy.

How Fast Can You Close?

Here’s what most timelines look like in mid-September:

Loan Type	Avg. Close Time
DSCR Loan	10–15 business days
Bridge Loan	7–10 business days
Bank Statement	14–20 business days
Mixed-Use Loan	21–30 business days

Pre-approval can shave 5–10 days off your total time, so apply early to move fast once you’ve identified a property.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Q4

Waiting too long to lock in your rate
Assuming you won’t qualify if you’re self-employed
Not structuring your loan through an LLC when it matters
Underestimating repair or renovation costs
Skipping pre-approval — sellers take you less seriously

FAQs About Loans for Investment Property

Question	Answer
Can I qualify if I don’t have a W-2 job?	Yes. DSCR and bank statement loans are ideal for self-employed borrowers.
What’s the minimum credit score required?	Most lenders accept 620+ for DSCR, 660+ for bank statement loans.
Can I close before October?	Absolutely, if you start the pre-approval process this week.
Is it better to buy under an LLC?	For most investors, yes — it provides liability protection and tax flexibility.
Do you finance short-term rentals or Airbnb?	Yes. As long as rental income supports the loan, you’re eligible.