Commercial real estate loans are financing solutions designed specifically for non-owner occupied properties, which is investment real estate that you don't live in or use as your primary business location. These loans help investors and business owners purchase, refinance, or renovate income-producing properties including rental properties, multi-family buildings, retail centers, office buildings, warehouses, and mixed-use developments. Commercial real estate financing provides investors with the leverage needed to build wealth through real estate, allowing you to control valuable assets while preserving your capital for additional investments, improvements, or reserves. Whether you're buying your first rental property or expanding a multi-property portfolio, commercial real estate loans make real estate investment accessible and profitable.
Leverage allows you to control valuable assets with 20-25% down. Build equity, generate rental income, and benefit from property appreciation over time.
Qualify based on the property's rental income and DSCR, not just your personal income. Perfect for investors with multiple properties or non-traditional income.
Choose from fixed-rate, variable-rate, interest-only, and balloon payment options. Customize terms to match your investment strategy and goals.
Finance multiple properties and build a diversified real estate portfolio. Scale your investments while managing cash flow effectively.
Benefit from mortgage interest deductions, depreciation, and other real estate tax benefits that can significantly reduce your tax liability.
Get terms up to 30 years with lower monthly payments compared to short-term financing. Improve cash flow and maximize your return on investment.
Conventional Commercial Loans
Traditional bank financing for stabilized, income-producing properties. These loans offer competitive rates and terms for experienced investors with strong credit and property performance. Loan amounts from $250,000 to $25 million+, terms of 5-20 years with 20-30 year amortization, LTV up to 75-80%, and fixed or variable rates.
Best for: Established investors, properties with consistent rental income, long-term holds, refinancing existing properties.
Construction Loans
Short-term financing (12-24 months) to fund the construction of new commercial properties or major renovations. Funds are disbursed in draws as construction progresses. Interest-only payments during construction, with conversion to permanent financing upon completion. Perfect for developers, investors building new properties, major property repositioning projects, ground-up development.
Requirements: Detailed construction plans and budget, experienced builder/contractor, 20-30% equity injection, solid exit strategy (sale or permanent financing).
Types available: Construction-to-permanent loans (single close), standalone construction loans, ground-up construction, major renovation/rehab financing.
DSCR Loans (Debt Service Coverage Ratio)
Income-based loans that qualify you based solely on the property's rental income, not your personal income or employment. No tax returns, W-2s, or income verification required.
Requirements: DSCR of 1.0-1.25+, credit score 640+, 20-25% down payment, terms up to 30 years available.
Best for: Self-employed investors, retirees, or those with multiple properties.
Permanent Financing (Agency Loans)
Long-term, fixed-rate financing through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for multi-family properties (5+ units). Excellent rates and terms for qualifying properties and borrowers. Non-recourse options available for experienced investors.
Features: Up to 80% LTV, 30-year amortization, fixed rates, properties with $1M+ value, strong cash flow required.
Bridge Loans
Short-term financing (6-24 months) for properties needing renovation, lease-up, or repositioning before qualifying for permanent financing. Higher rates but faster approval and more flexible requirements than conventional loans.
Best for: Value-add properties, distressed assets, properties with vacancy issues, investors planning quick renovations.
Portfolio Loans
Loans held by the originating lender rather than sold on the secondary market. More flexible underwriting guidelines allow for unique properties or borrower situations that don't fit conventional lending boxes.
Best for: Properties with unique characteristics, investors with non-traditional income, portfolios with mixed property types.
Blanket Loans
Finance multiple properties under a single loan with one payment. Ideal for portfolio investors looking to consolidate financing, streamline management, and potentially get better terms than individual property loans.
Advantages: Single closing, lower overall costs, cross-collateralization, ability to release properties from the loan as you sell them.


Owner-occupied means YOUR business operates in at least 51% of the property. These qualify for SBA loans with better terms (10% down, lower rates). Non-owner occupied properties are investment real estate you rent to others—they require commercial real estate loans with 20-30% down and slightly higher rates.
Yes! That's exactly how commercial real estate loans work. Lenders qualify you based on the property's rental income using the DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio). As long as the property generates enough rent to cover the mortgage payment plus 20-25%, you can qualify—regardless of your personal income. DSCR loans don't even require personal income verification.
Most commercial real estate loans require 20-30% down. The exact amount depends on property type, your credit score, experience, and the lender. Multi-family properties often qualify for 20-25% down, while riskier property types (retail, hospitality) may require 30-35%. Stronger borrowers with high DSCR can sometimes get 20% down on most property types.
Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 640-680 for commercial real estate loans. Scores of 700+ get significantly better rates and terms. Scores below 640 may still qualify through specialty DSCR lenders or with higher down payments, but expect higher interest rates and more stringent requirements.
Not necessarily. While experience managing rental properties is preferred and can get you better terms, many lenders (especially DSCR lenders) will work with first-time investors if the property has strong cash flow, you have good credit, and adequate reserves. Starting with residential rental properties (1-4 units) can help build experience before moving to larger commercial properties.
DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans qualify you based ONLY on the property's rental income—no personal income verification required. You don't need to provide tax returns, W-2s, or employment verification. Perfect for self-employed investors, retirees, or those with multiple properties. Requirements are similar to conventional commercial loans (640+ credit, 20-25% down) but underwriting focuses entirely on property performance.
Yes, through blanket loans or portfolio loans. A blanket loan finances multiple properties under one loan with a single payment, often with better terms than individual loans. Most lenders have limits on how many financed properties you can have (typically 4-10 conventional, unlimited for portfolio/blanket loans with experienced investors).