Specialized Airbnb & VRBO Financing

Short-Term Rental Loans

Unlock the potential of your short-term rental investment with our tailored loan programs. Designed for Airbnb, VRBO, and vacation rental properties, our loans offer flexible terms, easy qualification, and competitive rates to help you maximize your rental income.

0 % Max LTV
0 Million Max
0 Min Credit Score
0 Year Terms

What is a Short-Term Rental Loan?

Short-Term Rental (STR) loans are specialized financing solutions designed specifically for properties listed on Airbnb, VRBO, and other vacation rental platforms. Unlike traditional mortgages, these programs use projected or actual rental income to qualify borrowers, making them ideal for rental property investors.

Our STR loans are crafted to meet the unique needs of short-term rental investors, offering accessible financing with flexible income qualification methods. You can use AirDNA projections or existing rental history to qualify without personal income verification, and choose from various loan terms including 30-year, 40-year, and interest-only options.

75% of short-term rental investors use specialized financing to acquire properties

AirDNA Friendly

Use AirDNA projections or existing rental history to qualify without personal income verification, making it easier to finance your investment property.

Financing Tailored for Short-Term Rental Investors

Our STR loan programs are designed specifically for Airbnb and VRBO property investors

$3M
Max Loan Amount
80%
Max LTV Ratio
1-4
Family Homes

Credit Score Requirements for STR Mortgages

Your credit score is a crucial factor in qualifying for a short-term rental mortgage. Understanding the requirements and how to meet them can significantly improve your chances of approval.

720+

Ideal Score

Best rates and terms

640+

Minimum Score

Required for approval

2+ Years

Credit History

Minimum history length

12 Months

Recent Activity

Last 12 months reviewed

How Credit Score Impacts Your Loan

720+ FICO
Excellent

Best rates and terms, lowest down payment requirements, fastest approval process

680-719 FICO
Good

Good rates, standard down payment requirements, smooth approval process

640-679 FICO
Fair

Higher rates, larger down payment may be required, additional documentation needed

Key Credit Factors

Payment History
Critical
  • On-time payments (no late payments in last 12 months)
  • No late mortgage payments
  • No collections or charge-offs
  • Consistent payment history
Credit Utilization
High
  • Below 30% credit utilization ratio
  • Available credit across accounts
  • Low credit card balances
  • Manageable debt levels
Credit History
Medium
  • Average account age (2+ years ideal)
  • Mix of credit types
  • Variety of account types
  • Length of credit history
Recent Activity
High
  • Limited new accounts (last 6 months)
  • Minimal credit inquiries
  • Stable account status
  • No significant new debt
Common Credit Issues
  • Late Payments: Recent late payments can significantly impact approval
  • High Credit Utilization: Keep credit card balances below 30% of limits
  • Multiple Credit Inquiries: Limit new credit applications before applying
  • Collections/Charge-offs: Resolve any outstanding collections before applying
Tips to Improve Your Score
  • Payment History: Set up automatic payments to ensure on-time payments
  • Credit Utilization: Pay down credit card balances and maintain low utilization
  • Account Mix: Maintain a healthy mix of credit types (cards, loans, etc.)
  • Credit Monitoring: Regularly check your credit report for errors

Income Verification Requirements for STR Mortgages

Understanding how lenders verify and calculate short-term rental income is crucial for financing approval. Learn about documentation requirements, income calculations, and qualification standards.

50%
Max DTI Ratio
AirDNA
Projections Based
12+
Months History
6+
Months Reserves

Income Requirements

Income Documentation
Critical
  • Tax returns (last 2 years personal/business)
  • Bank statements (12 months showing deposits)
  • Rental history (platform statements)
  • Income projections (AirDNA or similar)
DTI Requirements
High
  • Maximum 50% debt-to-income ratio
  • All debt included in calculation
  • Reserves impact qualification
  • Multiple properties considered
Market Analysis
Required
  • AirDNA data for projections
  • Comparable rental properties
  • Seasonal factors considered
  • Market trends analysis
Stability Factors
High
  • Income history consistency
  • Market performance stability
  • Property type suitability
  • Location impact analysis

Required Documentation

Tax Returns

Last 2 years of personal and business tax returns if applicable. Shows overall financial stability and income consistency.

Bank Statements

12 months of bank statements showing rental deposits and business transactions. Verifies actual rental income deposits.

Rental History

Platform statements (Airbnb, VRBO) showing bookings and income. Provides proof of rental performance and occupancy rates.

Market Analysis

AirDNA or similar data showing market performance and projections. Used for new properties without rental history.

Income Calculation Methods

Existing Properties

For properties with existing rental history:

  • Average of last 12 months actual income
  • Less documented expenses
  • Seasonal adjustments applied
  • 75% of net income typically used
New Properties

For properties without rental history:

  • 75% of AirDNA projected income
  • After vacancy and expense adjustments
  • Market comparables considered
  • Conservative projections used

Debt-to-Income Requirements

Maximum DTI Ratio

50% total DTI including all properties and personal debt. This includes mortgage payments, credit card minimums, auto loans, and other obligations.

Multiple Properties

All mortgages and obligations included in DTI calculation. Rental income from existing properties can offset PITIA payments for new purchases.

Income Offsets

Documented rental income can offset PITIA (Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance, Association fees) payment for the subject property.

Expense Factors

Standard 25% reduction for maintenance, utilities, management fees, and vacancy. This conservative approach ensures sustainable cash flow.

Short-Term Rental Loan Options

  • AirDNA Projection-Based: Qualify using AirDNA rental projections
  • Rental History-Based: Use 12 months of existing rental history
  • 30-Year Fixed: Traditional amortization with stable payments
  • 40-Year Fixed: Extended term for lower monthly payments
  • Interest-Only: Pay only interest for initial period
  • No Tax Returns: Simplified documentation process
  • Multi-Property: Available for 1-4 family homes
  • Platform Agnostic: Works with Airbnb, VRBO, and others
Pro Tip: Interest-only options can maximize cash flow in the early years of your investment, allowing you to reinvest profits into property improvements or additional acquisitions.

Key Advantages

  • Loan amounts up to $3 million
  • Up to 80% LTV for purchases
  • Minimum 640 FICO score requirement
  • No personal income verification needed
  • No tax returns required
  • Available for 1-4 family homes
  • 30-year, 40-year, and interest-only terms
  • Use AirDNA projections or rental history
  • Simplified documentation process
Platform Friendly
Specialized financing for Airbnb, VRBO, and vacation rentals

STR Loan Requirements

If your details are close to these guidelines, we encourage you to apply or contact us. Even if you don't qualify for this loan, we could have other options for you.

Credit Score

640+

Minimum FICO score required for most short-term rental loan programs

Loan-to-Value

80%

Up to 80% LTV available for purchases, maximizing your investment potential

Property Types

1-4

Eligible for 1-4 family homes used as short-term rental properties

Income Verification

AirDNA

Based on AirDNA projections or 12 months of existing rental history

Expand Your Short-Term Rental Knowledge

Explore our resources to learn more about short-term rental financing, Airbnb investment strategies, and maximizing your rental income potential.

Maximizing Short-Term Rental Income: Strategies for Airbnb & VRBO Success

30-50%
Higher STR vs LTR Income
75-85%
Target Occupancy Rate
2.5-3x
Revenue Multiple

Dynamic Pricing Strategies

Strategy Description Income Impact
Seasonal Pricing Adjust rates based on demand seasons 20-40% higher peak season rates
Weekend Premium Higher rates for Friday/Saturday nights 25-50% weekend rate premium
Length-of-Stay Discounts Weekly/monthly discounts to reduce turnover Higher occupancy, lower cleaning costs
Last-Minute Pricing Dynamic pricing for last-minute bookings 15-30% higher last-minute rates
Event-Based Pricing Premium rates during local events/festivals 50-200% rate increase during events

Property Optimization Strategies

Improvement Investment ROI Impact
Professional Photography $200-500 20-40% more bookings
High-Speed WiFi $50-100/month Essential for positive reviews
Smart Home Features $500-2000 10-25% rate premium
Outdoor Space Enhancement $1000-5000 15-30% higher rates
Professional Cleaning $80-150/cleaning Better reviews, repeat bookings

Performance Metrics & Targets

Metric Good Performance Excellent Performance Impact on Loan Qualification
Occupancy Rate 65-75% 75-85% Higher income for DSCR calculation
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Market average 15-25% above market Higher qualifying income
Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) $80-120 $120-200+ Stronger cash flow evidence
Guest Rating 4.5+ stars 4.8+ stars Higher booking consistency
Repeat Guest Rate 10-15% 20-30% Stable income history

Short-Term vs Long-Term Rentals: A Comprehensive Investment Comparison

Short-Term
Airbnb/VRBO Rentals
Long-Term
Traditional Rentals

Financial Performance Comparison

Financial Aspect Short-Term Rentals (STR) Long-Term Rentals (LTR)
Monthly Rental Income $3,000 - $8,000+ $1,500 - $3,500
Annual Cash Flow $15,000 - $50,000+ $6,000 - $20,000
Occupancy Rate 65-85% (seasonal) 95-100% (stable)
Vacancy Periods Frequent but short Infrequent but longer
Cash-on-Cash Return 8-20%+ 5-10%
Appreciation Potential Higher in tourist areas Steady market growth

Management & Operational Comparison

Aspect Short-Term Rentals Long-Term Rentals
Time Commitment High (10-20 hours/week) Low (2-5 hours/month)
Management Costs 15-30% of revenue 8-12% of rent
Guest Interaction Frequent communication Minimal interaction
Turnover Frequency Weekly or daily Yearly or less
Maintenance & Cleaning Frequent, professional required Scheduled, as-needed
Furnishing Requirements Fully furnished with amenities Usually unfurnished

Risk & Market Factors

Factor Short-Term Rentals Long-Term Rentals
Regulatory Risk High (changing local laws) Low (stable regulations)
Seasonal Fluctuations Significant Minimal
Economic Sensitivity High (discretionary spending) Low (basic housing need)
Property Wear & Tear High (frequent turnover) Moderate (stable tenants)
Insurance Costs Higher (commercial policies) Standard landlord insurance
Market Competition Intense (platform saturation) Moderate (local market)

Short-Term Rental Legal & Compliance Guide

Essential Licensing & Registration Requirements

Requirement Description Typical Cost Penalties for Non-Compliance
Business License Required in most municipalities $50-500/year $500-10,000+ fines
STR Permit Short-term rental specific permit $100-1000/year Permit revocation, daily fines
Zoning Approval Verify property is in STR zone $50-300 Cease and desist, legal action
Tax Registration Sales/occupancy tax collection Free - $100 Back taxes + penalties
Safety Certification Fire/safety inspections $150-500 Insurance void, permit denial
HOA Approval If in homeowners association Varies by HOA Fines, legal action by HOA

Tax Obligations for STR Properties

Tax Type Rate Range Collection Method Reporting Requirements
Occupancy Tax 1-15% of rental income Monthly/quarterly filing Detailed booking records
Sales Tax 4-10% of rental income Platform may collect State tax returns
Income Tax Federal + state rates Annual filing (Schedule E) Full income/expense records
Property Tax 1-3% of assessed value Annual payment County tax records
Business Taxes Varies by entity type Quarterly estimated payments Business tax returns
Local Fees $25-500/year Annual renewal Municipal records

Insurance Requirements Comparison

Insurance Type STR Requirements Traditional Requirements Average Annual Cost
Liability Coverage $1-2 million minimum $300,000-500,000 $800-1,500
Property Damage Replacement cost + contents Basic dwelling coverage $1,000-2,000
Loss of Income Essential for cancellations Optional $200-500
Umbrella Policy Highly recommended Optional $200-400
Platform Coverage Airbnb/VRBO host protection Not applicable Included with platform
Workers Compensation Required if hiring staff Not typically required $500-1,000+

How to Get Your STR Loan

Streamlined 5-step process for short-term rental loan approval

1
Initial Consultation & Property Analysis

Discuss your investment strategy with our STR loan specialists. We'll analyze your target property using AirDNA or similar platforms to estimate rental income potential and determine your maximum loan amount.

2
Document Collection & Income Qualification

Provide minimal documentation - no tax returns required! We'll use AirDNA projections or your existing rental history to qualify the property's income. Gather basic financial documents and property information.

3
Underwriting & Property Appraisal

Our specialized STR underwriters review your application with focus on the property's rental potential. A professional appraisal is ordered to determine market value and ensure proper loan-to-value calculations.

4
Loan Approval & Terms Selection

Receive final approval and choose your preferred loan terms - 30-year, 40-year, or interest-only options. Review all loan documents and prepare for closing with our simplified process.

5
Closing & Funding

Complete the closing process and receive funding for your short-term rental investment. With Coast2Coast Mortgage's streamlined STR process, you can close efficiently and start generating rental income.

Required Documents
  • AirDNA report or rental history
  • Bank statements (2 months)
  • Government-issued ID
  • Purchase agreement
  • Property information/details

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes short-term rental loans different from traditional investment property loans?

STR loans are specifically designed for properties listed on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. The key differences include: income qualification based on projected or actual rental income (not personal income), higher LTV ratios (up to 80%), no tax returns required, and loan terms tailored for rental investments (including 40-year and interest-only options). Traditional investment property loans typically require personal income verification, have lower LTVs, and more stringent documentation requirements.

Can I use AirDNA projections if I don't have rental history for the property?

Yes! One of the unique advantages of our STR loan program is that you can qualify using AirDNA projections even if you don't have existing rental history for the property. AirDNA provides data-driven rental income estimates based on comparable properties in the area, occupancy rates, and seasonal trends. This allows investors to finance properties based on their potential rental income rather than personal income or existing rental history.

What types of properties qualify for short-term rental loans?

Our STR loans are available for 1-4 family homes used as short-term rental properties. This includes single-family homes, townhouses, condos (in approved buildings), duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes. The property must be located in an area that permits short-term rentals and must be used exclusively as a rental property (not owner-occupied). We work with properties in popular vacation destinations, urban centers, and other high-demand rental markets.

Are there restrictions on which rental platforms I can use?

No, there are no platform restrictions. Our STR loans work with Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, and other short-term rental platforms. You can even use multiple platforms simultaneously or switch between them. The loan qualification is based on the property's rental income potential, not which specific platform you use. This flexibility allows you to choose the platforms that work best for your investment strategy and market.

What are the advantages of a 40-year term vs. interest-only for STR properties?

Both options can be advantageous for STR investments: 40-year terms provide lower monthly payments while still building equity over time, making them ideal for long-term hold strategies. Interest-only options offer the lowest possible payments initially (typically for 5-10 years), maximizing cash flow for reinvestment or covering variable expenses. The choice depends on your investment strategy - interest-only for maximizing short-term cash flow, or 40-year for a balance of affordability and equity building.

Ready to Invest?

Speak with a Short-Term Rental loan specialist

David Kulick NMLS # 1034355
Contact +1 (360) 710-9704
Email dkulick@coast2coastml.com
No Tax Returns Required - Simplified documentation process for investors
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