Investing in rental properties can be a lucrative way to build wealth. But finding suitable financing options can be challenging. Residential rental investors have several different financing options available, and understanding how each option works is essential for successful investing in residential rentals.
This article will provide an overview of the various types of financing available to residential rental investors so that you can make informed choices about which is best for your needs.
Conventional Mortgages
Conventional mortgages are a popular financing option for residential rental investors as they can purchase property with an attractive interest rate and leverage the power of their dollars. The terms of a conventional loan typically range from 10-30 years, depending on the size of the mortgage and the borrower’s ability to make a down payment.
The repayment plans are structured over monthly installments, making them easier to manage. By comparison, these loans offer more flexibility than other financing options and generally require less equity than SBA or hard money loans.
With banks offering more extended amortization options, their lower rates make conventional mortgages attractive for investors looking for better investment returns through minimal payments.
Other loans and financing options
Here are other loans and financing options for investors of residential rental properties:
Private Lenders/Hard Money Loans
Private lending, or hard money loans, can be an ideal financing option for residential rental investors. These short-term loans are designed to provide capital quickly and offer features such as interest-only payments, no prepayment penalties, and a short loan term.
By obtaining a hard money loan from a private lender instead of a bank, residential rental investors can take advantage of the higher leverage that private lenders provide and receive funding faster than conventional routes. That being said, investors need to understand the various associated risks with private lending before taking out a loan.
Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit (HELOC)
For residential landlords looking for financing, a home equity loan or line of credit (HELOC) is an increasingly popular option. In fundamental terms, a HELOC allows borrowers to access a certain amount of available equity from the value of their own home and use it as collateral to take out a loan.
This type offers lower interest rates than other loans and typically gives borrowers more flexible repayment options than traditional mortgages. This makes it a desirable option for rental investors who require large capital investments and can accommodate repayments over a flexible period. Also, unlike other types of loans, HELOCs do not typically require detailed business plans or extensive credit history, which can be difficult for new investors to provide.
Investment Property Financing
Investment property financing is an effective solution for residential rental investors who want to grow and expand their businesses. It involves taking out a loan that is specifically used to purchase a rental property, which provides the investor with the liquidity they need while at the same time offering competitive interest rates.
This financing option can also help investors achieve higher returns than traditional investments, due to better leverage and in some cases, tax advantages. Furthermore, this type of financing can be used to acquire multiple rental units and reduce risk through diversification.
Overall, obtaining investment property financing can be a great choice for rental investors because it has the potential to generate higher returns while also providing access to capital, creating opportunities for continued growth in their business.
Cash Out Refinance
Cash-out refinance is a flexible financing option for residential rental investors, allowing them to consolidate the equity from their property into liquid capital. It enables investors to utilize the built-up equity in an existing investment property to finance renovations, investments in additional assets or business operations, or to acquire more cash liquidity simply — no matter the reason, it helps you leverage your present asset values as a low-cost solution.
The process of refinancing involves taking out a loan against the increased value of the investment property and receiving a lump sum in exchange for this debt. This is an essential tool for residential rental investors as it allows them to generate funds without having to sell off any of their properties.
Pooled Funds
Pooled funds offer a unique and advantageous financing structure for residential rental investors. By pooling investor resources, pooled funds provide an opportunity to invest in more extensive and more profitable commercial-scale properties than investors could purchase alone.
This allows for greater diversification and spread of risk since individual investors are not solely responsible for the success or failure of any single property. Pool-specific credits and discounts on costs also provide higher returns than individual investments and access to capital from institutional lenders.
Investing in pooled funds is often simpler than other options, as the fund’s management will handle the day-to-day operations of each property. This relieves some of the stress related to property management while still providing investors with sizable returns.
These are just a few financing options available to residential rental investors. Knowing what tools are at your disposal and how to use them can help you make better decisions when it comes time to invest in rental properties.
