What is a DSCR loan and how does it work in Key West?

A DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan qualifies you based on the rental income a Key West property generates — not your personal income, tax returns, or W-2s. Lenders calculate your DSCR ratio: gross monthly rent divided by your total monthly PITIA payment. At $895,000 with 20% down in Key West, your estimated PITIA on a DSCR loan is approximately $6,870/month. An estimated gross monthly rent of $5,200 produces an LTR DSCR ratio of 0.76x. Most lenders require a minimum ratio of 1.0; some offer no-ratio products for investors who prefer a larger down payment. DSCR loans allow you to close in an LLC, have no limit on financed properties, and don't count debt-to-income from other rentals.

How much do I need to put down to buy an investment property in Key West?

For a DSCR loan in Key West: minimum 20% down = $179,000 on a $895,000 property. For a conventional investment loan (Fannie/Freddie): minimum 15% for SFR, 25% for 2-4 unit = $224,000 at 25%. For an FHA house-hack (you live in one unit of a 2-4 unit): 3.5% down. For a VA house-hack (veterans occupying one unit of a 2-4 unit): 0% down. Higher down payments reduce your PITIA and improve your DSCR ratio, which can unlock better pricing tiers. If your DSCR ratio is below 1.0 at 20% down, going to 25-30% down is often the solution.

Can I use short-term rental income to qualify for a DSCR loan in Key West?

Yes — many DSCR lenders accept STR income for qualification in Key West, but the documentation requirements differ from LTR. For an established STR property with 12+ months of history, lenders accept AirDNA income data, Airbnb/VRBO payout statements, or a property management company's signed income projection. For new STR acquisitions, most lenders require an AirDNA report showing projected annual revenue. The STR gross income estimate for Key West is approximately $12,200/month — but actual performance depends on the specific property's location, bedrooms, amenities, and management. Note: if Key West has STR permit requirements, the property must have an active permit before closing or the lender will not accept STR income.

What credit score do I need for a DSCR loan in Key West?

Most DSCR lenders in Key West require a minimum 640 credit score. Pricing tiers typically improve significantly at 680, 720, and 740+. At 740+, you access the best DSCR investor rates — currently around 7.25-7.5% for 30-year fixed on a Key West investment property. Below 680, expect higher rates and more limited lender options. DSCR credit scoring looks at the middle of 3 bureau scores for the borrower with the lowest score (if buying with a partner). Credit score alone doesn't disqualify you — a strong DSCR ratio (1.25+) and larger down payment can offset a lower score with some lenders.

Investor Loans · Key West, FL

Investment Property & DSCR Loans in Key West, FL — 2026 Investor Guide

Key West is a land-scarce island market with extraordinary STR yields — permitted vacation rental properties routinely gross $100,000+ annually, justifying the ultra-premium acquisition cost

20% Down (DSCR)

$179,000

Est. Monthly Rent (LTR)

$5,200

DSCR Ratio (LTR)

0.76x

Est. STR Monthly Gross

$12,200

DSCR Ratio (STR)

1.78x

Gross Rent Multiplier

14.3x

Investing in Key West, FL — Market Analysis

Key West is a land-scarce island market with extraordinary STR yields — permitted vacation rental properties routinely gross $100,000+ annually, justifying the ultra-premium acquisition cost. With a median home price of $895,000, acquiring a rental property in Key West requires a minimum $179,000 down payment for a DSCR loan (20% of purchase price) or $224,000 for a conventional investment property loan (25%). At current DSCR investor rates around 7.5%, your estimated monthly payment on a $716,000 DSCR loan is approximately $5,006 in principal and interest, with a total PITIA (including taxes and insurance) of approximately $6,870/month.

For a long-term rental strategy, Key West properties at the median price point generate an estimated $5,200/month in gross rent — a gross rent multiplier of approximately 14.3x. After accounting for all operating expenses including vacancy, property management, maintenance, capital reserves, taxes, and insurance (typically 35% of gross), estimated net operating income runs around $3,380/month. This produces an estimated cap rate of 4.5% and an estimated monthly cash flow of $-1,630 after P&I on a DSCR loan. The LTR DSCR ratio of 0.76x reflects the premium pricing in Key West relative to rents — common in appreciation-driven markets. Most investors here pursue STR income, portfolio/blanket lending, or no-ratio DSCR products that don't require a minimum DSCR.

Short-term rental is an active strategy in Key West. Based on typical occupancy and nightly rates for this market, a well-managed STR property could generate approximately $12,200/month in gross revenue. This produces an estimated STR DSCR ratio of 1.78x — well above the 1.0 threshold and qualifying for best-tier DSCR pricing at most lenders. Note: DSCR lenders that accept STR income typically require 12-24 months of AirDNA or VRBO data, or a signed lease agreement from a property management company projecting annual revenue. Estimates above are for illustration only — actual performance depends on property location, amenities, and management quality.

Monroe County's high-balance conforming limit of $990,150 means DSCR loans up to $990,150 at 80% LTV qualify for Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac-eligible investor pricing — typically 0.5-0.75% lower than true jumbo DSCR rates. For Key West investors acquiring properties in the $1M+ range, confirming whether the transaction stays within the conforming limit significantly impacts the rate and investor pricing tier.

Tayton Capital finances investment properties in Key West across all major product types — DSCR, conventional investor, jumbo, and portfolio — with no limit on the number of properties financed. We close investment transactions remotely, including LLC vesting and title coordination.

Investment estimates are illustrative. Rental income, DSCR ratios, cap rates, and cash flow figures above assume a purchase at the median price and market-average rent for illustrative purposes only. Actual performance depends on the specific property, location within Key West, property condition, management quality, and market conditions at time of purchase. Request a property-specific analysis from Tayton Capital before making any investment decision.

Rental Income Analysis — Key West Investment Properties

Understanding the rental math in Key West helps you underwrite accurately before making an offer.

Long-Term Rental Estimate (80% LTV DSCR loan at 7.5%): • Median property price: $895,000 • Estimated gross monthly rent: $5,200 • Operating expenses (35% — vacancy, mgmt, maintenance, taxes, insurance): $1,819/month • Net operating income (NOI): $3,380/month • DSCR loan P&I (80% LTV, 7.5%, 30yr): $5,006/month • Estimated monthly cash flow: $-1,630 • Estimated cap rate (pre-financing): 4.5% • DSCR ratio (gross rent / full PITIA): 0.76x

Short-Term Rental Estimate: • Estimated gross STR monthly revenue: $12,200 • Typical STR expense ratio (platform fees, cleaning, supplies): 25-30% • Estimated STR net operating income: $8,784/month • DSCR ratio (STR gross): 1.78x

Note: STR income estimates are based on typical nightly rates and occupancy for the Key West market. Actual performance varies by property location, amenities, management quality, and seasonality. Tayton Capital works with lenders that accept STR income documentation (AirDNA, Rabbu, or property manager projections) for DSCR qualification. We recommend getting a current AirDNA report for the specific property address before underwriting.

Important underwriting notes: • DSCR lenders use a licensed appraiser's market rent schedule — not your own estimate • Most lenders require DSCR ≥ 1.0; some offer 'no-ratio' DSCR at 25-30% down • Condo properties require HOA review and may face restrictions on STR use • Property taxes in Monroe County and insurance quotes significantly affect DSCR ratio • All estimates above are for illustration only — contact Tayton Capital for a property-specific analysis

STR Income Note: Short-term rental income estimates are based on typical nightly rates and occupancy for the Key West market. Actual STR performance depends on the specific property, its proximity to attractions, listing quality, management, and seasonality. Tayton Capital works with lenders that accept AirDNA or property manager projections for DSCR qualification. Confirm local STR permit requirements before purchase.

Investment Loan Options in Key West

DSCR Loan (Debt Service Coverage Ratio): Qualify based on the property's rental income, not your personal W-2 or tax returns. Available for SFR, condos, 2–4 unit, and 5+ unit properties in Key West. Minimum 20% down ($179,000 on a $895,000 property). No income documentation required — lenders use an appraisal-based market rent or actual lease/STR data. Close in an LLC with proper vesting and title coordination. No limit on number of financed properties. Minimum DSCR ratio typically 1.0 (some lenders offer no-ratio DSCR at higher down payment).

Conventional Investment Loan: The standard Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac investor product requires personal income documentation (W-2, tax returns, or bank statements). Minimum 15% down for SFR, 25% for 2–4 unit (25% down = $224,000 in Key West). Rates currently around 7.25-7.5% for 30-year fixed. Requires the property to qualify within Monroe County's conforming limit of $990,150. Cannot close in an LLC — title must be in your personal name.

House-Hack (2–4 Unit, Owner-Occupied): If you plan to live in one unit of a Key West 2-4 unit property, you can use FHA (3.5% down) or VA (0% down for eligible veterans) — dramatically reducing the capital required. You must occupy one unit for at least 12 months. After that, you can convert to a pure investment and use rental income from all units.

DSCR Refinance (Existing Investors): If you already own a Key West investment property, a DSCR refi lets you pull equity (up to 75% cash-out LTV) without using personal income docs. Popular for investors who bought all-cash or at a higher rate and want to pull capital for additional acquisitions.

DSCR vs Conventional Investor — Side by Side

Feature	DSCR Loan	Conventional Investor
Income Docs Required	None	W-2 / Tax Returns
Minimum Down	20% ($179,000)	15–25% ($224,000 at 25%)
Est. P&I (30yr)	$5,006/mo	$4,577/mo
Close in LLC	Yes	No
Max # Properties	Unlimited	10 (Fannie Mae limit)
Qualifying Factor	Property rent	Personal DTI
Rate (approx)	7.5%	7.25%

STR Regulation Note — Key West has active short-term rental regulations. Confirm that any property you intend to STR has an active permit (or is permit-eligible) before closing. Operating an unlicensed STR in Key West can result in fines and forced closure. Tayton Capital recommends confirming STR permit status with the city or county before writing an offer.

2026 Loan Limits — Monroe County

Loan Type	2026 Limit
Conforming / High-Balance	$990,150
FHA (owner-occupied)	$990,150
VA (house-hack, owner-occupied)	No limit (full entitlement)
Jumbo Investor	Above $990,150

Loan limits verified against FHFA 2026 conforming limit announcement and HUD FHA county limit data. Investment property DSCR loans are subject to the conforming limit for agency pricing; jumbo DSCR products are available above this limit.

Key West Investment Property FAQ

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