With so many options, financing investment properties doesn't have to be difficult, especially if you are purchasing a single family home. Whether you are hoping to rent out the home or resell it for capital gains, the single family home is the easiest type of investment property to get financing for.
You'll need to choose a loan type and the amount you'll need for financing investment properties. What is best for you will depend on if you are keeping the property for the long term or reselling it shortly. If it's a long term investment, stick with a fixed rate loan. If you know you'll only be holding the property for a few months, then consider an adjustable rate mortgage if the beginning interest is low.
For single property homes, 100% financing is possible. Even if you have the money for a down payment, you might not want to spend it. Instead, you might use that money to repair and renovate a home that you will be flipping. Financing investment properties 100% isn't available to everyone and isn't always the smartest decision, so run the numbers of several lenders that you trust.
Lenders are quite competitive for your business if your credit score is good and your income shows that you will be able to repay the loan. Before you even seek to finance investment properties you should find out your credit score. Remember that applying for new credit or closing existing accounts can lower your credit score, so simply continue to pay your debt obligations on time and keep your credit and debt ratio low. In addition to checking on your credit, you may need to prove your income when financing investment properties, so have all of that paperwork prepared as well.
Not all investors can qualify for loans for financing investment properties. If you can't obtain a loan because you have insufficient credit history or can't prove your income, consider working with a partner. Your partner will provide the funds to acquire the property while you will do the necessary work to keep it well-maintained and profitable. In a good partnership, you'll both benefit.
A more risky option when it comes to financing investment properties is to seek out a loan from a private party. With their generally high interest rates, private loans should only be used if you are sure you can pay them off quickly. These types of loans can quickly wipe out any profit from your property investments if you're not careful.
Financing investment properties can take time and effort, but the right loan will help you profit. Keep in mind that prudent business practice dictates that you should consult with knowledgeable professionals such as attorneys, accountants and property appraisers prior to making decisions regarding the types of property and available financing options.