The Ultimate Investor’s Guide: Mastering 1031 Exchange Rules for Properties Financed with a DSCR Mortgage
PRESCOTT, AZ – JULY 16, 2025: For savvy real estate investors, wealth creation isn’t just about finding the right properties; it’s about making smart capital moves. Two of the most powerful tools in an investor’s arsenal are the 1031 “like-kind” exchange and the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) mortgage. When combined, they create an unparalleled strategy for rapidly scaling your portfolio while deferring capital gains taxes.
1031 Exchange Rules for Properties Financed with a DSCR Mortgage:
- First, A Quick Refresher: What is a 1031 Exchange?
- The Investor's Secret Weapon: The DSCR Mortgage
- Combining Forces: 1031 Exchange Rules with a DSCR Mortgage
- Current DSCR Market Insights (As of July 16, 2025)
- Why GHC Funding is Your Go-To Lender for DSCR-Financed 1031 Exchanges
- Geo-Targeting: Seizing Opportunities in Prescott, Arizona
- Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
- Q1: Can I get a DSCR loan for a property that needs minor renovations before it can be rented?
- Q2: Does the appraisal for a DSCR loan differ from a conventional loan?
- Q3: Is there a prepayment penalty on DSCR loans?
- Q4: Can I do a cash-out refinance with a DSCR loan on my investment property and use the cash for a down payment on another property?
- Q5: How does a DSCR loan work for a short-term rental (like Airbnb) in a place like Prescott?
- Q6: What if my credit score is below 680? Can I still get a DSCR loan?
- Q7: Is it faster to close a DSCR loan in an LLC versus my personal name?
- Take the Next Step in Scaling Your Portfolio
- how to use DSCR loan for 1031 exchange acquisition – GET A DSCR LOAN QUOTE TODAY!
However, navigating the intersection of these two complex financial instruments requires expertise. Can you use a DSCR loan—which qualifies you based on property cash flow instead of personal income—to acquire a replacement property in a 1031 exchange?

The answer is a definitive yes. This guide will break down the 1031 exchange rules for properties financed with a DSCR mortgage, providing you with the clarity and confidence to execute this powerful strategy, particularly within the lucrative Prescott, Arizona market.
First, A Quick Refresher: What is a 1031 Exchange?
Named after Section 1031 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, a “like-kind” exchange allows you to sell an investment property and defer paying capital gains taxes, provided you reinvest the proceeds into a new, “like-kind” investment property within a specific timeframe.
The key rules are:
- 45-Day Identification Period: You have 45 calendar days from the sale of your relinquished property to identify potential replacement properties.
- 180-Day Closing Period: You must close on the new property (or properties) within 180 calendar days of the original sale.
- Equal or Greater Value: The replacement property’s value and the new loan amount must be equal to or greater than the value and loan amount of the property you sold.
This tax deferral is not a one-time trick; it’s a strategic roll-up. You can continue exchanging properties throughout your career, allowing your equity to grow tax-deferred, compounding your wealth at an accelerated rate.
Test Your Expertise: The Complexities of the 1031 Exchange

As a sophisticated real estate investor, you understand that the 1031 Exchange is a cornerstone strategy for tax deferral and wealth accumulation. But beyond the basics, the intricacies of the 1031 Exchange rules can pose significant challenges. This quiz is designed to test your in-depth knowledge and highlight critical nuances that separate casual investors from true experts in 1031 Exchange transactions.
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.
The Investor’s Secret Weapon: The DSCR Mortgage
Traditional mortgages are a roadblock for many real estate investors. Lenders scrutinize your personal debt-to-income ratio (DTI), requiring tax returns, W-2s, and pay stubs. This process is invasive and often disqualifies successful investors who have complex or paper-intensive income streams.
Enter the DSCR mortgage. This is a game-changing financing solution built specifically for real estate investors.
The core principle is simple: Does the property’s income cover its expenses?
The formula is:
DSCR=Total Debt ServiceNet Operating Income (NOI)​
Lenders like GHC Funding typically look for a DSCR of 1.20x or higher. This means the property’s rental income is at least 20% more than its annual mortgage principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI).
The unique selling proposition? The lender qualifies the property’s cash flow, not your personal income. This is the ultimate USP for investors.
- No Personal Income Verification: Your W-2s and personal tax returns are irrelevant.
- Unlimited Properties: Unlike conventional loans that cap the number of financed properties, DSCR loans have no such limits.
- Faster Closings: With less personal documentation, the underwriting process is significantly streamlined.
- LLC Financing: You can (and should) purchase the property in the name of your LLC or corporation, protecting your personal assets.
For investors looking to scale, a DSCR loan is not just a financing tool; it’s a strategic advantage.
DSCR Loan IQ Quiz!

Test your knowledge of Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans!
Combining Forces: 1031 Exchange Rules with a DSCR Mortgage
Using a DSCR loan for your 1031 exchange replacement property is a perfect match. The streamlined, asset-based underwriting of a DSCR loan aligns perfectly with the tight deadlines of a 1031 exchange. Here’s how to navigate the rules to ensure a seamless transaction.
Rule 1: Satisfy the “Equal or Greater Debt” Requirement
To fully defer taxes, you must take on a new mortgage that is equal to or greater than the mortgage you paid off on the relinquished property. Because a DSCR loan is based on the property’s income potential, qualifying for the necessary loan amount is straightforward, provided the new property has strong rental income.
Rule 2: Title Vesting and LLCs
The name and tax ID number on the title of the replacement property must be the exact same as on the relinquished property. If you sold a property titled in your personal name, you must acquire the new one in your personal name.
However, the best practice for investors is to hold properties in an LLC. A DSCR loan from an expert lender like GHC Funding is ideal here, as they specialize in lending to business entities. If your original property was in an LLC, you simply acquire the new one in the same LLC. If it was in your personal name, consult your qualified intermediary and attorney about the best way to proceed, which may involve acquiring it personally and then transferring it to an LLC post-closing.
Rule 3: Meeting the 180-Day Closing Deadline
This is where a DSCR loan truly shines. Traditional mortgages can get bogged down in underwriting for weeks, jeopardizing your 180-day window. The reduced documentation and asset-focused nature of a DSCR loan mean a much faster path to closing. At GHC Funding, we understand the urgency of an exchange and have a streamlined process designed to meet your deadlines.
An Investment Scenario in Prescott, Arizona
Let’s say you just sold a duplex in Phoenix and need to complete a 1031 exchange. You’ve identified a prime four-plex near Yavapai College in Prescott’s 86301 zip code, a high-demand area due to student and faculty housing needs.
- Relinquished Property Sale Price: $700,000
- Paid-off Mortgage: $400,000
- Cash Proceeds: $300,000
- Replacement Property Purchase Price: $950,000
To defer all taxes, you must use all 0,000 of your cash proceeds and obtain a new mortgage of at least 0,000. You need a $650,000 loan. With the strong rental market in the 86301 area, the four-plex generates enough income for a DSCR well above 1.25x. You apply for a DSCR loan with GHC Funding. We underwrite the deal based on the property’s projected rents, not your personal income, and close the loan well within your 180-day window. You’ve successfully scaled up your portfolio, increased your cash flow, and deferred your tax liability.
Current DSCR Market Insights (As of July 16, 2025)
Staying current is key to making profitable decisions. Here are the typical rates and requirements for DSCR loans today:
- Interest Rates: Currently, expect rates to range from 7.50% to 9.50%. This range is influenced by:
- Loan-to-Value (LTV): Lower LTVs (more down payment) result in lower rates.
- DSCR Ratio: A higher ratio (e.g., 1.50x) demonstrates lower risk and secures a better rate.
- Credit Score: A personal credit score of 720+ will command the best pricing.
- Property Type: Single-family homes may get slightly better rates than 2-4 unit properties.
- Loan Requirements:
- Minimum DSCR: Typically 1.20x, but some programs allow for 1.0x in strong markets.
- Minimum Credit Score: Generally 660-680.
- LTV: Up to 80% for purchases, up to 75% for cash-out refinances.
- Entity: Loans to LLCs and Corporations are standard.
- Property Types: Single Family Residences (SFR), 2-4 unit properties, townhomes, condos, and sometimes even 5-8 unit properties.
Why GHC Funding is Your Go-To Lender for DSCR-Financed 1031 Exchanges
Choosing the right lender is as critical as choosing the right property. For this specialized strategy, you need more than a loan officer; you need a financing partner who understands the investor’s journey.
GHC Funding is that partner.
We are not a traditional bank; we are a hub for tailored investor financing. Our expertise in DSCR Loans is unmatched. We offer flexible underwriting, competitive rates, and a deep understanding of how to structure deals to meet 1031 exchange requirements. Our process is designed for speed and efficiency, ensuring you never miss a deadline.
While we are experts in DSCR financing, our capabilities extend across the full spectrum of real estate investment, including Bridge Loans for fix-and-flip projects, and even SBA 7a and SBA 504 loans for owner-occupied commercial properties. We offer the full suite of Alternative Real Estate Financing solutions to help you achieve your goals.
Geo-Targeting: Seizing Opportunities in Prescott, Arizona
Prescott is a jewel in Arizona’s investment crown. Its blend of historic charm, outdoor recreation, and a robust economy makes it a prime target for real estate investors.
- Historic Downtown & Whiskey Row (Zip Code 86303): The demand for short-term and vacation rentals here is immense. A DSCR loan is perfect for acquiring these properties, as the income is based on projected rental data, not your personal income.
- Yavapai Hills & Prescott Lakes (Zip Code 86301): These upscale neighborhoods are ideal for high-end single-family rentals catering to retirees and professionals. A DSCR loan allows you to expand your portfolio here without over-leveraging your personal finances.
- The Ranch at Prescott (Zip Code 86305): This area offers great opportunities for building a portfolio of single-family rentals. Imagine acquiring three rental properties here over a year—a DSCR loan makes this scalable growth possible where conventional loans would fail.
- Chino Valley & Prescott Valley: Just outside Prescott proper, these areas offer lower acquisition costs with strong rental demand, making them perfect for achieving high DSCR ratios.
Helpful External Resources for Prescott, AZ Investors:
- Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE): Your official source for all state regulations, licensing information, and real estate laws.
- Prescott Area Association of REALTORS® (PAAR): Access hyper-local market statistics, news, and networking opportunities.
- City of Prescott Economic Development: Explore city initiatives, major projects, and data on Prescott’s key economic drivers.
- AirDNA for Prescott: An essential tool for investors considering short-term rentals, providing data on revenue, occupancy, and competition.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Can I get a DSCR loan for a property that needs minor renovations before it can be rented?
A: Yes, this is a common scenario. Often, you can use a bridge loan for the acquisition and renovation, and then refinance into a long-term DSCR loan once the property is stabilized and rented. GHC Funding offers expert Bridge Loan solutions for this exact purpose.
Q2: Does the appraisal for a DSCR loan differ from a conventional loan?
A: Yes. In addition to the standard property valuation (Form 1004), the appraiser will also complete a Small Residential Income Property Appraisal Report (Form 1025) and a Comparable Rent Schedule (Form 1007) to establish the fair market rent, which is used to calculate the DSCR.
Q3: Is there a prepayment penalty on DSCR loans?
A: Most DSCR loans have a prepayment penalty, typically for the first 3-5 years. This is a standard feature of non-QM loans that allows lenders to offer competitive rates. The structure is often a “step-down” penalty (e.g., 3% in year one, 2% in year two, 1% in year three).
Q4: Can I do a cash-out refinance with a DSCR loan on my investment property and use the cash for a down payment on another property?
A: Absolutely. This is a primary strategy for scaling a portfolio, often called the BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) method. A DSCR cash-out refinance allows you to pull equity out of a performing asset to fund your next acquisition.
Q5: How does a DSCR loan work for a short-term rental (like Airbnb) in a place like Prescott?
A: Underwriting for short-term rentals uses projected income data from sources like AirDNA rather than long-term lease agreements. Lenders will analyze the area’s historical occupancy rates and average daily rates to determine the qualifying income for the DSCR calculation.
Q6: What if my credit score is below 680? Can I still get a DSCR loan?
A: Yes, it’s possible. While a higher credit score secures better terms, some of our lending partners at GHC Funding can provide DSCR loans for investors with scores down to the 660 range, potentially with a higher interest rate or lower LTV.
Q7: Is it faster to close a DSCR loan in an LLC versus my personal name?
A: The speed is generally similar. The key advantage of closing in an LLC is asset protection. Since GHC Funding is highly experienced with LLC lending, it does not slow down our process.
Take the Next Step in Scaling Your Portfolio
The synergy between a 1031 exchange and a DSCR mortgage is undeniable. It’s the professional investor’s pathway to building substantial wealth, deferring taxes, and protecting personal assets. This strategy allows you to leverage the performance of your properties, not the limitations of your personal income, to achieve your investment ambitions.
Don’t let rigid, traditional financing dictate the pace of your growth. Take control of your portfolio with a financing solution built for you.
Ready to explore how a DSCR loan can fuel your next 1031 exchange in Prescott or beyond? The expert team at GHC Funding is ready to help.
Contact us today for a free consultation and discover the power of investor-focused financing.
how to use DSCR loan for 1031 exchange acquisition – GET A DSCR LOAN QUOTE TODAY!
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