The Investor’s Blueprint: The Best Way to Get Cash Out of an Investment Property
GREENSBORO, NC – JULY 22, 2025: For active real estate investors, portfolio growth is a relentless pursuit. Whether you’re eyeing a charming bungalow in Lindley Park, a multi-family property near the burgeoning downtown core of Greensboro, or planning a significant value-add renovation on an existing asset in Irving Park, the path to your next strategic move often lies within the untapped equity of your current holdings. The fundamental question that guides these decisions: what’s the best way to get cash out of an investment property?
Best Way to Get Cash Out of an Investment Property
- Why Cash Out Refinance is the Best Way
- DSCR Loans: Your Premier Tool for Cash Out Refinance
- GHC Funding: Your Go-To Partner for Strategic Cash Out
- Advanced Geo-Targeting: Greensboro, NC Investment Opportunities
- Unique Selling Proposition: Equity Unleashed, On Your Terms
- Q&A Section
- Q1: Is a cash out refinance always the best option for getting cash from an investment property?
- Q2: How much equity do I typically need to have in my investment property to qualify for a cash out refinance?
- Q3: Can I get cash out from my investment property if it's currently losing money (negative cash flow)?
- Q4: Does the condition of my investment property affect how much cash I can get?
- Q5: What's the difference between a cash out refinance and a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) for an investment property?
- Q6: Are there specific types of investment properties that are easier to get cash out from using DSCR loans?
- Q7: How quickly can I typically get the cash from a DSCR cash out refinance?
- Unlock Your Capital. Expand Your Empire.
- Best Way to Get Cash Out of an Investment Property
The answer, for sophisticated investors, increasingly points towards a specialized financial instrument: the cash out refinance, particularly through Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans. These aren’t standard personal mortgages; they are designed specifically to understand and leverage the income-generating power of your real estate investments.

At GHC Funding, we are dedicated to empowering real estate investors with flexible and efficient financing solutions. We understand the limitations of traditional lending for those managing multiple properties or possessing diverse income streams. That’s why our comprehensive suite of products, including DSCR Loans, SBA 7a loans, SBA 504 Loans, Bridge Loans, and Alternative Real Estate Financing, is meticulously crafted to help you unlock capital and accelerate your investment journey.
Why Cash Out Refinance is the Best Way
While there are several ways to access equity (e.g., HELOCs, selling a property), a cash out refinance through a DSCR loan stands out as the best way to get cash out of an investment property for several compelling reasons:
- Leverage Without Selling: You retain ownership of your appreciating asset while accessing its embedded value.
- Flexible Capital: The cash is typically unrestricted, allowing you to fund new acquisitions, perform renovations, consolidate debt, or build reserves.
- No Personal Income Verification: Unlike traditional loans, DSCR loans focus on the property’s income, not your personal W2s or tax returns. This is a game-changer for many investors.
- Scalability: DSCR loans often don’t have the same portfolio limits as conventional loans, enabling greater growth.
The amount of cash you can extract is primarily governed by the property’s Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio. For investment properties, DSCR lenders typically allow a maximum cash out refinance LTV of 70% to 75% of the property’s current appraised value.
The Calculation:
Cash Out Amount = (Property's Appraised Value x Maximum Cash Out LTV%) - Current Mortgage Balance
For example, if your Greensboro investment property is appraised at $320,000, you have an existing mortgage balance of $100,000, and the lender offers a 70% LTV:
$320,000 (Appraised Value) x 0.70 (70% LTV) = $224,000 (New Maximum Loan Amount)
$224,000 (New Maximum Loan Amount) – $100,000 (Current Mortgage Balance) = $124,000 (Maximum Cash Out)
This means you could potentially receive $124,000 in cash, ready to be strategically deployed.
DSCR Loan IQ Quiz!

Test your knowledge of Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans!
DSCR Loans: Your Premier Tool for Cash Out Refinance
DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans are non-QM (Non-Qualified Mortgage) loans that qualify based on the property’s ability to generate enough income to cover its debt obligations. The DSCR is calculated by dividing the property’s Net Operating Income (NOI) by its total debt service (principal and interest). A DSCR of 1.0 means the property’s income exactly covers its debt. For a cash out refinance, most DSCR lenders typically require a ratio of 1.10 to 1.25 or higher, ensuring a healthy buffer for investors and mitigating lender risk.
Current Market Insights: Rates & Requirements (as of July 22, 2025)
As of mid-2025, the real estate market in Greensboro, NC, and across the nation, continues to present dynamic opportunities for investors. For DSCR cash out refinance loans, investors can realistically expect rates to typically fall within the range of 7.00% to 9.25%.
Several factors significantly influence your specific interest rate:
- Loan-to-Value (LTV): As discussed, higher LTVs (closer to the 70-75% maximum for cash out) generally correlate with slightly higher interest rates due to increased risk for the lender.
- DSCR Ratio: A stronger DSCR (e.g., 1.30+) indicates robust cash flow and lower risk, often leading to more favorable interest rates. Lenders may offer tiered pricing, rewarding higher DSCRs with better terms.
- Credit Score: While DSCR loans prioritize property income, your personal credit score (typically a minimum of 620-660) still impacts the rate. Higher scores (720+) will unlock the most competitive terms.
- Property Type: The type of investment property (e.g., single-family rental, multi-family, short-term rental) can affect perceived risk and, consequently, the rate. Properties with more stable income streams may receive better terms.
- Loan Term: 30-year fixed-rate DSCR loans are common, offering long-term payment stability. Shorter terms or interest-only options may have different rate structures.
- Cash Reserves: Lenders typically require 3 to 6 months of the new mortgage payment (PITI) in liquid reserves, demonstrating your ability to cover payments during potential vacancies or unforeseen expenses.
Exact Requirements for DSCR Cash Out Refinance Loans:
The appealing requirements of DSCR loans are what make them the best way to get cash out of an investment property for many investors:
- No Personal Income Verification: A significant advantage! Lenders focus on the property’s income-generating capability, not your personal W2s, tax returns, or pay stubs. This is invaluable for self-employed investors or those with complex financial structures.
- Property-Centric Qualification: An appraisal will be conducted, including a market rent analysis, to determine the property’s current value and its projected rental income. This income is then used to calculate the DSCR.
- Minimum DSCR: A Debt Service Coverage Ratio of 1.10 or higher is generally the minimum threshold, though higher ratios are always preferred and can lead to better terms.
- Entity Lending: Most DSCR loans allow you to hold the property and close the loan in an LLC or other business entity, providing crucial liability protection and simplifying portfolio management.
- Minimum Credit Score: A FICO score of 620-660 is typically the lowest accepted, but aiming for 700+ will position you for the best rates and terms.
- Seasoning Requirements: For a cash out refinance, most DSCR lenders require a minimum ownership period (seasoning) of 90 days to 6 months. Some may allow immediate cash out if the loan amount is based on your cost basis (purchase price plus documented rehab expenses).
- Property Types Accepted: A wide range of investment property types are eligible, including:
- Single-Family Rentals (SFRs)
- Multi-Family Properties (2-4 units are common)
- Condominiums (including some non-warrantable condos)
- Townhouses
- Short-Term Rentals (STRs) / Airbnb properties (often requires a 12-month booking history or a strong market rent analysis).
GHC Funding: Your Go-To Partner for Strategic Cash Out
GHC Funding is meticulously designed to be the go-to lender for real estate investors asking what’s the best way to get cash out of an investment property and looking to maximize their portfolio’s potential in thriving markets like Greensboro, NC. Here’s why investors consistently choose us:
- Flexible & Investor-Centric Underwriting: Our deep expertise in DSCR loans means we look beyond traditional W2 income, focusing on the revenue-generating power of your assets. This allows us to provide solutions where conventional lenders cannot.
- In-Depth Market Expertise: Our team possesses a nuanced understanding of dynamic real estate markets, including the specific drivers and opportunities within Greensboro, NC. This insight allows us to provide more tailored and effective financing advice.
- Streamlined & Efficient Process: We understand that speed is paramount in real estate investment. Our loan process is designed for maximum efficiency, ensuring you get the capital you need quickly to seize new opportunities.
- Comprehensive Loan Product Portfolio: Beyond DSCR loans, GHC Funding offers a robust array of financing options, including SBA 7a loans for business acquisitions, SBA 504 Loans for owner-occupied commercial real estate, Bridge Loans for short-term financing, and other Alternative Real Estate Financing solutions. This ensures we can match the perfect funding solution to your specific investment strategy.
- Dedicated Investor Support: Our team is committed to understanding your investment goals and providing personalized guidance throughout the entire financing process, making your experience seamless and confident.
Advanced Geo-Targeting: Greensboro, NC Investment Opportunities
Greensboro, North Carolina, offers a compelling landscape for real estate investors seeking to leverage their equity. With a diversified economy and continuous growth, it presents numerous opportunities for expansion. As of June 2025, Greensboro’s median home listing price was approximately $327,000, with a median sold price of $341,000 (for Guilford County), and homes generally selling after about 50 days on market. While the market has shown some slight increases in days on market, inventory is up, suggesting a rebalancing towards a more sustainable pace, which can benefit strategic investors.
Here are some key areas and investment scenarios within Greensboro, NC, where a cash out refinance can be strategically applied:
- Downtown Greensboro (Zip Code: 27401): Undergoing significant revitalization, downtown offers a blend of historic lofts, new apartment complexes, and emerging retail. This area is ideal for investors targeting young professionals and urban dwellers seeking walkable access to entertainment, dining, and job centers. A cash out refinance from an existing property could fund the acquisition of a historic commercial building for conversion into mixed-use or multi-family units.
- Lindley Park & Sunset Hills (Zip Code: 27403): These established, desirable neighborhoods are known for their charming homes, mature trees, and community feel. They attract long-term residents and offer stable rental income for single-family rentals. Investors can use cash out equity from a performing asset to acquire another rental property in these sought-after areas, ensuring consistent demand and appreciation.
- Near Universities (Zip Codes: 27411 – UNC Greensboro, 27406 – NC A&T): Proximity to major educational institutions like the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) and North Carolina A&T State University ensures a steady demand for student housing (multi-bedroom homes, duplexes) and faculty/staff rentals. Leveraging a cash out refinance could enable the purchase of additional properties to cater to this consistent market.
- Sedgefield & Friendly Acres (Zip Code: 27407): These areas, offering a mix of established and newer housing, benefit from good schools and accessibility to amenities. They are attractive to families and working professionals, making them strong candidates for single-family rental investments. A cash out refinance can facilitate the acquisition of a value-add property that, once renovated, commands higher rents.
- East Greensboro Revitalization (Zip Codes: 27406, parts of 27405): The East Greensboro corridor is seeing renewed investment and development. This area presents opportunities for investors seeking higher cash flow and potential for significant appreciation through strategic renovations. Consider acquiring multi-family properties or single-family homes that can be updated to meet modern rental demands using your cash out funds.
- Growth Corridors (I-40/I-85 Exit areas): Strategic locations near major interstate exits are often targeted by commercial and industrial development, which in turn fuels residential demand. Investors can look for single-family rentals or small multi-family properties in these growing suburban-like areas that cater to the workforce employed by new businesses.
Greensboro’s economic strength is bolstered by key sectors including:
- Manufacturing & Logistics: A robust manufacturing base and its central location in the state make it a critical logistics hub.
- Education: Home to several universities and colleges, providing a steady influx of students and faculty.
- Healthcare: A growing healthcare sector with major hospitals and medical facilities.
- Aviation & Aerospace: Bolstered by the Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI) and related industries.
This diverse economic foundation contributes to a stable and growing population, ensuring consistent demand for real estate.
Unique Selling Proposition: Equity Unleashed, On Your Terms
The unique selling proposition of using a DSCR loan for a cash out refinance on your investment property is its ability to unleash your accumulated equity without the traditional constraints of personal income or debt-to-income ratios.
- Asset-Based Lending: Your property’s performance dictates the loan, not your personal financial statements. This is unparalleled flexibility for active investors.
- Scalability Unhindered: No more arbitrary limits on the number of properties you can finance. Grow your portfolio as aggressively as your market dictates.
- Speed & Efficiency: Reduced paperwork and a focus on the asset mean faster approvals and quicker access to capital, allowing you to act decisively in competitive markets.
- Business Entity Flexibility: The ability to finance through an LLC provides critical asset protection and streamlines your investment operations.
This specialized approach means you’re not just getting a loan; you’re gaining a strategic financial partner that understands and supports the very nature of real estate investing.
Q&A Section
Here are some common questions real estate investors ask about the best way to get cash out of an investment property:
Q1: Is a cash out refinance always the best option for getting cash from an investment property?
A1: For most real estate investors looking to leverage equity without selling, a cash out refinance, particularly through a DSCR loan, is generally considered the best way. It allows you to retain ownership while accessing substantial capital, unlike a HELOC which might offer less funding, or a sale which eliminates the asset.
Q2: How much equity do I typically need to have in my investment property to qualify for a cash out refinance?
A2: You generally need to have significant equity. Most DSCR lenders for cash out refinances will allow an LTV of up to 70-75% of the property’s appraised value, meaning you need to retain at least 25-30% equity after the refinance.
Q3: Can I get cash out from my investment property if it’s currently losing money (negative cash flow)?
A3: Generally, no, not with a DSCR loan. The DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) is a key qualifier, and the property must show positive cash flow (DSCR typically 1.10 or higher) to qualify. If your property is currently losing money, you may need to increase rents or reduce expenses first.
Q4: Does the condition of my investment property affect how much cash I can get?
A4: Yes, the property’s condition affects its appraised value, which directly impacts the maximum loan amount and thus the cash you can get. A property in excellent condition will appraise higher and potentially allow for more cash out.
Q5: What’s the difference between a cash out refinance and a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) for an investment property?
A5: A cash out refinance replaces your entire existing mortgage with a new, larger one, giving you a lump sum of cash. A HELOC is a separate, revolving line of credit that sits behind your first mortgage, allowing you to draw funds as needed, up to a certain limit. For larger, lump-sum capital needs, a cash out refinance is usually more suitable.
Q6: Are there specific types of investment properties that are easier to get cash out from using DSCR loans?
A6: Single-family rentals and multi-family properties (2-4 units) are typically the most straightforward. Short-term rentals can also qualify, but may require a stronger DSCR or a documented booking history.
Q7: How quickly can I typically get the cash from a DSCR cash out refinance?
A7: DSCR loans are known for their efficiency. While closing times vary, they are generally faster than conventional loans, often closing within 3-4 weeks once all documentation is submitted.
Unlock Your Capital. Expand Your Empire.
Understanding the best way to get cash out of an investment property is fundamental to strategic portfolio expansion. A cash out refinance, powered by the flexibility of DSCR loans, offers a direct and efficient path to leveraging your existing equity for new opportunities.
At GHC Funding, we are committed to being your strategic financial partner. Our deep understanding of real estate investment and our tailored loan products ensure you have the capital and support needed to thrive in dynamic markets like Greensboro, NC.
Don’t let your valuable equity remain untapped. Contact GHC Funding today to discover how much cash you can get and how we can help you realize your next investment ambition!
Call us at 833-572-4327 or visit our website at www.ghcfunding.com to learn more.
External Resources for Greensboro, NC Real Estate Investors:
- North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC): The official state regulatory body for real estate in North Carolina, providing laws, rules, and licensee information. https://www.ncrec.gov/
- Triad Real Estate Investors Association (Triad REIA): A local association for real estate investors in the Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point areas, offering networking, education, and resources. https://www.triadreia.org/
- Greensboro Regional REALTORS® Association (GRRA): Provides market statistics, housing reports, and local real estate data for the Greater Greensboro area. https://www.grra.org/
- Greensboro Housing Authority (GHA): While primarily focused on affordable housing, their website may provide insights into local housing trends and initiatives relevant to the overall market. https://gha-nc.org/
- Zillow Greensboro, NC Housing Market: Offers current data on home values, rent trends, and market overviews for Greensboro and its various zip codes. https://www.zillow.com/greensboro-nc/home-values/