The Investor’s Advantage: Using a DSCR Loan for a Reverse 1031 Exchange
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 17, 2025: For the sophisticated real estate investor, a 1031 exchange is a powerful tax strategy. But what happens when the perfect replacement property appears before you’ve sold your current one? This situation, known as a reverse 1031 exchange, can be a significant financial challenge. Traditional financing can be too slow and rigid, leaving investors at a disadvantage.
This is where a DSCR loan for a reverse 1031 exchange becomes the ultimate strategic tool. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of how this specialized financing works, with a special focus on how you can leverage it to grow your portfolio in the booming Raleigh, North Carolina, market.
DSCR Loan for a Reverse 1031 Exchange:
- DSCR Loans: The Solution for a Reverse Exchange
- Current Market Insights & Requirements (as of August 17, 2025)
- Strategic Investing in Raleigh, NC
- GHC Funding: Your Partner in Portfolio Growth
- Essential Resources for Raleigh Investors
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Q1: What is the primary advantage of a DSCR loan over a conventional loan for a reverse 1031 exchange?
- Q2: What is a "good" DSCR score?
- Q3: Can a DSCR loan be used for a new construction home as a rental?
- Q4: Will I have to pay a prepayment penalty on a DSCR loan?
- Q5: Is a DSCR loan only for single-family homes?
- Q6: What is the main difference between a DSCR loan and a Bridge Loan for a reverse exchange?
- Your Next Strategic Move in Raleigh?

DSCR Loans: The Solution for a Reverse Exchange
A reverse 1031 exchange requires an investor to acquire the replacement property before selling the relinquished one. This creates a need for immediate capital. A DSCR loan is an asset-based loan that qualifies a borrower based on the subject property’s projected rental income, not their personal income or tax returns. This streamlined underwriting model makes it a perfect fit for the demands of a reverse 1031 exchange.
The DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan’s core value proposition is its speed and lack of personal income documentation. This bypasses the traditional mortgage process, which is often too slow for the strict 180-day deadline of an exchange.
- No Personal Income Verification: Lenders do not require personal tax returns, W-2s, or pay stubs. This allows you to scale your portfolio without the burden of extensive paperwork.
- Fast Underwriting: By focusing on the property’s financials, DSCR loans can close in as little as a few weeks, which is critical for meeting the tight deadlines of an exchange.
- Flexible Terms: These loans are designed for investors and can be a temporary solution while you sell your relinquished property or a long-term hold on a profitable asset.
DSCR Loan IQ Quiz!

Test your knowledge of Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans!
Current Market Insights & Requirements (as of August 17, 2025)
The DSCR loan market provides reliable options for investors. As of today, August 17, 2025, interest rates for DSCR loans on investment properties generally range from 7.25% to 9.00%. The final rate you receive will depend on several key factors:
- Credit Score: A minimum credit score of 660 is typically required, with the most competitive rates offered for scores of 720+.
- LTV (Loan-to-Value): A lower LTV, such as a 75% LTV, often leads to a more favorable interest rate.
- DSCR: A DSCR of 1.25 or higher indicates a strong cash flow and can reduce your interest rate.
Loan Requirements:
- Entity Ownership: The loan must be held in a business entity, such as an LLC.
- Reserves: Lenders will require you to demonstrate liquid reserves to cover a certain number of months of payments, usually 6-12 months.
- Property Type: DSCR loans are versatile and can be used to finance single-family rentals, multi-family properties (up to four units), and even short-term rentals.
Strategic Investing in Raleigh, NC
As a key pillar of the Research Triangle, Raleigh, North Carolina, is an ideal market for real estate investors. The city’s dynamic growth and strong economy provide a fertile ground for investors using a DSCR loan for a reverse 1031 exchange.
Key Economic Drivers:
- Research Triangle Park (RTP): A hub for technology and biotechnology, attracting a highly educated workforce.
- Major Universities: Institutions like NC State University contribute to a consistently robust rental market, particularly for student housing and young professional rentals.
- Job Growth: Raleigh’s low unemployment rate and strong job market make it a top destination for those seeking stability and opportunity.
Investment Scenarios:
- North Hills (27609): Use a DSCR loan to acquire a modern duplex in this upscale, mixed-use area. The high rental income will provide a strong DSCR, allowing you to close quickly while you sell your old asset.
- Downtown Raleigh (27601): As a major hub of revitalization, downtown offers opportunities for multi-family conversions. A DSCR loan provides the financial agility to secure a property here before someone else does.
- Cary (27511): Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and excellent schools, Cary provides a stable, long-term rental market. A DSCR loan allows you to acquire a property in this highly desirable area and hold it while you complete your exchange.
North Carolina Rental Property Quiz

This quiz is designed to help you understand the key laws and regulations for owning and managing a North Carolina rental property. By testing your knowledge, you can ensure legal compliance and protect your investment in the state.
GHC Funding: Your Partner in Portfolio Growth
Successfully executing a reverse 1031 exchange requires a lender who understands the strategy and can move at the speed of the market. GHC Funding is that lender. We specialize in providing investor-centric financing, ensuring you can meet your critical deadlines and build your portfolio with confidence.
Our expertise in DSCR loans is complemented by a full suite of financing options, including SBA 7a loans, SBA 504 Loans, Bridge Loans, and other forms of Alternative Real Estate Financing tailored to your specific investment needs.
Essential Resources for Raleigh Investors
- NC Real Estate Investors Association (NCREIA): A premier local organization for networking, education, and market insights.
- Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS®: Provides local market data, events, and professional resources.
- Wake County Government: Offers information on property tax assessments, development projects, and local ordinances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the primary advantage of a DSCR loan over a conventional loan for a reverse 1031 exchange?
A: The key advantage is speed. A DSCR loan’s focus on property income eliminates the need for extensive personal income verification, allowing for a much faster closing that aligns with the exchange’s strict deadlines.
Q2: What is a “good” DSCR score?
A: Lenders typically require a minimum DSCR of 1.0, but a ratio of 1.25 or higher is considered strong and may lead to more favorable loan terms.
Q3: Can a DSCR loan be used for a new construction home as a rental?
A: Yes, many DSCR lenders will finance new construction. The DSCR is calculated using a market rent appraisal to determine the property’s projected income.
Q4: Will I have to pay a prepayment penalty on a DSCR loan?
A: Most DSCR loans for a reverse 1031 exchange are structured for a quick turnaround. While some loans may have a prepayment penalty, lenders can often structure the loan without one if you communicate your intentions upfront.
Q5: Is a DSCR loan only for single-family homes?
A: No, DSCR loans can be used to finance a wide range of investment properties, including multi-family units and short-term rentals.
Q6: What is the main difference between a DSCR loan and a Bridge Loan for a reverse exchange?
A: A bridge loan is typically a very short-term, high-interest loan. A DSCR loan, however, can be structured as a long-term loan (up to 30 years), giving you the flexibility to hold the property for a longer period if your investment strategy changes.
Your Next Strategic Move in Raleigh
Don’t let the complexities of a reverse 1031 exchange limit your investment potential. A DSCR loan provides the financial agility to secure your next asset and continue building your portfolio.
Contact GHC Funding today to discuss your reverse 1031 exchange and get pre-qualified for a DSCR loan. We’re here to help you capitalize on the opportunities in the Raleigh market.
Call us now at 833-572-4327 or visit our website to learn more.
Your Next Strategic Move in Raleigh?
The Ultimate DSCR Loan for Rental Property Quiz

Are you looking to expand your real estate investment portfolio? A DSCR loan might be the perfect tool to help you achieve your goals without relying on traditional income documentation. Test your knowledge with this quiz to see if you're ready to master the intricacies of a DSCR loan for rental property.