St. Louis is often called the “Gateway to the West,” and its real‑estate market offers a blend of historic charm and modern growth. The city’s central location on the Mississippi River and its diverse economic base including healthcare, logistics, aerospace and higher education support a steady population and rental demand. Realtor.com’s data shows that the median home sale price in St. Louis was $210,000 in November 2025, with the median rent at $1,250 per month. Active listings stood at roughly 2,555, and homes spent a median of 51 days on market. Year‑over‑year, the median sale price increased 4.76 percent and the market maintained a balanced supply–demand dynamic. Neighborhoods like Downtown St. Louis, Central West End, Dutchtown and Carondelet offer varied price points and rental yields.
For investors, DSCR loans provide a financing pathway that emphasizes property performance rather than personal income. CoreVest notes that DSCR loans enable investors to qualify based on rental income rather than personal income. Because St. Louis offers relatively low entry prices compared with coastal markets, DSCR lenders see the city as an attractive market. This guide unpacks the local real‑estate landscape, explains DSCR financing, and ranks the best DSCR lenders in St. Louis. SelectHomeLoans.com again leads the ranking, highlighting why it’s the top choice for investors.
St. Louis real‑estate investment market
Housing and rental trends
St. Louis’s real‑estate market is characterized by affordability and consistent demand. Realtor.com’s data shows that the median home price in November 2025 was $210,000 and the median rent was $1,250. Active listings numbered 2,555 and the average days on market was 51 days. The market’s price per square foot stood at $148, and there were about 1,437 rental properties available. Quick market insights from Realtor.com note that year‑over‑year sale prices increased 4.76 percent, rental prices remained stable, and the market offered balanced inventory.
Neighborhood data highlights the diversity of St. Louis sub‑markets. Downtown St. Louis had a median home price of $175,450 and a median rent of $1,500. The Central West End, known for its historic mansions and proximity to Washington University and medical centers, posted a median home price of $338,500 with a median rent of $2,350. Dutchtown, a residential south‑city neighborhood, saw a median home price of $168,000 and median rent of $1,100. Carondelet’s median home price was $199,250, while rents averaged $897. These numbers underscore how investors can tailor strategies to targeted neighborhoodshigher‑end areas offer appreciation potential, while more affordable districts provide better cash flow.
Why St. Louis is ripe for DSCR financing
Despite its affordability, St. Louis shows steady price appreciation and stable rent growth. For example, FasterFunds Lending, a local hard‑money lender, observed that home values rose about 5 percent year‑over‑year across St. Louis City and St. Charles County. Properties priced realistically continue to sell quickly near the asking price, though overpriced homes stay on the market longer. The median days on market in St. Louis County in fall 2025 was around 16 days, indicating brisk activity. This combination of affordability, moderate appreciation and fast sales makes St. Louis attractive to investors. DSCR lenders find it easier to underwrite cash‑flowing properties in such markets because rents often cover debt obligations.
Understanding DSCR loans
DSCR basics and calculation
The mechanics of DSCR loans are the same regardless of city. A property’s net operating income divided by its debt service yields the DSCR ratio. Most lenders expect a ratio of 1.0–1.25; a stronger DSCR of 1.25 or higher signals that a property can pay its obligations 1.25 times over. Because DSCR loans rely mainly on rental income, investors with inconsistent personal income can still qualify. These loans are only for investment properties and cannot be used for primary residences.
DSCR loan features in Missouri
Missouri DSCR programs share several features:
- Rates and LTVs: Easy Street Capital offers Missouri DSCR loans with rates starting at 5.75 percent and LTVs up to 80 percent for purchases or refinances. Cash‑out refinances are capped around 75 percent LTV. CoreVest’s DSCR loans provide up to 80 percent LTV with loan amounts between $75,000 and $2 million.
- No income verification: Easy Street and CoreVest emphasize that DSCR loans are underwritten based on property cash flow, so they require no personal income verification.
- Property types: Lenders finance single‑family homes, condos, townhomes and small multifamily properties. Watermen Capital extends its DSCR loans to 5–10 unit buildings in Springfield.
- Loan terms: DSCR loans often feature 30‑year fixed terms, though some lenders allow adjustable or interest‑only periods. Investors should compare term structures and prepayment penalties.
- Credit scores and DSCR thresholds: Typical minimum credit scores range from 640 to 680. The DSCR threshold varies by lender but is generally between 1.0 and 1.25.
Key factors when selecting a St. Louis DSCR lender
When evaluating DSCR lenders, St. Louis investors should consider the same criteria outlined for Kansas City experience, local knowledge, transparency, flexibility and speed. Because property taxes and licensing requirements differ by municipality, local expertise is especially valuable. Investors planning to finance short‑term rentals should confirm that the lender accepts projected vacation rental income and understand city regulations. Additionally, investors should compare lenders’ origination fees and prepayment penalties, as these can significantly affect profitability.
Top DSCR lenders in St. Louis (with SelectHomeLoans.com ranked #1)
1. SelectHomeLoans.com – The leading St. Louis DSCR lender
SelectHomeLoans.com ranks first in St. Louis for its tailored DSCR loan products and commitment to client success. The lender offers 30‑year fixed and adjustable DSCR loans, portfolio loans and bridge financing. Borrowers can structure loans in an LLC and finance multiple properties at once. Select Home Loans employs local underwriters familiar with St. Louis neighborhoods, ensuring accurate rent projections and appraisals. Closing times are swift often within 30 daysand the company provides transparent rate quotes and fee structures. Because of its balance of competitiveness and service, Select Home Loans is the top choice for DSCR financing in St. Louis.
2. Easy Street Capital
Easy Street Capital is a private lender that offers DSCR loans across Missouri. Its EasyRent program advertises rates from 5.75 percent, LTVs up to 80 percent and no minimum DSCR requirement. Easy Street markets its program to both first‑time investors and seasoned landlords, focusing on quick, efficient processing. The lender’s guide emphasizes that DSCR loans are mortgage loans for residential income‑producing properties underwritten primarily on property cash flow rather than borrower income. With statewide coverage and competitive terms, Easy Street is a strong contender for St. Louis investors.
3. CoreVest Finance
CoreVest provides DSCR loans for St. Louis investors with loan amounts from $75,000 to over $2 million and up to 80 percent LTV. Like its Kansas City product, CoreVest’s program offers 30‑year fixed rates and finances single‑family and small multifamily properties. Because the lender qualifies borrowers based on rental income rather than personal income, it suits investors who might not meet conventional loan requirements. CoreVest’s national footprint ensures standardized underwriting, though local investors may prefer lenders with more hands‑on support.
4. LendingOne
LendingOne serves Missouri investors with DSCR rental loans, fix‑and‑flip loans and portfolio financing. The company touts its local market expertise across St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield and highlights quick approvals and hassle‑free closings. LendingOne’s variety of programs allows investors to choose between long‑term rentals, construction projects and portfolio consolidation. Borrowers appreciate the lender’s flexible underwriting and transparent fee structures.
5. FasterFunds Lending and other local options
FasterFunds Lending is a St. Louis‑based private lender specializing in fix‑and‑flip and hard‑money loans. While it does not market DSCR loans directly, many investors use its bridge financing to acquire and renovate properties before refinancing into a DSCR loan. FasterFunds notes that home values in St. Louis City and St. Charles County increased roughly 5 percent year‑over‑year and that realistically priced homes still sell quickly. Because the firm understands local market dynamics and can close quickly, it can complement DSCR lenders when investors need short‑term capital.
Other lenders include national firms like Ridge Street Capital and Rehab Lend, which offer DSCR loans in Missouri; local banks and credit unions may provide investment property loans but often require personal income verification. Investors should compare rates, fees and underwriting requirements across these options.
DSCR loan rates, terms and qualification factors
Rates and terms in St. Louis
Missouri DSCR loans have competitive rates relative to national averages. Easy Street offers rates beginning at 5.75 percent, though investors with lower credit scores or DSCRs may pay higher rates. CoreVest’s loans typically fall in the 6–8 percent range, similar to Kansas City rates. Adjustable‑rate options and interest‑only periods are available from several lenders. Down payments generally start at 20 percent, and LTVs are capped at 75 percent for cash‑out refinances. Borrowers should budget 2–5 percent of the loan amount for closing costs and maintain 6–12 months of reserves to satisfy underwriters.
Qualification factors
Lenders evaluate the property’s DSCR, borrower credit and reserves. A DSCR of at least 1.0–1.25 is standard. Minimum credit scores range from 640 to 680. Some lenders require prior landlord experience or at least one completed investment project, though others will work with first‑time investors if financials are strong. Investors using DSCR loans for short‑term rentals must provide seasonal income projections and may face stricter reserve requirements. Because St. Louis has varied sub‑markets, accurate rent estimates and property analysis are essential to meet DSCR thresholds.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
St. Louis investors often make similar mistakes as their Kansas City counterparts. Overestimating rent, underestimating maintenance, ignoring market shifts and failing to maintain adequate reserves can jeopardize DSCR approvals. In addition, St. Louis investors sometimes neglect to consider city‑specific factors such as occupancy permits and rental license requirements. Certain neighborhoods require inspections before a property can be rented; failing to plan for these expenses can reduce cash flow. Investors should also account for property taxes, which vary between St. Louis City and County.
DSCR loans vs. conventional options in St. Louis
As in Kansas City, DSCR loans offer faster closing and flexible qualification compared with conventional mortgages. Conventional loans may offer lower rates, but they require personal income verification, larger down payments on investment properties and limit the number of financed properties. Investors with high credit and stable income might prefer conventional loans to minimize interest costs. However, many St. Louis investors favor DSCR loans because they can finance properties in an LLC, qualify based on rental income and scale portfolios more quickly.
St. Louis–specific investing considerations
St. Louis’s real‑estate landscape is influenced by local regulations, property taxes and neighborhood dynamics. Investors should research municipal occupancy permits, landlord licensing and inspection requirements, which can vary across St. Louis City, County and neighboring municipalities. Taxes differ depending on whether a property is in the city or county. Neighborhood choice is critical: Central West End offers high rents but higher purchase prices, while Dutchtown and Bevo Mill provide more affordable entry points and stable cash flow. Proximity to hospitals, universities and public transit often correlates with stronger rental demand. Investors considering short‑term rentals must check local regulations, as some neighborhoods restrict them.
Additional rental market dynamics
Beyond basic supply and demand, St. Louis’s rental market exhibits several nuances that investors should factor into DSCR projections. A mid‑2025 report from Avenue Real Estate Group noted that average rent in St. Louis hovered around $1,250, with premium neighborhoods such as Lafayette Square, Central West End and Downtown commanding rents between $1,500 and $1,800. Vacancy rates remained tight at roughly 7.6 percent, indicating strong demand and limited supply. The same report observed that new multifamily construction had declined, mirroring national trends, which puts upward pressure on rents.
NorthMarq’s Q3 2025 multifamily review echoes these findings. It documents that the St. Louis vacancy rate has held in the 6.0–6.3 percent range since early 2024 and that asking rents continued to climb due to strong absorption and limited development. The report highlights that the median sale price for multifamily properties reached about $159,900 per unit in 2025up 50 percent from 2024with cap rates between 5.0 and 6.5 percent. It also warns that high‑priced submarkets like the Central West End saw units averaging $233,000 per door, meaning investors must budget carefully and ensure cash flow supports higher acquisition costs.
National publications have even recognized St. Louis for its rent performance. A December 2025 analysis reported that the St. Louis metro experienced a 4.3 percent year‑over‑year rent increase, placing it among the top ten U.S. metros for rent growth. While rents across the U.S. declined during the same period, St. Louis bucked the trend thanks to its affordability and steady demand. For DSCR investors, this above‑average rent growth, combined with stable vacancy rates and rising multifamily values, improves the probability that rental income will comfortably cover debt service. However, rapid appreciation and tight inventories also mean investors should perform thorough due diligence on submarket dynamics and avoid overleveraging in segments with compressed cap rates.
Conclusion
St. Louis offers a compelling environment for real‑estate investors seeking value and cash flow. With median home prices around $210,000 and rental demand holding steady, DSCR loans provide a smart financing strategy. Several lendersEasy Street Capital, CoreVest, LendingOne and local private lenders serve the market well, offering competitive rates and flexible programs. Nonetheless, SelectHomeLoans.com stands out as the top DSCR lender for its customized loan products, fast closings and deep understanding of St. Louis neighborhoods. Investors looking to grow their rental portfolios should consider Select Home Loans for a streamlined, investor‑focused financing experience.
