Gatlinburg · Pigeon Forge · Sevierville

Build Generational Wealth with a Short-Term Rental Investment Property

A DSCR loan qualifies you on the property's rental income, not your tax returns, so your personal income doesn't limit how many properties you can own. Whether it's your first short-term rental or your next, we'll help you build a portfolio you can hold for the long haul and pass down. As a correspondent lender, we tap a wide range of investors to find competitive rates and a loan that fits your strategy.

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5.0★

Google rating

15+

Years in business

10k+

Loans closed

30+

Loan programs

Key features

Why investors choose DSCR loans.

No Income Docs Required

Qualify using the property's rental income, not personal income

80% Loan-To-Value

Down payment requirements vary by property type and DSCR ratio.

Min FICO Credit Score 660

Flexible qualification built for investors, not owner-occupants.

Max Loan Amount $4.5M

Single-family, condo, 2-4 unit, and short-term rental properties.

SPECIALIZING IN STR FINANCING

We underwrite the way the Smokies STR market actually works

Sevier County is one of the most active short-term rental markets in the country — and most national DSCR lenders don't know it the way a local correspondent lender does. We can use short-term rental income projections, not just standard long-term lease comps, when calculating your qualifying ratio.

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DSCR Loan Process

Four steps from application to keys in hand.

Start with a free mortgage consultation to help us learn your goals and explain your options.

STEP 1

Property Research

Find a home you would like to purchase as an investment property.

STEP 2

Get Approved

Complete the mortgage application and find out how much you qualify for.

STEP 3

Loan Process

We review your loan, verify details and more forward by ordering an appraisal.

STEP 4

Close On Your Loan

Begin building generational wealth from your investment property.

Get Started

Frequently Asked Questions

DSCR Loan FAQs

What is a DSCR loan?

A DSCR loan is a type of investment property mortgage that qualifies you based on the property’s rental income instead of your personal income. Lenders calculate a Debt Service Coverage Ratio — rental income divided by the property’s mortgage payment — to determine eligibility.

Do I need to show tax returns for a DSCR loan?

No. DSCR loans don’t require tax returns, W-2s, or employment verification. Qualification is based on the subject property’s rental income relative to its expected mortgage payment.

Can I get a DSCR loan for a short-term rental in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?

Yes. DSCR loans are commonly used for short-term rental properties in the Smokies, and lenders can use short-term rental income projections — rather than standard long-term lease comps — to calculate the qualifying ratio.

Is a DSCR loan the same as a hard money loan?

No. DSCR loans are typically 30-year fixed or adjustable investment mortgages with market-competitive rates, unlike short-term, higher-cost hard money loans.

LOCAL EXPERTISE

Why a Local Lender Matters for Your Smoky Mountain STR

Local relationships that work for you: We work closely with property managers, real estate agents, and industry partners across the Smokies, so you get insight that goes beyond the numbers.
We know the local rules and the local market: From STR zoning and permitting in each municipality to accurate rental data and comps, we help you make an informed decision before you buy.
A trusted network beyond the loan: We can connect you with cost segregation specialists, CPAs, and contractors who understand short-term rentals, so you can get the most out of your property from day one.

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★★★★★

1,000+ reviews. 5.0 average.

25+ new five-star reviews every month from Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, and Florida homebuyers.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 1024 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Sierra Lisenbee  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Allen was a huge help with any questions I had and really helped me through this process! I recommend him and First Choice to anyone looking for a home
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Laura Cloughley  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Luca was outstanding. He was communicative,  on top of requests and always available. This process is so stressful when purchasing a home and Luca helped ease the process immensely. Thank you Luca!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ah Kugler  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am a 62-year-old single woman who has never had to navigate a path like this before, and Stephen Pippin has been a truly amazing guide throughout the process.

First and foremost, Stephen is a true gentleman. His professionalism, patience, and candor are so refreshing and welcoming in today’s world of “hurry up and just Google the answers yourself.”

He took the time to patiently walk me through each step and made sure I truly understood every part of the loan process. That level of personal attention and genuine care made what could have been an overwhelming experience feel much more manageable.

Thank you, Stephen Pippin, for your patience, professionalism, and for taking the time to make sure I understood the process. I am truly grateful for your guidance and would highly recommend you to anyone looking for someone they can trust.
AHKugler
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jason Owen  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate was absolutely amazing to work with!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Polly Burrows  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lyndsey Logan was fabulous to work with. She made the whole loan process run smoothly and quickly!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kalvin Lentz  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. First Choice Lending is top notch. Their name says it all. I recently worked with Robert for a home purchase in Eastern Tennesee. We were working with a very difficult seller that made us all want to pull our hair out.  He kept myself, as the client, and my interests at the top of his priority list. He didnt order any extra, unnecessary, inspections at my expense even though there was a slight chance we could have needed them. He took it one step at a time and did a very thorough job without wasiting my time or money. He kept me informed of where we were along every step of the process. Robert and the team at first choice lending were able to bring it to closing in perfect timing and I cant recomend them enough!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jeff Brigstock  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate Sivy did an excellent job finding the best mortgage for my family's new home. Being small business owners, there was a significant amount of documentation that had to be provided. Kate never gave up when the process dragged on. We felt that we had an advocate through the entire process. We would definitely recommend Kate and First Choice Lending Services!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Amanda Holland  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We worked with Kate Sivy to get our home. She is amazing! So helpful and on top of things. We had no clue we were even in a position to buy, but she held our hand and walked us through the whole process and we close tomorrow!!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kyle Kaiser  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brannon and Robert did a great job helping us through the mortgage process. They were easy to get in touch with, answered our questions whenever they came up, and kept us informed throughout the process. We really appreciated the time and effort they put into helping everything come together and getting us to closing. I’d definitely recommend Brannon, Robert, and their team to anyone buying a home.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Diane Darcy Bonsall  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. David was TERRIFIC. He kept me posted on progress and options, while also coaching my daughter, who is a first-time buyer. Through his persistence, we closed on time with a better rate than I hoped. Highly recommend.
  
 
  
  
 
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STR MARKET DATA

Know How a Property Performs Before You Buy

Professional STR data tools: We've invested in professional short-term rental data tools to give you a clear picture of any property you're considering. From rental projections backed by real market data to custom comp sets that show how a property stacks up against similar listings on Airbnb and VRBO, you'll have the insight you need to make a confident decision in a market that's always changing.
Long-term rental data is everywhere: Free online estimates and listing sites make it easy to see what a property might rent for by the month.
Short-term rental data isn't: Nightly rates, occupancy, and seasonal performance live on paid, professional platforms that most buyers, and many lenders, don't have access to.
We do: That means you get a clearer picture of how a property performs as an STR before you commit.

Have a property in mind? Let's take a closer look together.

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Free Property Report

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