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šŸ’°Think Outside the Bank: Alternative Ways to Fund Your Next STR

From DSCR loans and seller financing to co-investment partnerships and private capital, there are more funding paths than ever. We break down the pros, cons, and who each strategy is best for.

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June 16th, 2025

Good evening STR Report Community!

In today’s issue, you will find:

šŸ“±Today’s Article: šŸ’°Think Outside the Bank: Alternative Ways to Fund Your Next STR

šŸ“ˆ Trending Market Highlight: Cleveland, Ohio and Madison, Wisconsin

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āœ… Community Perks: Top-Tier Property Management, Personal Airbnb Investment Finder, and STR Loans & More

šŸ“¬ See our collection of newsletters here: Prior Newsletters

šŸ’°Think Outside the Bank: Alternative Ways to Fund Your Next STR

Mortgages Aren’t the Only Way In.

If you've been waiting for the ā€œperfectā€ mortgage rate to buy your next short-term rental… you might be waiting a while. But here’s the good news: plenty of successful STR investors aren’t using traditional loans at all. Instead, they’re getting creative—leveraging alternative funding strategies that help them scale faster, compete smarter, and protect their cash flow. Want in? Let’s dive into the world of creative financing.

1. DSCR Loans (Debt Service Coverage Ratio Loans)

āœ… Best for: Investors with strong STR income but limited W-2 income DSCR loans look at the property's income potential rather than your personal income. That means if the numbers make sense on paper, you're more likely to get approved—even if you’re self-employed or maxed out on traditional lending limits.

Pros: Faster approvals, STR income is front and center

Cons: Higher interest rates, stricter property cash flow requirements

2. Seller Financing

āœ… Best for: Deals with motivated sellers With seller financing, the owner acts as the lender. You agree to terms (interest rate, down payment, duration), and skip the bank altogether. Great for properties that may not qualify for a traditional mortgage or when you want to negotiate flexible terms.

Pros: No bank underwriting, more flexible negotiations

Cons: Limited availability, may require larger down payments

3. Co-Investment Partnerships

āœ… Best for: Investors with time and expertise—but less capital Team up with someone who has the funds but doesn’t want the day-to-day involvement. You handle the operations; they bring the money. Split profits based on your agreement. This structure is ideal if you're ready to hustle but need help on the capital side.

Pros: No personal loan required, shared risk

Cons: Shared profits, needs clear partnership terms to avoid conflict

4. HELOCs or Cash-Out Refis

āœ… Best for: Homeowners sitting on equity A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) or cash-out refi on an existing property can free up funds for your next down payment. Just be sure the rental income from your STR will offset the added debt load.

Pros: Access capital without selling assets

Cons: Risk of overleveraging, potential impact on primary home

5. Private Money & Real Estate Syndications

āœ… Best for: Networked investors or those seeking passive income Private lenders or real estate syndication groups can offer capital for your deals in exchange for interest or equity. This is a more advanced route but can offer big leverage if you’ve got the right network.

Pros: Flexible deal structures, less red tape

Cons: Usually comes with higher interest or equity stakes

Final Thoughts: Flexibility Is the New Financing Power

Getting into your next STR doesn’t have to mean playing by the bank’s rules. With a little creativity (and the right partners), there are more funding paths than ever before. Think you’re ready? Connect with an expert team and get started.

Cleveland, Ohio šŸ€

Downloadable Cleveland, Ohio Short-Term Rental Market Report

Cleveland STR Market Report.pdf1.68 MB • PDF File
  • Average Daily Rate (ADR): $186.15 per night

  • Occupancy Rate: 53.96%

  • Annual Revenue Potential: Around $36,660.37 per year

Read our full Cleveland, Ohio Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

Madison, Wisconsin ✨

Downloadable Madison, Wisconsin Short-Term Rental Market Report

Madison STR Market Report.pdf3.39 MB • PDF File
  • Average Daily Rate (ADR): $288.83 per night

  • Occupancy Rate: 58.89%

  • Annual Revenue Potential: Around $62,072.80 per year

Read our full Madison, Wisconsin Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

šŸ“¬ See our collection of 50+ market reports here: Prior Trending Market Reports

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Subscriber Perks:

šŸ“–šŸ”šŸ’° Go Live Playbook

The "Go Live Playbook" is your all-in-one guide featuring a beginner’s guide e-book, messaging templates, Airbnb welcome book, STR buy box template, and tax savings tips to kickstart your short-term rental success.

Community Perks with The STR Report

šŸ  Top-Tier Property Management ā€“ Lower fees, higher payouts, and premium service. Built for investors who want performance and peace of mind. Mention The STR Report by 6/30/25 & get your first month completely FREE.

šŸ”Ž Personal Airbnb Investment Finder ā€“ Connect with an expert to handpick profitable Airbnb properties that match your criteria. With 213+ successful deals, all cash-flowing, you’re in good hands. Take 15 seconds to fill out the form to see how all of these properties are experiencing at least a 15% Cash-on-Cash return.

šŸ¤‘ STR Loans & More – Need funding for your next short-term rental? Expect expert guidance, personalized service, and the best possible rates.

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