{"id":1231,"date":"2026-09-19T00:12:27","date_gmt":"2026-09-19T04:12:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/"},"modified":"2026-09-19T00:21:18","modified_gmt":"2026-09-19T04:21:18","slug":"buy-rental-property-no-money-down","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Buy Rental Property With No Money Down: 7 Strategies (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The standard advice is &#8220;save 20\u201325% for a down payment.&#8221; On a $200K rental property, that is $40,000\u2013$50,000 in cash \u2014 years of saving for most people. But investors buy rental property with no money down every day. Not through scams or gimmicks \u2014 through legitimate financing strategies that banks, the VA, and the FHA specifically designed for this purpose. This guide covers 7 real strategies to buy rental property with little or no money down in 2026, with worked examples, exact requirements, and the risks you need to understand before using each one.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#Can_You_Really_Buy_Rental_Property_With_No_Money_Down\" >Can You Really Buy Rental Property With No Money Down?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#Strategy_1_VA_Loan_%E2%80%94_True_0_Down_Veterans_Only\" >Strategy 1: VA Loan \u2014 True 0% Down (Veterans Only)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#How_It_Works_for_Investors\" >How It Works for Investors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#Worked_Example\" >Worked Example<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#Requirements\" >Requirements<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#Strategy_2_FHA_House_Hack_%E2%80%94_35_Down_Gift_Funds_Allowed\" >Strategy 2: FHA House Hack \u2014 3.5% Down (Gift Funds Allowed)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#How_to_Structure_It\" >How to Structure It<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#Strategy_3_Seller_Financing_%E2%80%94_No_Bank_Negotiable_Terms\" >Strategy 3: Seller Financing \u2014 No Bank, Negotiable Terms<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#When_It_Works\" >When It Works<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#Typical_Terms\" >Typical Terms<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#Strategy_4_Subject-To_%E2%80%94_Take_Over_an_Existing_Mortgage\" >Strategy 4: Subject-To \u2014 Take Over an Existing Mortgage<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#Why_It_Works\" >Why It Works<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#Worked_Example-2\" >Worked Example<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#Strategy_5_HELOC_on_Primary_Residence\" >Strategy 5: HELOC on Primary Residence<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#How_It_Works\" >How It Works<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#Strategy_6_Partnership_%E2%80%94_Split_the_Capital_Split_the_Returns\" >Strategy 6: Partnership \u2014 Split the Capital, Split the Returns<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#Common_Structures\" >Common Structures<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#Strategy_7_BRRRR_%E2%80%94_Recycle_Your_Capital\" >Strategy 7: BRRRR \u2014 Recycle Your Capital<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#How_It_Works-2\" >How It Works<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#Which_No_Money_Down_Strategy_Is_Right_for_You\" >Which No Money Down Strategy Is Right for You?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#The_Real_Cost_of_Buying_Rental_Property_With_No_Money_Down\" >The Real Cost of Buying Rental Property With No Money Down<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#0_Down_vs_20_Down_Same_Property_5-Year_Comparison\" >0% Down vs. 20% Down: Same Property, 5-Year Comparison<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#No_Money_Down_Decision_Flowchart\" >No Money Down Decision Flowchart<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#5_Mistakes_That_Kill_No_Money_Down_Rental_Property_Deals\" >5 Mistakes That Kill No Money Down Rental Property Deals<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#1_Confusing_%E2%80%9CNo_Money_Down%E2%80%9D_With_%E2%80%9CNo_Money_Needed%E2%80%9D\" >1. Confusing &#8220;No Money Down&#8221; With &#8220;No Money Needed&#8221;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#2_Over-Leveraging\" >2. Over-Leveraging<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#3_Ignoring_the_Occupancy_Requirement\" >3. Ignoring the Occupancy Requirement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#4_Not_Stress-Testing_the_Deal\" >4. Not Stress-Testing the Deal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#5_Skipping_Legal_Review_on_Creative_Deals\" >5. Skipping Legal Review on Creative Deals<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#Can_you_buy_rental_property_with_no_money_down\" >Can you buy rental property with no money down?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#What_is_the_easiest_way_to_buy_rental_property_with_no_money_down\" >What is the easiest way to buy rental property with no money down?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#Is_it_risky_to_buy_rental_property_with_no_money_down\" >Is it risky to buy rental property with no money down?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#What_credit_score_do_you_need_to_buy_rental_property_with_no_money_down\" >What credit score do you need to buy rental property with no money down?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#How_many_properties_can_you_buy_with_no_money_down\" >How many properties can you buy with no money down?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/buy-rental-property-no-money-down\/#Related_Calculators_and_Guides\" >Related Calculators and Guides<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_You_Really_Buy_Rental_Property_With_No_Money_Down\"><\/span>Can You Really Buy Rental Property With No Money Down?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Yes \u2014 but with important caveats. &#8220;No money down&#8221; does not mean &#8220;no cost.&#8221; You still need cash for closing costs ($3,000\u2013$8,000), reserves (most lenders require 3\u20136 months), and initial repairs. What it means is: <strong>you do not need a traditional 20\u201325% down payment from your own savings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>There are two categories of no-money-down strategies:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Government-backed programs:<\/strong> VA loans (0% down), FHA loans (3.5% down with gift funds), USDA loans (0% down in rural areas). These are designed for owner-occupants \u2014 you must live in the property<\/li>\n<li><strong>Creative financing:<\/strong> Seller financing, subject-to, partnerships, HELOCs, private money. These work for pure investment properties but require negotiation skills and higher risk tolerance<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Per <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nar.realtor\/research-and-statistics\/research-reports\/highlights-from-the-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">NAR data<\/a>, 28% of first-time buyers in 2025 used gift funds or down payment assistance. The path to zero down is well-established \u2014 you just need to know which strategy fits your situation.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_1_VA_Loan_%E2%80%94_True_0_Down_Veterans_Only\"><\/span>Strategy 1: VA Loan \u2014 True 0% Down (Veterans Only)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The most powerful no-money-down option in real estate. If you are a veteran, active duty, or eligible spouse, you can buy a 1\u20134 unit property with <strong>zero down payment, no mortgage insurance, and competitive rates<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_It_Works_for_Investors\"><\/span>How It Works for Investors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Buy a duplex, triplex, or fourplex with a VA loan \u2014 0% down<\/li>\n<li>Live in one unit (occupancy requirement)<\/li>\n<li>Rent the remaining 1\u20133 units<\/li>\n<li>After 12 months, move out and keep as a full rental<\/li>\n<li>Repeat with another VA loan (yes, you can have multiple)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Worked_Example\"><\/span>Worked Example<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<pre><code>Property: Indianapolis triplex, $225,000\nVA Loan: 0% down, 6.75% rate, 30 years\nClosing costs: $6,750 (can be seller-paid)\nMonthly PITI: $1,460\n\nUnit 1 (you live here): $0\nUnit 2: $900\/month\nUnit 3: $850\/month\nTotal rental income: $1,750\n\nYour housing cost: $1,460 \u2212 $1,750 = \u2212$290\/month\nYou MAKE $290\/month while living there for free.\n\nAfter 12 months (move out, rent all 3):\nTotal rent: $2,650\/month\nPITI + expenses: $2,180\/month\nCash flow: $470\/month on $0 down<\/code><\/pre>\n<p><strong>$0 down, $470\/month cash flow, $0 out of pocket<\/strong> (if seller covers closing costs). No other financing comes close. Calculate your VA loan payment in the <a href=\"\/mortgage-calculator-investment\">mortgage calculator<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Requirements\"><\/span>Requirements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Eligible veteran, active duty, National Guard\/Reserve (90+ days wartime, 181+ days peacetime), or surviving spouse<\/li>\n<li>Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA<\/li>\n<li>Must occupy as primary residence for 12 months<\/li>\n<li>No PMI, but VA funding fee (2.15% first use, can be financed into the loan)<\/li>\n<li>No loan limit for full entitlement borrowers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_2_FHA_House_Hack_%E2%80%94_35_Down_Gift_Funds_Allowed\"><\/span>Strategy 2: FHA House Hack \u2014 3.5% Down (Gift Funds Allowed)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>FHA allows 100% of the down payment to come from gift funds \u2014 family, employer, or down payment assistance programs. Combined with seller-paid closing costs, this is effectively a 0% out-of-pocket strategy.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Structure_It\"><\/span>How to Structure It<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<pre><code>Property: Cleveland duplex, $155,000\nFHA down payment (3.5%): $5,425 \u2190 gift from family member\nClosing costs (3%): $4,650 \u2190 seller concession (negotiate into offer)\nYour cash out of pocket: $0\n\nMonthly PITI + MIP: $1,120\nUnit 2 rent: $875\/month\nYour housing cost: $245\/month\n\nCompare to renting: $875\/month\nSavings: $630\/month = $7,560\/year<\/code><\/pre>\n<p>The gift must come from an eligible donor (family, employer, charitable organization) and must be documented with a gift letter. Per <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hud.gov\/buying\/loans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">HUD FHA guidelines<\/a>, the donor cannot be someone with a financial interest in the transaction (not the seller, agent, or lender).<\/p>\n<p>Read the full strategy in our <a href=\"\/blog\/house-hacking-guide\/\">house hacking guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_3_Seller_Financing_%E2%80%94_No_Bank_Negotiable_Terms\"><\/span>Strategy 3: Seller Financing \u2014 No Bank, Negotiable Terms<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Seller financing means the seller acts as the bank. Instead of getting a mortgage from a lender, you make payments directly to the seller. The terms \u2014 down payment, interest rate, loan term \u2014 are all negotiable.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_It_Works\"><\/span>When It Works<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Seller owns the property free and clear (no mortgage to pay off)<\/li>\n<li>Seller wants passive income (monthly payments) instead of a lump sum<\/li>\n<li>Property does not qualify for traditional financing (condition, zoning, mixed-use)<\/li>\n<li>Buyer cannot qualify for a bank loan (self-employed, low credit, too many properties)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Typical_Terms\"><\/span>Typical Terms<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<pre><code>Purchase price: $165,000\nDown payment: $0\u2013$10,000 (negotiable)\nInterest rate: 6\u20138% (typically 1\u20132% above market)\nTerm: 5\u201310 years with balloon payment\nAmortized over: 20\u201330 years (low monthly payment)\n\nMonthly payment at 0% down, 7%, 30yr amortization:\n$1,098\/month\n\nRent: $1,350\/month\nCash flow: $252\/month before expenses<\/code><\/pre>\n<p><strong>Risk:<\/strong> Balloon payments. Most seller-financed deals have a 5\u201310 year balloon \u2014 you must refinance or pay off the balance by then. If rates rise or you cannot qualify for a refi, you lose the property. Always negotiate the longest balloon possible (7\u201310 years) and plan your exit before closing.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_4_Subject-To_%E2%80%94_Take_Over_an_Existing_Mortgage\"><\/span>Strategy 4: Subject-To \u2014 Take Over an Existing Mortgage<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&#8220;Subject to&#8221; means buying a property subject to the existing mortgage staying in place. The deed transfers to you, but the seller&#8217;s mortgage remains. You make the payments on their loan.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_It_Works\"><\/span>Why It Works<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>No new financing needed:<\/strong> You take over an existing loan \u2014 no bank qualification, no down payment to a lender<\/li>\n<li><strong>Below-market rate:<\/strong> If the seller got a 3.5% rate in 2021, you inherit that rate. At today&#8217;s 7%+ rates, this saves $200\u2013$400\/month on a $200K loan<\/li>\n<li><strong>Motivated sellers:<\/strong> Subject-to works when the seller needs to sell fast (divorce, relocation, pre-foreclosure) and cannot wait for traditional sale<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Worked_Example-2\"><\/span>Worked Example<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<pre><code>Property: Memphis SFR, market value $175,000\nSeller's existing mortgage: $145,000 at 3.25%, 27 years remaining\nSeller's monthly payment: $698 (P&I)\nPayment to seller: $5,000 (covers moving costs)\n\nYour total cost to acquire: $5,000\nMonthly P&I: $698 (seller's existing payment)\nMarket rent: $1,350\/month\nCash flow: $1,350 \u2212 $698 \u2212 $300 (taxes\/ins\/mgmt) = $352\/month\n\nCompare to buying with new financing:\nNew loan at 7.5%: monthly P&I = $1,014\nCash flow would be: $1,350 \u2212 $1,014 \u2212 $300 = $36\/month\n\nSubject-to saves: $316\/month = $3,792\/year<\/code><\/pre>\n<p><strong>Risk:<\/strong> The due-on-sale clause. Most mortgages allow the lender to call the loan if ownership transfers. In practice, lenders rarely enforce this if payments are current \u2014 but it is a real risk. Consult a real estate attorney before any subject-to deal.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_5_HELOC_on_Primary_Residence\"><\/span>Strategy 5: HELOC on Primary Residence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you own a primary residence with equity, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) provides the down payment for an investment property. You borrow against your home&#8217;s equity, use the funds for the rental&#8217;s down payment, and repay the HELOC from rental income.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_It_Works\"><\/span>How It Works<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<pre><code>Primary residence value: $350,000\nMortgage balance: $220,000\nAvailable equity (80% LTV): $350,000 \u00d7 80% \u2212 $220,000 = $60,000\n\nHELOC: $50,000 at 8.5% interest-only\nMonthly HELOC payment: $354\n\nUse $50,000 for:\n  Down payment (25%): $45,000 on a $180K rental\n  Closing costs: $5,000\n\nRental income: $1,400\/month\nRental expenses (PITI + OpEx): $1,150\/month\nCash flow: $250\/month\nHELOC payment: \u2212$354\/month\nNet: \u2212$104\/month (short-term negative while HELOC is outstanding)\n\nPlan: Pay off HELOC in 3 years from cash flow + extra payments\nAfter HELOC payoff: $250\/month positive cash flow, $0 of your own money invested<\/code><\/pre>\n<p><strong>Risk:<\/strong> You are leveraging your primary residence. If the rental goes bad (vacancy, major repair) and you cannot make HELOC payments, your home is at risk. Only use this strategy if you have 6+ months of reserves for both properties.<\/p>\n<p>Calculate your equity in the <a href=\"\/ltv-calculator\">LTV calculator<\/a> and rental cash flow in the <a href=\"\/rental-property-calculator\">rental property calculator<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_6_Partnership_%E2%80%94_Split_the_Capital_Split_the_Returns\"><\/span>Strategy 6: Partnership \u2014 Split the Capital, Split the Returns<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Find a partner with capital but no time\/expertise. You bring the deal, management, and sweat equity. They bring the down payment. Split the returns 50\/50 (or whatever you negotiate).<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Structures\"><\/span>Common Structures<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>50\/50 equity split:<\/strong> Partner funds 100% of down payment and closing. You manage the property. Cash flow and appreciation split equally<\/li>\n<li><strong>Preferred return:<\/strong> Partner gets 8% annual return on their capital first, then remaining cash flow splits 60\/40 (you get 60% for management)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sweat equity buy-in:<\/strong> You manage and improve the property for 2\u20133 years, earning equity each year. After a set period, you own 30\u201350% without investing cash<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Critical:<\/strong> Always document the partnership in writing \u2014 LLC operating agreement or joint venture agreement. Define who manages, who decides on sales\/refinance, what happens if one partner wants out, and how disputes are resolved. Handshake deals in real estate end friendships.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_7_BRRRR_%E2%80%94_Recycle_Your_Capital\"><\/span>Strategy 7: BRRRR \u2014 Recycle Your Capital<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) is not technically &#8220;no money down&#8221; \u2014 you need capital for the first deal. But after the refinance, you pull most or all of your capital back out. The second deal onward costs near-zero of your own money.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_It_Works-2\"><\/span>How It Works<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<pre><code>Deal 1: Buy distressed property\n  Purchase: $90,000 (hard money or cash)\n  Rehab: $30,000\n  Total invested: $120,000\n\n  After rehab:\n  ARV: $170,000\n  Refinance at 75% LTV: $127,500\n  Pay off purchase + rehab: \u2212$120,000\n  Cash returned: $7,500\n\nDeal 2: Use the same $120,000 again\n  You invested $120K, got $127.5K back, and own a $170K property\n  with $42,500 in equity and $350\/month cash flow.\n\n  Rinse and repeat with Deal 2, Deal 3, Deal 4...<\/code><\/pre>\n<p>After the first BRRRR, each subsequent deal uses recycled capital \u2014 not new savings. Model your BRRRR in the <a href=\"\/brrrr-calculator\">BRRRR calculator<\/a> and estimate rehab costs in the <a href=\"\/rehab-cost-estimator\">rehab cost estimator<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Read the full strategy in our <a href=\"\/blog\/brrrr-strategy-guide\/\">BRRRR strategy guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_No_Money_Down_Strategy_Is_Right_for_You\"><\/span>Which No Money Down Strategy Is Right for You?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Strategy<\/th>\n<th>Down Payment<\/th>\n<th>Who Qualifies<\/th>\n<th>Risk Level<\/th>\n<th>Best For<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>VA Loan<\/td>\n<td>0%<\/td>\n<td>Veterans\/active duty<\/td>\n<td>Low<\/td>\n<td>First-time investor veterans<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>FHA House Hack<\/td>\n<td>0\u20133.5% (gift)<\/td>\n<td>Anyone with 580+ credit<\/td>\n<td>Low<\/td>\n<td>First rental, willing to live there<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Seller Financing<\/td>\n<td>0\u201310%<\/td>\n<td>Anyone (seller decides)<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<td>Off-market deals, non-qualifying properties<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Subject-To<\/td>\n<td>$0\u2013$5K<\/td>\n<td>Experienced investors<\/td>\n<td>High<\/td>\n<td>Below-market rate capture, motivated sellers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>HELOC<\/td>\n<td>0% (borrowed)<\/td>\n<td>Homeowners with equity<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<td>Investors with primary residence equity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Partnership<\/td>\n<td>0% (partner funds)<\/td>\n<td>Anyone with a deal<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<td>Investors with expertise but no capital<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>BRRRR<\/td>\n<td>100% (recycled)<\/td>\n<td>Experienced investors<\/td>\n<td>Medium-High<\/td>\n<td>Scale-focused investors<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Real_Cost_of_Buying_Rental_Property_With_No_Money_Down\"><\/span>The Real Cost of Buying Rental Property With No Money Down<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&#8220;No money down&#8221; sounds free. It is not. Zero down payment means a larger loan, higher monthly payments, and more total interest paid over the life of the mortgage. Here is exactly what it costs compared to a traditional 20% down purchase.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"0_Down_vs_20_Down_Same_Property_5-Year_Comparison\"><\/span>0% Down vs. 20% Down: Same Property, 5-Year Comparison<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Factor<\/th>\n<th>0% Down (VA Loan)<\/th>\n<th>20% Down (Conventional)<\/th>\n<th>Difference<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Property price<\/td>\n<td>$200,000<\/td>\n<td>$200,000<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Down payment<\/td>\n<td>$0<\/td>\n<td>$40,000<\/td>\n<td>+$40,000 cash needed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Loan amount<\/td>\n<td>$200,000<\/td>\n<td>$160,000<\/td>\n<td>$40,000 more debt<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Interest rate<\/td>\n<td>6.75%<\/td>\n<td>7.25%<\/td>\n<td>VA is lower<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Monthly P&#038;I<\/td>\n<td>$1,297<\/td>\n<td>$1,091<\/td>\n<td>+$206\/month<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Monthly cash flow<\/td>\n<td>$53<\/td>\n<td>$259<\/td>\n<td>\u2212$206\/month<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Total interest (30yr)<\/td>\n<td>$267,092<\/td>\n<td>$232,632<\/td>\n<td>+$34,460 more interest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Equity after 5 years<\/td>\n<td>$12,840<\/td>\n<td>$50,280<\/td>\n<td>\u2212$37,440 less equity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Cash-on-cash return<\/td>\n<td>\u221e (no cash invested)<\/td>\n<td>7.8%<\/td>\n<td>No comparison \u2014 $0 in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The trade-off is clear: <strong>0% down costs $206\/month more in payment and $34,460 more in total interest<\/strong> \u2014 but you keep $40,000 in cash that can be deployed into a second property. Two properties at $0 down may outperform one property at 20% down when you factor in the return on that $40K.<\/p>\n<p>Here is the math on deploying that $40K into a second deal instead:<\/p>\n<pre><code>Option A: One property, 20% down\n  Cash invested: $40,000\n  Annual cash flow: $259 \u00d7 12 = $3,108\n  Cash-on-cash: 7.8%\n\nOption B: Two properties, 0% down each\n  Cash invested: $0 (keep $40K as reserves)\n  Annual cash flow: $53 \u00d7 12 \u00d7 2 = $1,272\n  Plus: principal paydown on 2 properties = $2,560\/year\n  Plus: appreciation on $400K (not $200K) = $12,000\/year at 3%\n\n  Total annual return: $1,272 + $2,560 + $12,000 = $15,832\n  On $0 invested (or $40K in reserves if you count it): 39.6%<\/code><\/pre>\n<p><strong>Two properties at $0 down produce $15,832\/year in total returns vs. $3,108 from one property at 20% down.<\/strong> The trade-off: more risk, more management, thinner cash flow margins. But the wealth-building math overwhelmingly favors maximum leverage when you have stable income and reserves.<\/p>\n<p>Run both scenarios in the <a href=\"\/rental-property-calculator\">rental property calculator<\/a> and compare returns in the <a href=\"\/cash-on-cash-calculator\">cash-on-cash calculator<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"No_Money_Down_Decision_Flowchart\"><\/span>No Money Down Decision Flowchart<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Not sure which strategy to use? Follow this decision path:<\/p>\n<pre><code>START: Do you have military service?\n  \u251c\u2500\u2500 YES \u2192 VA Loan (0% down, best option available)\n  \u2514\u2500\u2500 NO \u2192 Do you have 580+ credit score?\n        \u251c\u2500\u2500 YES \u2192 Can you live in the property for 12 months?\n        \u2502     \u251c\u2500\u2500 YES \u2192 FHA House Hack (3.5% down, gift funds OK)\n        \u2502     \u2514\u2500\u2500 NO \u2192 Do you own a home with equity?\n        \u2502           \u251c\u2500\u2500 YES \u2192 HELOC for down payment\n        \u2502           \u2514\u2500\u2500 NO \u2192 Do you have a capital partner?\n        \u2502                 \u251c\u2500\u2500 YES \u2192 Partnership (partner funds deal)\n        \u2502                 \u2514\u2500\u2500 NO \u2192 Seller Financing or Subject-To\n        \u2514\u2500\u2500 NO (credit under 580) \u2192\n              \u251c\u2500\u2500 Seller Financing (no credit check)\n              \u251c\u2500\u2500 Subject-To (no credit check)\n              \u2514\u2500\u2500 Partnership (partner qualifies for loan)<\/code><\/pre>\n<p><strong>After your first deal:<\/strong> Use BRRRR to recycle your capital. Every deal after the first can be funded with recycled equity from refinancing. The hardest deal is the first one \u2014 after that, capital compounds.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Mistakes_That_Kill_No_Money_Down_Rental_Property_Deals\"><\/span>5 Mistakes That Kill No Money Down Rental Property Deals<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Confusing_%E2%80%9CNo_Money_Down%E2%80%9D_With_%E2%80%9CNo_Money_Needed%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>1. Confusing &#8220;No Money Down&#8221; With &#8220;No Money Needed&#8221;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Even with 0% down, you need cash for closing costs ($3,000\u2013$8,000), reserves (3\u20136 months expenses), inspections ($300\u2013$500), and initial repairs. Budget $5,000\u2013$15,000 in liquid cash even for &#8220;no money down&#8221; deals.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Over-Leveraging\"><\/span>2. Over-Leveraging<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>100% financing means 0% equity buffer. If the market drops 5\u201310%, you are underwater. If a major repair hits ($8K roof, $6K HVAC), you have no equity to borrow against. Never put more than 50% of your liquid assets into a single deal. Check your DSCR in the <a href=\"\/dscr-calculator\">DSCR calculator<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Ignoring_the_Occupancy_Requirement\"><\/span>3. Ignoring the Occupancy Requirement<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>VA and FHA loans require 12 months of owner occupancy. Buying with an owner-occupied loan and immediately renting it out is <strong>mortgage fraud<\/strong> \u2014 a federal crime. Live there for the required period, then convert to a rental. No shortcuts.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Not_Stress-Testing_the_Deal\"><\/span>4. Not Stress-Testing the Deal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>High leverage means thin margins. Stress test every deal at: +2% vacancy, +$200\/month repairs, \u2212$100\/month rent. If the deal breaks under any of these scenarios, the margin is too thin for 0% down. Use the <a href=\"\/rental-property-calculator\">rental property calculator<\/a> to model worst-case scenarios.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Skipping_Legal_Review_on_Creative_Deals\"><\/span>5. Skipping Legal Review on Creative Deals<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Seller financing and subject-to deals require proper legal documentation. A $500 real estate attorney review is not optional \u2014 it protects you from title issues, due-on-sale enforcement, and contract disputes. Never close a creative deal without attorney review.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\">\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h3 class=\"schema-faq-question font-bold text-lg cursor-pointer\" itemprop=\"name\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_buy_rental_property_with_no_money_down\"><\/span>Can you buy rental property with no money down?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"schema-faq-answer py-2\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:block\">\n<p itemprop=\"text\">Yes \u2014 through VA loans (0% down for veterans), FHA loans with gift funds (0% out of pocket), seller financing (negotiable terms), subject-to deals (take over existing mortgage), HELOCs (borrow against home equity), partnerships (partner funds the deal), or BRRRR (recycle capital after refinance). Each strategy has specific requirements and risks. VA and FHA require owner occupancy for 12 months.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h3 class=\"schema-faq-question font-bold text-lg cursor-pointer\" itemprop=\"name\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_easiest_way_to_buy_rental_property_with_no_money_down\"><\/span>What is the easiest way to buy rental property with no money down?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"schema-faq-answer py-2\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none\">\n<p itemprop=\"text\">For veterans: VA loan on a duplex or triplex \u2014 true 0% down, no PMI, competitive rates. For non-veterans: FHA loan with gift funds covering the 3.5% down payment plus seller-paid closing costs. Both require living in the property for 12 months, then you can convert to a full rental. The FHA house hack is the most accessible strategy for first-time investors without military service.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h3 class=\"schema-faq-question font-bold text-lg cursor-pointer\" itemprop=\"name\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_risky_to_buy_rental_property_with_no_money_down\"><\/span>Is it risky to buy rental property with no money down?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"schema-faq-answer py-2\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none\">\n<p itemprop=\"text\">Higher leverage means higher risk. With 0% down, you have no equity cushion \u2014 a 5% market drop puts you underwater. You also have higher monthly payments (larger loan) which reduces cash flow margin. Mitigate risk by: maintaining 6+ months cash reserves, stress-testing deals at higher vacancy and lower rent, buying in stable B-class neighborhoods, and never using more than 50% of liquid assets on one deal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h3 class=\"schema-faq-question font-bold text-lg cursor-pointer\" itemprop=\"name\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_credit_score_do_you_need_to_buy_rental_property_with_no_money_down\"><\/span>What credit score do you need to buy rental property with no money down?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"schema-faq-answer py-2\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none\">\n<p itemprop=\"text\">VA loans: no minimum (most lenders require 620+). FHA loans: 580 for 3.5% down, 500\u2013579 for 10% down. Seller financing: no credit score requirement (seller decides). Subject-to: no credit check (you take over existing loan). HELOC: 680+ typically required. For conventional investment property loans (not no-money-down): 680\u2013720+ required for best rates.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<h3 class=\"schema-faq-question font-bold text-lg cursor-pointer\" itemprop=\"name\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_properties_can_you_buy_with_no_money_down\"><\/span>How many properties can you buy with no money down?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"schema-faq-answer py-2\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none\">\n<p itemprop=\"text\">VA loans: technically unlimited (with full entitlement), but you can only have one primary residence at a time \u2014 buy, live 12 months, move out, buy next. FHA loans: one at a time (one active FHA loan per borrower). Seller financing and subject-to: unlimited, depends on finding willing sellers. BRRRR: unlimited if you recycle capital successfully. Many investors build a portfolio of 5\u201310 properties in 5 years by combining house hacking, VA\/FHA, and BRRRR strategies sequentially.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Calculators_and_Guides\"><\/span>Related Calculators and Guides<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"\/mortgage-calculator-investment\"><strong>Mortgage Calculator<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 Monthly payment at any down payment<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/rental-property-calculator\"><strong>Rental Property Calculator<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 Full cash flow analysis<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/brrrr-calculator\"><strong>BRRRR Calculator<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 Buy Rehab Rent Refinance Repeat<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/dscr-calculator\"><strong>DSCR Calculator<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 Loan qualification ratio<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/ltv-calculator\"><strong>LTV Calculator<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 Loan-to-value and equity<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/cash-on-cash-calculator\"><strong>Cash-on-Cash Calculator<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 Return on invested cash<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/calculators\"><strong>All 30+ Calculators<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Related guides:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"\/blog\/house-hacking-guide\/\">House Hacking Guide (2026)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/blog\/brrrr-strategy-guide\/\">BRRRR Strategy Complete Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/blog\/how-to-buy-first-rental-property-guide\/\">How to Buy Your First Rental Property<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/blog\/investment-property-down-payment-guide\/\">Investment Property Down Payment Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/blog\/dscr-loan-requirements-guide-2026\/\">DSCR Loan Requirements<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/blog\/1-percent-rule-rental-property\/\">The 1 Percent Rule Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The standard advice is &#8220;save 20\u201325% for a down payment.&#8221; On a $200K rental property, that is $40,000\u2013$50,000 in cash \u2014 years of saving for most people. But investors buy&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1232,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1231","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-real-estate-investing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1231","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1231"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1231\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1233,"href":"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1231\/revisions\/1233"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1232"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1231"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1231"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arvcalc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1231"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}