If you purchased an investment property before interest rates increased, chances are you're sitting on significant equity, and an incredibly low first mortgage rate.
For many investors, refinancing simply doesn't make financial sense anymore.
That's where the Community Equity Edge DSCR Second Mortgage comes in.
Available in-house at Best Option Mortgage, this innovative financing solution allows qualifying real estate investors to tap into the equity they've built while leaving their existing first mortgage exactly where it is. Instead of replacing your low-interest loan, you simply add a second mortgage secured by your property's available equity.
Whether you're expanding your portfolio, renovating properties, or investing in new opportunities, this program offers a flexible way to put your equity back to work.
Why Investors Are Choosing the Community Equity Edge DSCR Second Mortgage
Traditional cash-out refinances often require borrowers to replace their existing mortgage with today's higher interest rates.
For many investors, that means giving up a 3% loan just to access equity—a decision that could significantly increase monthly payments.
The Community Equity Edge DSCR Second Mortgage solves that problem by allowing you to:
Keep your existing first mortgage and interest rate
Borrow up to $500,000
Qualify using rental income instead of personal income
Access equity without refinancing
Preserve cash flow while growing your portfolio
Instead of forcing investors to choose between low rates and available equity, this program lets you benefit from both.
How the Community Equity Edge DSCR Second Mortgage Works
Unlike conventional lending, this program is based primarily on the property's ability to generate rental income.
Qualification uses the property's Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) rather than the borrower's employment or personal income.
That means:
No personal income documentation required
No employment verification
Qualification based on rental cash flow
Investment properties only
The property essentially helps qualify itself.
For many experienced investors, this makes financing significantly simpler than traditional lending.
Program Highlights
Current program features include:
Loan amounts from $75,000 to $500,000
Minimum 680 FICO
Minimum 1.00 DSCR
Maximum 80% Combined Loan-to-Value (CLTV) depending on FICO
15-Year and 30-Year Fixed options
No reserve requirements
LLC ownership eligible
Investment properties only
Single-family residences
Townhomes
Planned Unit Developments (PUDs)
Two- to four-unit residential properties
Eligible borrowers must have owned the property for at least six months, and short-term rental properties are not eligible.
What Can You Use the Funds For?
Many investors use their available equity to:
Purchase Additional Investment Properties
Grow your portfolio without selling existing assets.
Renovate Existing Rentals
Increase rental income through strategic improvements.
Consolidate High-Interest Debt
Replace expensive business debt with financing backed by real estate.
Build Cash Reserves
Maintain liquidity for future opportunities or unexpected expenses.
Fund Real Estate Business Expenses
Use available equity to keep your investment business growing.
Why Choose Best Option Mortgage?
At Best Option Mortgage, this isn't a program we broker out after taking your application.
The Community Equity Edge program is available in-house, allowing our experienced mortgage professionals to guide you from application through closing while providing personalized support every step of the way.
Our team understands investment lending and works closely with real estate investors to identify financing strategies that align with long-term wealth-building goals.
Whether you're purchasing your next rental property or leveraging existing equity, we're here to help you make informed financing decisions.
Is This Better Than a Cash-Out Refinance?
For many investors, yes.
If your first mortgage carries a historically low interest rate, refinancing could dramatically increase your monthly payment.
A second mortgage allows you to:
Preserve your current interest rate
Maintain your existing mortgage
Access available equity
Continue building wealth without resetting your financing
Every investor's situation is unique, but keeping a low first mortgage while accessing equity has become an increasingly popular strategy.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate?
This program may be a great fit if you:
Own investment real estate
Have built substantial equity
Want to avoid refinancing your first mortgage
Need capital for another investment
Have rental income supporting the property
Own property in an eligible state
Meet minimum credit and program guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Community Equity Edge DSCR Second Mortgage?
A Community Equity Edge DSCR Second Mortgage is a second lien loan designed specifically for investment property owners. It allows borrowers to access their property's equity while keeping their current first mortgage intact.
Can I get a second mortgage on my investment property without refinancing?
Yes. This program was specifically designed to allow investors to access equity without replacing their existing first mortgage.
How do I qualify for a DSCR second mortgage?
Qualification is primarily based on the property's Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR), credit profile, available equity, and other program requirements—not personal employment income.
What credit score is required for a Community Equity Edge loan?
The minimum qualifying FICO score is 680, although higher scores may qualify for higher CLTV limits.
Can an LLC qualify for a DSCR second mortgage?
Yes. Domestic LLC borrowers are eligible, provided they meet program guidelines and provide a personal guaranty when required.
Can I use rental income to qualify for a second mortgage?
Yes. Qualification is based primarily on rental income from the subject investment property through DSCR calculations rather than traditional income documentation.
Can I borrow against my rental property equity?
Absolutely. Qualified borrowers may access between $75,000 and $500,000 depending on available equity and program guidelines.
Do I need employment verification?
No. Personal employment and income documentation are generally not required for this DSCR program.
Are reserves required?
No. One of the benefits of this program is that reserve requirements are generally not required.
Ready to Put Your Equity to Work?
Your investment property has likely built valuable equity over the years.
Instead of letting that equity sit unused—or sacrificing your low first mortgage through a refinance—you may have another option.
The Community Equity Edge DSCR Second Mortgage, available in-house at Best Option Mortgage, was designed specifically for investors who want to leverage their equity while preserving the financing they already have.
Contact Best Option Mortgage today to learn whether this program is the right fit for your investment strategy.
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Best Option Mortgage is a DBA of ML Mortgage Corp. ML Mortgage Corp. is a state-licensed mortgage lender, NMLS ID #362312, licensed by the CA Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the Finance Lenders Law, License #60DBO69831. For other states, visit www.mlmortgage.net. To verify licenses, visit www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. All loans are subject to credit approval and acceptable collateral. Additional terms and conditions apply. Programs, rates, terms, and conditions may change without notice. Not all programs are available in all states. There is no guarantee that all borrowers will qualify. Restrictions may apply. This is not a commitment to lend. © 2026 ML Mortgage Corp. All rights reserved.