Does Grafton Funding offer DSCR loans for rental properties?

Yes — DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans are our most popular product. We lend on single-family rentals, 2–4 unit properties, short-term rentals (like Airbnb and VRBO), and small multifamily up to 10 units. We qualify the property on its rental income rather than your personal income or tax returns. Minimum DSCR is typically 1.0x, and we lend in TX, FL, GA, NC, SC, and other states.

Does Grafton Funding do fix and flip loans or bridge loans?

Yes. We provide fix and flip loans and bridge loans for non-owner occupied investment properties. Our programs cover the purchase price plus rehab costs, with fast closings. Loan terms are short-term (typically 12–18 months) and are designed around the investor's exit strategy — either sale or refinance.

Can I get a DSCR loan for an Airbnb or short-term rental property?

Yes — we specialize in short-term rental (STR) financing. We use either the property's actual Airbnb or VRBO income history or a market-rate STR income estimate to qualify the loan. You don't need W-2s or tax returns.

Does Grafton Funding offer new construction loans for investment properties?

Yes. We offer new construction loans for non-owner occupied residential investment properties, including spec builds, ground-up construction, and lot + build projects. These are short-term loans that fund in draws as construction progresses.

Does Grafton Funding lend in North Carolina?

Yes — we actively lend in North Carolina, including the Charlotte metro, the Triangle (Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill), Wilmington, and Asheville. We offer DSCR rental loans, fix and flip loans, and new construction financing for NC investment properties. Local NC line: (910) 218-1286.

Can I qualify for a loan without showing tax returns or personal income?

Yes — our DSCR loans are underwritten based on the property's rental income, not your personal income or tax returns. This makes them ideal for self-employed investors and business owners. We do require a credit check and down payment, but there's no traditional income verification.

What credit score do I need to get a loan from Grafton Funding?

For most DSCR rental loan programs, we generally look for a minimum credit score in the 660–680 range, though this can vary by program and loan-to-value. Fix and flip loans may have different requirements depending on experience and deal strength.

How much do I need to put down for a DSCR loan?

For DSCR rental loans, we typically lend up to 75–80% loan-to-value (LTV), meaning you'd need 20–25% as a down payment. The exact LTV depends on the property type, DSCR ratio, and your credit profile. We lend exclusively on non-owner occupied investment real estate.

How quickly can Grafton Funding close a loan?

Many of our transactions close in 2–4 weeks depending on the loan type, property, and how quickly documentation is provided. We prioritize responsive communication and efficient underwriting for investors who need to move fast on deals.

Does Grafton Funding work with first-time real estate investors?

Yes — we work with both new and experienced investors. For DSCR rental loans, first-time investors are welcome as long as the property cash flows and the borrower meets our credit and down payment requirements. For fix and flip loans, some experience is preferred but not always required.

Investment Property Loans in South Carolina (2026 Guide)

Jul 2
5 min read

South Carolina has emerged as one of the most attractive real estate investment states in the Southeast — drawing investors who want a combination of strong cash flow, a growing population, and one of the most impressive short-term rental markets on the East Coast.

Charleston consistently ranks among the top STR destinations in the country. Myrtle Beach is one of the busiest vacation rental markets in the U.S. Columbia offers affordable long-term rentals anchored by the University of South Carolina and major government employers. And the Hilton Head area commands premium vacation rental rates from a high-income visitor base.

The state is landlord-friendly, growing rapidly, and has no rent control.

Quick Answer: Investment property loans in South Carolina are available for DSCR long-term rentals, fix & flip, STR DSCR loans for vacation rentals, new construction, and bridge financing — without W-2s or tax returns. Most programs require a 640+ credit score and 20–25% down. Grafton Funding finances investment properties throughout South Carolina.

Why South Carolina Attracts Real Estate Investors

Charleston

Charleston is one of the most desirable cities in the United States and a perennial top-10 tourist destination. Its historic downtown, coastal location, and booming tech and healthcare economy have driven both long-term rental demand and some of the strongest short-term rental rates on the East Coast.

STR investors in the Charleston metro — including Mount Pleasant, James Island, Sullivan's Island, and Folly Beach — benefit from year-round tourism driven by the city's historic appeal, beach access, and destination wedding industry.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is one of the highest-volume vacation rental markets in the country — over 14 million visitors annually. The Grand Strand (a 60-mile stretch of beaches) generates enormous STR demand. For DSCR STR investors, Myrtle Beach properties can produce strong annual revenues when properly managed. The market is highly seasonal — model annual income carefully.

Columbia

Columbia is South Carolina's capital and home to the University of South Carolina, Fort Jackson (the Army's largest training base), and several major state employers. It offers some of the most affordable entry prices in the state with consistent rental demand from students, military personnel, and government workers.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head is a premium vacation rental market known for golf, beaches, and affluent visitors. Properties here command some of the highest nightly STR rates in the Southeast.

Greenville

Greenville has become one of the Southeast's most talked-about growth cities — driven by a revitalized downtown, BMW and other manufacturing headquarters, and strong migration from higher-cost areas.

Investment Property Loan Types Available in South Carolina

DSCR Loans (Long-Term Rentals)

DSCR loans are available throughout South Carolina for single-family homes, 2–4 unit properties, condos, and townhomes. The loan qualifies on the property's rental income — no W-2s or tax returns required.

Minimum credit score: 640–680
Down payment: 20–25%
DSCR requirement: 1.0 or higher
Available statewide: Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, Greenville, Hilton Head, Spartanburg, and all SC markets

Fix & Flip Loans

South Carolina's growing urban cores and aging coastal housing stock create active fix and flip opportunities — particularly in Charleston and Columbia.

STR DSCR Loans (Airbnb / Vacation Rentals)

South Carolina is one of the premier STR DSCR loan markets in the Southeast. Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, and Folly Beach all support STR DSCR financing using AirDNA projections or actual operating history.

HOA and condo note: Myrtle Beach has a large stock of resort-style condos in HOA communities. Many actively permit STR activity as a core component of their economic model — but always verify HOA bylaws before closing.

New Construction Loans

South Carolina's population growth, particularly in the Charleston and Greenville metros, has driven new construction demand. Draw-based construction loans are available for investors.

Bridge Loans

Fast-closing bridge loans are available for time-sensitive acquisitions throughout South Carolina.

Ready to Finance an Investment Property in South Carolina?

Grafton Funding offers DSCR, fix & flip, and STR loan programs throughout South Carolina — no income documentation required.

View DSCR Loan Programs

South Carolina-Specific Considerations for Investors

Property Taxes

South Carolina has some of the lowest effective property tax rates in the Southeast — a meaningful advantage for DSCR calculations. Investment properties are assessed at 6% of fair market value, and millage rates vary by county. SC property taxes are generally more favorable than most other states, which directly improves DSCR ratios.

Landlord-Tenant Laws

South Carolina is generally considered landlord-friendly. The state does not have rent control, and the eviction process can proceed relatively efficiently when proper notice procedures are followed.

STR Regulations

Myrtle Beach / Grand Strand: Well-established STR economy with licensing requirements. Most municipalities permit and regulate STRs.
Charleston: Has implemented STR regulations with limitations on non-owner-occupied STRs in certain zoning districts. Verify current zoning and licensing for the specific property address.
Hilton Head: STRs are generally permitted, with resort zoning supporting vacation rental activity. HOA and governing community rules still apply.

Top South Carolina Markets for Investment Property Loans

Market	Best For	Notes
Charleston	STR DSCR, long-term DSCR	Year-round tourism + strong LTR demand
Myrtle Beach / Grand Strand	STR DSCR (high volume)	60-mile beach market; model seasonal income carefully
Hilton Head	Premium STR DSCR	High nightly rates, affluent visitors
Columbia	Affordable DSCR rentals	University/military/government market
Greenville	Long-term DSCR	Fast-growing city, strong employment base
Folly Beach / Isle of Palms	STR DSCR	Beach communities near Charleston

What You Need to Qualify

For a DSCR loan in South Carolina:

Credit score: 640+ (760+ for best rates)
Down payment: 20–25%

DSCR: 1.0 or higher. No W-2s, tax returns, or employment verification required.

Out-of-state investors are welcome and commonly finance South Carolina investment properties.

Bottom Line

South Carolina offers compelling investment fundamentals — strong STR markets in Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Hilton Head, plus affordable long-term rental markets in Columbia and Greenville
DSCR, fix & flip, STR DSCR, new construction, and bridge loans available statewide
South Carolina property taxes are among the lowest in the Southeast — favorable for DSCR calculations
No W-2s or tax returns required; LLC financing supported
Out-of-state investors welcome; borrower does not need to be a SC resident

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I finance an Airbnb or VRBO in South Carolina without tax returns?

Yes. STR DSCR loans are available for vacation rental properties throughout South Carolina — including Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, and Folly Beach. These loans qualify using AirDNA projected revenue rather than personal tax returns. No W-2s or employment verification required.

Does Grafton Funding lend throughout all of South Carolina?

Yes — statewide, including Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Greenville, Hilton Head, Spartanburg, and all SC markets. South Carolina is one of our primary Southeast focus states.

Can I get an STR DSCR loan for a Myrtle Beach condo?

Yes. Myrtle Beach's resort condo market is one of the strongest STR markets in the country, and STR DSCR loans are available for condos in STR-permitting HOA communities. Always verify HOA bylaws before purchasing — some HOA communities restrict short-term rental activity.

What are the down payment requirements for South Carolina investment property loans?

Most programs require 20–25% down for DSCR rental and STR loans. Some programs allow 20% for borrowers with strong credit and DSCR. Fix and flip loans are evaluated on LTC and ARV rather than a fixed down payment.

Do I need to be a South Carolina resident to finance an investment property there?

No. Out-of-state investors commonly finance South Carolina investment properties — particularly in the coastal STR markets. The subject property must be located in South Carolina, but the borrower can live anywhere.

Ready to Finance an Investment Property in South Carolina?

Grafton Funding lends throughout South Carolina — from Charleston and Myrtle Beach to Columbia, Greenville, and Hilton Head. Whether you're buying a vacation rental, a long-term rental, or a fix-and-flip, we can structure the right financing.

Start Your Pre-Qualification