Current rates, county-by-county DSCR analysis, and real deal scenarios for Tampa Bay investment property investors.
Tampa Bay remains one of the most active investor markets in the Southeast. Population growth continues to drive rental demand across all five core counties, though insurance costs and property tax reassessments are compressing DSCR ratios compared to 2023–2024 levels. The strongest cash-flow opportunities have shifted eastward — Pasco County and east Hillsborough (Brandon, Riverview) now produce the most favorable DSCR ratios in the metro.
| County | Median Home Value | Avg SFR 3BR Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough | ~$380,000 | $2,400/mo |
| Pinellas | ~$360,000 | $2,200/mo |
| Pasco | ~$310,000 | $2,100/mo |
| Manatee | ~$420,000 | $2,300/mo |
| Sarasota | ~$480,000 | $2,500/mo |
2-4 unit per door: $1,400–$1,900/mo across Tampa Bay. Duplexes in east Hillsborough and Pasco produce the strongest per-door rent-to-price ratios.
| Product | Rate Range | Max LTV | Min DSCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| DSCR 30yr Fixed | 7.25–8.50% | 80% | 1.00x |
| DSCR Second Mortgage | 9.25–9.75% | 80% CLTV | 1.00x |
| DSCR Cash-Out Refi | 7.50–8.75% | 75% | 1.10x |
| DSCR Bridge / IO | 9.00–11.00% | 75% | 0.90x |
Rates as of April 2026. Subject to change based on FICO, LTV, and property type. Contact Viador Partners for current pricing on your specific scenario.
Typical rent (SFR 3BR): $2,400/mo · Typical purchase price: $380,000 · DSCR at 20% down (7.5%): 1.12x
Strong in Brandon, Riverview, Wesley Chapel. Coastal Tampa and South Tampa tight due to insurance and price compression. East Hillsborough remains the sweet spot for DSCR-qualifying deals.
Typical rent (SFR 3BR): $2,200/mo · Typical purchase price: $360,000 · DSCR at 20% down (7.5%): 1.08x
LTR DSCR ratios are tight across most of Pinellas. Short-term rental strategy often produces stronger numbers for coastal and beach-adjacent properties (St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach, Dunedin).
Typical rent (SFR 3BR): $2,100/mo · Typical purchase price: $295,000 · DSCR at 20% down (7.5%): 1.24x
Best DSCR ratios in the Tampa Bay metro. Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, and New Port Richey produce consistent cash-flow positive deals at current rate levels. Strongest county for new DSCR acquisitions in April 2026.
Typical rent (SFR 3BR): $2,300/mo · Typical purchase price: $420,000 · DSCR at 20% down (7.5%): 0.97x
Higher prices compress DSCR below 1.0x on standard LTR acquisitions. Manatee is primarily an appreciation play in the current rate environment. Investors pursuing DSCR here need negotiated purchase prices or STR income to qualify.
Typical rent (SFR 3BR): $2,500/mo · Typical purchase price: $480,000 · DSCR at 20% down (7.5%): 0.92x
Challenging for LTR-based DSCR qualification. STR and luxury rental markets perform significantly better — Siesta Key, Lido Beach, and Venice Beach properties with documented STR income often produce 1.20x+ DSCR.
Purchase: $380,000 · Down: 20% ($76,000) · Loan: $304,000 at 7.625%
Cash flow: +$310/mo. Qualifies for standard DSCR at best-tier pricing.
Purchase: $295,000 · Down: 20% ($59,000) · Loan: $236,000 at 7.625%
Cash flow: +$383/mo. Strong DSCR well above 1.0x threshold. Typical of Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills inventory.
Purchase: $520,000 · Down: 25% ($130,000) · Loan: $390,000 at 7.875%
Does not qualify on LTR income. STR potential: $4,200/mo → DSCR 1.38x ✓. STR income documentation required (12 months history or market study).
Data sourced from Hillsborough County property records, HUD Fair Market Rent data, PropStream market analysis, and Viador Partners loan pipeline data as of April 2026. Rate ranges reflect current wholesale lender pricing. DSCR calculations use 7.5% rate, 20% down, estimated property taxes at 1.5% of value, and actual insurance benchmarks by county. County median values are estimates based on Q1 2026 transaction data.
Published by Chad Evers, NMLS #2822744, Viador Partners LLC, Tampa, FL.
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