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Real Estate Investor Mortgage Options

Can You Take Cash Out of a Rental Property?

Yes. A cash-out refinance may allow eligible real estate investors to access equity from a rental property while keeping the property as an investment.

The new loan replaces the existing mortgage and may provide cash proceeds at closing, subject to loan-to-value, credit, property and program requirements.

See What Mortgage Options May Be Available
Quick Answer Eligible investors may be able to refinance a rental property for more than the existing loan balance and receive part of the property’s equity as cash at closing.

Is This Your Situation?

A Rental Property Cash-Out Refinance May Be Worth Exploring

Investment property equity can sometimes be accessed without selling the property.

  • You own a rental property with available equity
  • You want cash for another investment or business purpose
  • You plan to keep the property as a rental
  • You want to consolidate investment-related debt
  • You want funds for renovations or property improvements
  • You are expanding your real estate portfolio

How It Works

How Does a Rental Property Cash-Out Refinance Work?

The existing mortgage is replaced with a new investment property loan based on the borrower, property value and applicable cash-out guidelines.

1

Determine Available Equity

The lender reviews the property value, current mortgage balance and maximum allowable loan-to-value.

2

Evaluate the Investment Loan

Credit, assets, reserves, rental income and property details are reviewed under the selected program.

3

Receive Cash at Closing

After the existing loan and closing costs are paid, eligible remaining proceeds may be provided to the borrower.

Example Scenario

Using Rental Property Equity for Another Investment

Imagine an investor who owns a rental property that has appreciated and built substantial equity.

The investor wants funds for the down payment on another investment property but does not want to sell the existing rental.

A cash-out refinance may allow the investor to replace the current mortgage with a larger loan and receive eligible equity proceeds at closing.

The investor can then keep the original property while using the released capital for another investment opportunity.

Documentation

What Might a Lender Ask For?

Requirements vary by program and property, but the lender may request some combination of the following:

Property Value

An appraisal or other acceptable valuation may be required to establish current property value.

Mortgage Information

The existing loan balance and payoff information are used to determine available equity and proceeds.

Rental Income

Eligible lease or market rent documentation may be reviewed depending on the program.

Credit Profile

Credit score, mortgage history and other obligations may affect available terms.

Assets & Reserves

Bank or investment statements may be required to document reserves and overall financial strength.

Property Details

Property type, occupancy, condition and intended continued investment use may affect eligibility.

Why This Happens

Why Investors Use Cash-Out Refinancing

Rental property owners may have significant equity tied up in real estate even when they prefer to keep the property rather than sell it.

Sell the Property

Access equity through a sale
Give up future rental income
Exit the investment

Cash-Out Refinance

Keep the rental property
Access eligible equity
Continue owning the investment

For some investors, refinancing can provide liquidity while preserving ownership of the underlying rental asset.

Investor Options

How Might Investors Use the Proceeds?

Subject to program requirements, cash-out proceeds may be used for a variety of investment or financial goals, including:

  • Down payment on another investment property
  • Property renovations or improvements
  • Business or investment purposes
  • Debt consolidation
  • Building cash reserves
  • Other eligible financial needs

Frequently Asked Questions

Rental Property Cash-Out Refinance FAQs

Can I cash out equity from an investment property?

Potentially. Eligible investment property owners may be able to use a cash-out refinance to access part of the property’s equity, subject to program requirements.

How much cash can I take out of a rental property?

The amount depends on the property value, current mortgage balance, maximum allowable loan-to-value and other underwriting requirements.

Can I use a DSCR loan for a cash-out refinance?

Some DSCR programs may allow cash-out refinances on eligible investment properties.

Can I use the cash to buy another rental property?

Depending on the program and transaction, cash-out proceeds may be used for another investment, including a down payment on another property.

Do I have to sell my rental property to access the equity?

No. A cash-out refinance may provide access to eligible equity while allowing you to keep the property as an investment.

Can I cash out a short-term rental property?

Potentially. Some investor programs may allow cash-out refinancing on eligible short-term rental properties.

Need to Access Equity From a Rental Property?

LoanFlight can review the property, current mortgage and your investment goals to help determine which cash-out refinance options may be available.

See What You May Qualify For

Loan programs, eligibility requirements and underwriting guidelines vary. Investor loans are subject to credit approval, property eligibility and applicable program requirements.

Last reviewed: September 2026