Investment property loan / Rental Property loan
 

If you are looking to take advantage of the historically low mortgage rates by purchasing a new investment or rental property, you are not alone. Many consumers are looking to invest in real estate. Though rates are on the rise, they still remain low when compared to rates over the last 30 years. The increased rates are causing more consumers to continue to rent, making cash flow profit and appreciation possible from rental properties.

If you are self-employed or unable to verify your income, you can still qualify for a mortgage. Many lenders can provide up to 90% financing with a no-income verification loan. But keep in mind that the more you put down and the more documentation you provide, the lower your interest rates.

If you are simply looking to add a real estate investment to your holdings, you might consider purchasing a property for use as a second home or vacation property. Second homes have lower interest rates than rental properties, yet still earn you money through appreciation.

Seeking out a return

The kind of return you should look for in a property depends on many factors. Some real estate investors want to have positive cash flow year one, while others aim for positive net worth year one. Some simply want to improve and remodel properties and sell quickly for a profit. Keep in mind, that the longer you own a property, the higher your return. In fact, if you keep a rental property until it is completely paid for, all of the income from rental becomes yours free and clear. Plus, the 30 years of mortgage payments was paid by the rental income.

You can often deduct the mortgage interest against the income you receive on a property. You can be cash flow positive, yet show a loss on your income taxes. This further reduces your income tax burden.

Can you rent out a second home?

There are some circumstances in which you can rent out a second home. If you use the property as your residence for 14 days or 10% of the number of days you rent the property, whichever is larger, you may be able to rent it without having to report the income.

If you use the home as a residence throughout the year and rent it for less than 15 days, you do not have to report the rental income. You aren't allowed to deduct any rental expenses, but you are still able to take your interest and property tax deductions.

If you rent it for over 15 days, you are required to report the rental income on your taxes. You are allowed to deduct rental expenses up to the amount of the income. There are special rules that apply when computing your expense deductions. You can carry over any expenses not deductible to future years.

If you don't use the home as a residence, you must report the property as a rental property.

Can you deduct interest on a second home?

When you take out a mortgage to buy a second home, the mortgage interest is deductible if you itemize on your return. Your deduction is often limited if the mortgage exceeds the value of the home or if you have two mortgages that exceed $1 million (for a joint return). Any second mortgages on the second home will also have deductible interest unless the second mortgages on your first and second homes exceed $100,000 (joint return). Points paid on a mortgage for a second home are deductible over the life of the loan.

Limits to rental property mortgages

Some lenders will only hold more mortgages per each individual borrower. It can simply depend on the borrower and how many properties are owned.