FAQ
Frequently Asked
Questions
Answers to the questions self-employed borrowers, investors and retirees ask most. Every answer links to the page with the full detail.
Reviewed by Kevin Danowitz, NMLS #924478
Last updated November 5, 2026
Qualifying without tax returns
Can I get a mortgage if I'm self-employed and my tax returns show low income?
Yes. Bank statement, P&L-only, fully stated and asset depletion loans qualify you on deposits, business profit or savings instead of taxable income. See self-employed mortgages.
What is a non-QM loan?
A non-qualified mortgage is a loan that falls outside Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines, typically because income is documented another way. Lenders are still licensed and regulated, and borrowers keep the same legal protections. See non-QM.
Are stated income loans still available?
Yes, in a regulated form. Pre-2008 "no questions asked" loans are gone, but non-QM programs today, including fully stated options with no bank statements, still verify ability to repay. See stated income.
What is a bank statement loan?
A mortgage that qualifies self-employed borrowers on 12 or 24 months of personal or business bank deposits instead of tax returns. See bank statement loans.
Can I get a mortgage with just a P&L?
Yes. A P&L-only loan qualifies you on a profit and loss statement with a 660 minimum credit score. See P&L and 1099 loans.
Can I qualify using my savings?
Yes. An asset depletion loan counts 90% of investment accounts and 80% of retirement accounts, divided by as few as 36 months. See asset depletion.
How long do I need to be self-employed?
There is no minimum. A borrower one year into his business, after a year of W-2 work in the same field, qualified on a 12-month bank statement loan.
Credit, down payment and timing
What credit score do I need?
620 for a bank statement loan, 660 for a P&L-only loan and 580 for an FHA loan.
How much down payment do I need for a non-QM loan?
As little as 10% on most programs. DSCR investment loans start at 15% down.
Can I get approved after a bankruptcy or foreclosure?
Yes, depending on how long ago it was and what your credit looks like since. Kevin reviews your full credit history on the first call and tells you which programs are open to you.
How long does pre-approval take?
One conversation. Kevin can tell you on the first call whether you qualify and which program fits.
How long does it take to close?
About 30 days, like any other mortgage.
Do you publish rates?
No. Rates move daily and depend on your credit, down payment, property and documentation. You get a real quote on your actual file, never a teaser rate.
Investors
Can I buy an investment property without showing income?
Yes. A DSCR loan qualifies the property on its rent, with no income or employment verification. See real estate investors.
Is there a seasoning requirement for cash-out?
No. You can cash out off the full appraised value right after you buy.
Working with HP Mortgage
Why use a mortgage broker for a non-QM loan?
Every non-QM lender has different guidelines and pricing. A broker compares several wholesale lenders for your file instead of fitting you into one bank's single program.
Is HP Mortgage a lender?
No. HP Mortgage LLC is a mortgage broker only, not a mortgage lender or correspondent lender. Your loan is funded by a wholesale lender.
Which states does HP Mortgage serve?
HP Mortgage LLC, NMLS #1456273, is licensed in Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia and California.
Do you offer second mortgages and HELOCs?
Yes. Second-position loans and HELOCs are available in every state HP Mortgage serves, including Texas, and can be qualified on bank statements.
Do you offer FHA, VA and reverse mortgages?
Yes. See government loans, VA loans and reverse mortgages.
Talk to Kevin about your situation