Finance Hocking Hills cabins, OSU gameday rentals, and Columbus urban STR properties with DSCR loans that use projected short-term rental income to qualify. From an Ohio STR operator who knows the numbers firsthand.
I’m not just a lender who finances Ohio short-term rentals — I run them. I own and operate two STR properties in Ohio: Darby Creek Cabin in Grove City and Hickory Lake House at Indian Lake in Russells Point. I understand the seasonal revenue swings, the occupancy patterns, and the real DSCR math because I live it every month.
When you work with me on STR financing, you’re getting an originator who can look at your Columbus or Hocking Hills deal and tell you whether the numbers actually work — not just whether the loan will close.
Traditional DSCR loans use long-term rental income (a lease) to calculate the debt service coverage ratio. For short-term rentals, lenders accept alternative income documentation:
The DSCR calculation is the same: Annual STR Income ÷ 12 ÷ Monthly PITIA = DSCR. Most lenders use 75% of the projected gross income to account for vacancy, cleaning, and management costs.
Hocking Hills is Ohio’s premier tourism destination with over 5 million annual visitors. The region’s cabin rental market is one of the strongest STR markets in the Midwest, and DSCR financing makes it accessible to investors.
Purchase price: $350,000
Down payment: 25% ($87,500)
Loan amount: $262,500
Average nightly rate: $250
Occupancy: 65%
Gross annual revenue: $59,313
Lender-adjusted income (75%): $44,484 / 12 = $3,707/mo
Monthly PITIA: ~$2,200
DSCR: 1.69 — Strong qualification with room to spare.
Ohio State football generates massive short-term rental demand in Columbus. With over 100,000 fans per home game and 7-8 home games per season, properties near campus command premium rates.
The key to financing an OSU gameday rental is showing lenders that the property has year-round income potential, not just 7 weekends a year. Properties in Short North, Arena District, and German Village do well because they attract tourists, business travelers, and event attendees year-round.
Columbus’s premier entertainment district. Average STR rate $150-280/night. Strong year-round occupancy driven by restaurants, galleries, and nightlife. Condos and townhomes work well here.
Nationwide Arena events (Blue Jackets, concerts, conventions) drive consistent demand. Properties within walking distance of the arena command premium rates during events.
Historic charm attracts couples and families. Average rates $120-220/night. Lower turnover and longer average stays than downtown locations.
Ohio’s seasonal tourism patterns affect STR income projections. Smart lenders and smart investors account for this:
When I model deals for clients, I use conservative annualized projections that account for Ohio’s seasonality — not just peak-season numbers.
Yes. Many DSCR lenders accept projected STR income based on AirDNA data, actual booking history, or a combination. The projected income replaces traditional long-term rental income in the DSCR calculation.
Typically $150-400/night depending on size and amenities. With 60-75% occupancy, a well-managed cabin can generate $40,000-$90,000+ in gross annual revenue.
An AirDNA market report for purchases, or 12 months of actual booking history for refinances. No personal income docs (W-2s, tax returns) are required.
Hocking Hills cabin, OSU gameday rental, or Columbus urban STR — let’s run the numbers.
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