Can an investor assume a VA loan?

Question

Was curious if you are able to assume a VA loan as an investor with no intention of ever living in the property yourself and if this was an effective way of picking up rental properties. If yes has anyone had luck with scaling a rental portfolio assuming VA loans?

Ryan Thomson · Answer

@Trent Balandranthis is very possible and I think the best way to buy real estate right now. We closed 7 assumable investor properties last quarter of 2025 in Colorado. The ROI on your money can't be beat. Some clients are putting down anywhere from 5k-125k and getting rates in the 2s and 3s for an investment property!

Happy to answer any questions you have. I have a lot of experience and knowledge around these deals.

I also have a whole list of the properties that are assumable by investors in Colorado. If that's a market you are interested in then we should connect.

Jason Wray · Answer

Yes, It can be done but you have to qualify for the assumption with the current lender. You can do this even if you are not a Military Veteran.

Be prepared to have your credit pulled to qualify and supply paystubs, Bank statements, W2s or last two year tax returns if you are Self employed/1099

Ryan Thomson · Answer

Unfortunately you can't use projected income to qualify. In fact, you can't even count the rental income unless it's been on your tax returns for two years.

Mike Hansen · Answer

Not that I am aware of. Regardless of being a Veteran or not, assuming a VA loan comes with the intention of making it a primary residence for at least 12 months, my take is take the assumption, live in it for the 12 months while pursuing your next deal, move out/rent it out and now the rental income can work in your favor.

Depending on when the mortgage was obtained, many VA loans prior to Covid come with a steep cash to close as appreciation skyrocketed between 2020 and early 2023, sometimes outweighing the benefit of the low interest rate.

Trent Balandran · Answer

@Jason Wray any way to use projected rental income to offset DTI when trying to assume VA loan?

Can an investor assume a VA loan?

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