Seeking DSCR Cash-Out Refinance for Established Smoky Mountain Log Cabin STR

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Seeking DSCR Cash-Out Refinance for Established Smoky Mountain Log Cabin STR

Jerry CalhounPro Member
Rental Property Investor · Pigeon Forge, TN · Member since 2011 · 58 posts · 30 votes

I'm looking for a lender experienced with DSCR cash-out refinances on true log cabins operating as short-term vacation rentals in the Smoky Mountains.

My property is an established five-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom vacation rental in Sevierville, Tennessee, accommodating up to 16 guests.

Estimated property value

$900,000

Requested refinance

$450,000

Loan-to-value

50%

Existing mortgage payoff

Approx. $309,000

Historical annual rental revenue

$89,278

AirDNA projected annual revenue

$99,200

Estimated credit score

750

I'm interested in 30-year fixed-rate or ARM financing, particularly programs offering no prepayment penalty or a short prepayment period. I want to preserve the ability to refinance if interest rates decline.

Some lenders have declined the property specifically because it is a true log cabin, so I'm particularly interested in hearing from lenders who have successfully closed similar loans.

If you've financed a comparable Smoky Mountain cabin or know a lender who has, I'd appreciate hearing about your experience.

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LaTarence Dunbar
Lender · Washington DC · Member since 2026 · 81 posts · 23 votes
4w
Quote from @Jerry Calhoun:

I'm looking for a lender experienced with DSCR cash-out refinances on true log cabins operating as short-term vacation rentals in the Smoky Mountains.

My property is an established five-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom vacation rental in Sevierville, Tennessee, accommodating up to 16 guests.

Estimated property value

$900,000

Requested refinance

$450,000

Loan-to-value

50%

Existing mortgage payoff

Approx. $309,000

Historical annual rental revenue

$89,278

AirDNA projected annual revenue

$99,200

Estimated credit score

750

I'm interested in 30-year fixed-rate or ARM financing, particularly programs offering no prepayment penalty or a short prepayment period. I want to preserve the ability to refinance if interest rates decline.

Some lenders have declined the property specifically because it is a true log cabin, so I'm particularly interested in hearing from lenders who have successfully closed similar loans.

If you've financed a comparable Smoky Mountain cabin or know a lender who has, I'd appreciate hearing about your experience.

Jerry, this looks like a strong DSCR cash-out profile, especially at roughly 50% LTV with an established STR history. I'm a real estate financing partner and would be interested in taking a closer look, including the log cabin property type and your preferred prepayment structure. Feel free to connect with me and send over the basic deal details so we can discuss the financing options.

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  • LaTarence Dunbar
    Lender · Washington DC · Member since 2026 · 81 posts · 23 votes
    4w
    Quote from @Jerry Calhoun:

    I'm looking for a lender experienced with DSCR cash-out refinances on true log cabins operating as short-term vacation rentals in the Smoky Mountains.

    My property is an established five-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom vacation rental in Sevierville, Tennessee, accommodating up to 16 guests.

    Estimated property value

    $900,000

    Requested refinance

    $450,000

    Loan-to-value

    50%

    Existing mortgage payoff

    Approx. $309,000

    Historical annual rental revenue

    $89,278

    AirDNA projected annual revenue

    $99,200

    Estimated credit score

    750

    I'm interested in 30-year fixed-rate or ARM financing, particularly programs offering no prepayment penalty or a short prepayment period. I want to preserve the ability to refinance if interest rates decline.

    Some lenders have declined the property specifically because it is a true log cabin, so I'm particularly interested in hearing from lenders who have successfully closed similar loans.

    If you've financed a comparable Smoky Mountain cabin or know a lender who has, I'd appreciate hearing about your experience.

    Jerry, this looks like a strong DSCR cash-out profile, especially at roughly 50% LTV with an established STR history. I'm a real estate financing partner and would be interested in taking a closer look, including the log cabin property type and your preferred prepayment structure. Feel free to connect with me and send over the basic deal details so we can discuss the financing options.

    1Reply
    • Jerry CalhounPro Member
      OP
      Rental Property Investor · Pigeon Forge, TN · Member since 2011 · 58 posts · 30 votes
      3w

      Thanks, LaTarence. I appreciate you taking a look at it. I agree that the roughly 50% LTV and established STR history should make for a strong profile. I'll reach out directly with the property and loan details. I'd be particularly interested in the financing options you have available, including rate, points and prepayment structures.

      0Reply
  • Erik EstradaBusiness Member
    Lender · Member since 2022 · 6k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    4w

    Happy to chat

    I have financed a few cabins in Sevierville, Tennessee. It will require a specialized lender.

    [email protected]818-269-7983
    LuxePrivate Investments LLC 572 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
    • Jerry CalhounPro Member
      OP
      Rental Property Investor · Pigeon Forge, TN · Member since 2011 · 58 posts · 30 votes
      3w

      Thanks, Erik. Your experience financing cabins in Sevierville is particularly relevant to what I'm looking for. I'll reach out directly with the property and loan details and would appreciate seeing what financing options and terms you may have available.

      0Reply
  • Mark Pham
    Lender · Tustin, CA · Member since 2026 · 4 posts · 1 vote
    4w

    Jerry,

    The log-cabin piece seems to be the key here. When the other lenders declined it, did they say whether the issue was the property type itself, appraisal/marketability, or how they were treating the STR income?

    At roughly 50% LTV with an established rental history, I'd be curious what specific guideline is knocking it out. I'd also want to know whether a lender has actually closed true log cabins in Sevier County, not just standard STRs.

    What reason did the previous lenders give you for the decline?

    Mark

    1Reply
    • Jerry CalhounPro Member
      OP
      Rental Property Investor · Pigeon Forge, TN · Member since 2011 · 58 posts · 30 votes
      4w

      Hi Mark,

      They didn't finance true log cabins.

      Jerry

      0Reply
    • Mark Pham
      Lender · Tustin, CA · Member since 2026 · 4 posts · 1 vote
      2w

      Thanks for clarifying, Jerry. Are you still looking for financing, or were you able to find a lender? If you’re still looking, what loan amount do you need, and is this a purchase or refinance? I can check with my lending contact about true log-cabin eligibility before taking up more of your time.

      0Reply
  • Vincent JacobbiPro Member
    Lender · San Diego, CA · Member since 2023 · 61 posts · 26 votes
    4w

    Hey Jerry - I've closed a few log cabins in different areas. Let's chat!

    [email protected]716-472-5588
    1Reply
    • Jerry CalhounPro Member
      OP
      Rental Property Investor · Pigeon Forge, TN · Member since 2011 · 58 posts · 30 votes
      3w

      Thanks, Vincent. I appreciate you reaching out. I’ve sent over the property and loan information and am looking forward to hearing back from you with your thoughts and current terms/rate options.

      0Reply
  • Jonathan Sawyer
    Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2026 · 8 posts · 4 votes
    4w

    Many lenders do not like log cabins. As long as there are comps though this shouldn’t be an issue for us. Feel free to reach out

    1Reply
    • Jerry CalhounPro Member
      OP
      Rental Property Investor · Pigeon Forge, TN · Member since 2011 · 58 posts · 30 votes
      3w

      Fortunately, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are full of true log cabins, so I don't think finding comparable properties should be a problem. We should have plenty of relevant sales comps as well as STR history in this market.

      If this is a type of property your group would consider financing, I'd be glad to connect and send you the appraisal and additional property information.

      0Reply
  • Jerry CalhounPro Member
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Pigeon Forge, TN · Member since 2011 · 58 posts · 30 votes
    3w

    Thanks, Vernon. Yes, I've spoken with several private and bridge lenders, but I'm still looking for the right fit. The property is an established short-term rental in Pigeon Forge, and I'm primarily looking for a lender that is comfortable with the cabin/STR asset type and can move relatively quickly.

    I’d definitely be interested in the lender you’ve had a good experience with. Who do you recommend, and do you have a contact there you could introduce me to?

    1Reply
  • Renard BrownPro Member
    Austin, TX · Member since 2026 · 55 posts · 6 votes
    3w

    We work with investors on DSCR financing, including short-term rental properties. Your Smoky Mountain cabin refinance looks like something we may be able to explore. Feel free to reach out, and I'd be happy to take a quick look at the property and see if we have a lender that fits.

    1Reply
    • Jerry CalhounPro Member
      OP
      Rental Property Investor · Pigeon Forge, TN · Member since 2011 · 58 posts · 30 votes
      3w
      0Reply
  • Jiao Liu
    Lender · Houston, TX · Member since 2026 · 44 posts · 11 votes
    3w

    Jerry, strong profile — 50% LTV with established STR history should clear DSCR easily; the log cabin is purely a lender-guideline issue, not a deal issue. I'm a broker (not a single lender), so instead of going lender by lender, I can run your numbers past several DSCR lenders at once and check their log-cabin guidelines upfront — saves you another round of declines. Happy to take a look if you want a second set of options. — Jiao

    1Reply
    • Jerry CalhounPro Member
      OP
      Rental Property Investor · Pigeon Forge, TN · Member since 2011 · 58 posts · 30 votes
      3w

      Thanks, Jiao. That sounds like it could be a good fit. I've already had a couple of lenders decline based primarily on their property-type guidelines, so being able to screen the log-cabin issue across multiple DSCR lenders upfront would be helpful.

      I’d be glad to send you the property and loan details. Please send me your email address or direct-message me your contact information.

      Thanks,
      Jerry

      0Reply
    • Jiao Liu
      Lender · Houston, TX · Member since 2026 · 44 posts · 11 votes
      3w

      Hi Jerry, thanks for reaching out! Happy to take a look — $450K cash-out at ~50% LTV on a Sevierville STR is right in the wheelhouse of a couple DSCR lenders I work with.

      Feel free to DM me here or email [email protected]. If you can share the property address, current mortgage balance/rate, and rough monthly STR income, I can run it by them and get you real numbers quickly.

      — Jiao

      0Reply
  • Brandye Richardson
    Lender · Tampa Fl · Member since 2026 · 18 posts · 6 votes
    3w

    Hi Jerry, I reviewed your Sevierville cabin refinance request. The Connection Power To Wealth works with DSCR and alternative real-estate funding sources, including specialized investment-property scenarios. Your approximately 50% LTV, established STR revenue and credit profile appear worth reviewing. If you are still seeking options, please send the appraisal, trailing-12-month revenue, current mortgage statement, insurance information and preferred closing timeline. Financing and terms remain subject to lender underwriting and property eligibility.

    1Reply
  • Chad Davis
    Lender · Richmond VA · Member since 2012 · 313 posts · 33 votes
    3w

    Happy to connect if you haven't found a solution, believe I can assist.

    1Reply
  • Joe Sauk
    Member since 2026 · 3 posts · 2 votes
    3w

    A log cabin used as a short-term rental likely gets declined first for the building. Many lenders avoid log cabins.

    Ask lenders whether log construction is eligible, how they document short-term rental income, and what the prepayment period is. Those three answers tell you if the conversation is real. A cash-out refinance still has to fit the payoff and the new loan in one number.

    I originate in Ohio and Florida, so this Tennessee cabin is outside that. I can help you list the DSCR questions. I cannot take this loan. saukmortgagegroup.com

    Joe Sauk

    Sauk Mortgage Group

    NMLS 589820

    1Reply
  • Jiao Liu
    Lender · Houston, TX · Member since 2026 · 44 posts · 11 votes
    2w

    Hi Jerry, quick follow-up on your cabin. Two of the lenders I work with have funded a lot of properties around Sevierville and Gatlinburg, including log properties, so this is familiar ground for them. One thing to know about that market right now: it's being treated as a declining market, so lenders are capping loans at about 70% of value there. Your target — $450K against roughly $900K — is around 50%, so you'd be well within that. If you'd like a real quote, send me the property address, your current balance and rate, and the monthly rent, and I'll have it priced for you.

    1Reply
  • Nyisha Walton
    Lender · Houston, TX · Member since 2026 · 58 posts · 15 votes
    1w

    Have the lenders who declined confirmed whether true log construction is a firm exclusion or something they would consider through an exception? That’s the first question I’d ask before paying for an appraisal.

    I’d also request written confirmation that the program accepts both true log construction and short-term rental income, along with how they would evaluate your rental history versus AirDNA projections. For the prepayment options, ask for side-by-side pricing so you can compare the upfront cost of keeping that refinance flexibility.

    0Reply
  • J CastroBusiness Member
    Lender · Florida · Member since 2025 · 718 posts · 257 votes
    1w
    Quote from @Jerry Calhoun:

    I'm looking for a lender experienced with DSCR cash-out refinances on true log cabins operating as short-term vacation rentals in the Smoky Mountains.

    My property is an established five-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom vacation rental in Sevierville, Tennessee, accommodating up to 16 guests.

    Estimated property value

    $900,000

    Requested refinance

    $450,000

    Loan-to-value

    50%

    Existing mortgage payoff

    Approx. $309,000

    Historical annual rental revenue

    $89,278

    AirDNA projected annual revenue

    $99,200

    Estimated credit score

    750

    I'm interested in 30-year fixed-rate or ARM financing, particularly programs offering no prepayment penalty or a short prepayment period. I want to preserve the ability to refinance if interest rates decline.

    Some lenders have declined the property specifically because it is a true log cabin, so I'm particularly interested in hearing from lenders who have successfully closed similar loans.

    If you've financed a comparable Smoky Mountain cabin or know a lender who has, I'd appreciate hearing about your experience.

    I’d be happy to explore this scenario. At JCREIG Capital Funding, we offer DSCR and investment property financing solutions and would welcome the opportunity to review the details of your Smoky Mountain cabin to determine whether we can accommodate the property type and your cash-out refinance goals. Feel free to send me a message so we can discuss the available options.

    JCREIG Capital Funding
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Bill Faber
    Member since 2026 · 11 posts · 0 votes
    1w

    With an established rental history and substantial equity, the key challenge seems to be finding a lender comfortable with true log-cabin construction and short-term rental income. Have you found lenders that will underwrite based on actual rental revenue rather than projections alone?

    0Reply
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