Many people think pre-approval is just a formality.
In reality, it's one of the most important early steps.
Documents You'll Typically Need
• recent pay stubs
• W-2s
• tax returns
• bank statements
• ID
What Lenders Evaluate
• credit score
• debt-to-income ratio
• employment history
• reserves
• down payment
Investment vs House Hack Financing
House hacks often qualify for:
• FHA
• low down payment options
• owner-occupant financing
Traditional rentals often require:
• larger down payments
• stronger reserves
Action Step
Speak with at least one lender and learn your buying range.
Discussion Prompt
What part of financing feels most confusing?