Your Write-Offs Shouldn't
Cost You Your Mortgage
We offer multiple paths to qualification for self-employed borrowers, freelancers, and business owners — using bank statements, P&L reports, or assets instead of tax returns.
The Challenge
Built for Borrowers Who Run Their Own Business
The conventional mortgage system was designed for W-2 employees. If you're self-employed, own a business, work on commission, or operate as a 1099 contractor, your tax return often tells an incomplete story — especially if you maximize your deductions.
That's why we offer a full suite of alternative documentation loan programs that let you prove income using bank statements, profit & loss statements, asset depletion, or the cash flow of an investment property — whatever reflects your true financial picture.
You've worked hard to build your business. Your mortgage shouldn't penalize you for it.
Who This Is For
Loan Programs
Your Path to Qualification
Every self-employed borrower's situation is different. We'll find the program that best captures your actual income.
Bank Statement Loans
Qualify using 12 or 24 months of personal or business bank statements instead of tax returns. Ideal for business owners whose write-offs reduce taxable income on paper.
1-Year Tax Return
Only one year of tax returns required — not two. A great option for borrowers whose income has recently increased or whose most recent year is the strongest.
Profit & Loss (P&L) Only
Qualify using a CPA-prepared or self-prepared Profit & Loss statement. No bank statements or tax returns required for eligible borrowers.
Asset Depletion
High-net-worth borrowers can use liquid assets (savings, investment accounts, retirement funds) as imputed income — even without active employment income.
DSCR for Business Owners
Purchasing investment property? Qualify entirely on the rental income of the property — no personal income documentation whatsoever. Perfect for the serial investor.
Portfolio & Non-QM Loans
Our portfolio and Non-QM programs give us the flexibility to craft solutions that don't fit the conventional mold — including recent credit events, foreign nationals, and complex income structures.
Purchasing an Investment Property?
If you're buying a rental property, a DSCR loan may allow you to qualify based entirely on the property's rental income — no personal income documentation at all. Explore DSCR Loans →
We Work Hand-in-Hand With CPAs & Tax Professionals
Self-employed mortgage documentation doesn't have to be a burden. We partner regularly with CPAs and tax preparers to cut through the paperwork, coordinate income documentation efficiently, and make the underwriting process as smooth as possible for your clients.
How This Benefits You as a Borrower
When your CPA or tax professional is already in our network, the process moves faster and with far less back-and-forth. We know exactly what we need, how to read it, and how to present it to underwriting — so you spend less time gathering paperwork and more time focused on your business.
Are You a CPA or Tax Professional?
We'd love to connect with you
You understand your clients' financials better than anyone. We invite you to reach out directly — before your client even starts an application — to walk through their scenario proactively and in complete confidence. Together, we can identify the best loan path and make sure they're set up for a smooth process from day one.
503-966-9255 · info@lumenmortgage.com · NMLS #1498678
Request Your
Complimentary Income Analysis
Not sure how much you can qualify for? Before you start shopping — and before anyone pulls your credit — our loan specialists will analyze your income picture and give you a real qualifying number based on your actual financials.
We review your bank statements, P&L, or tax returns to identify the strongest qualification path
You'll get an estimated qualifying income and loan amount — specific to your scenario
We'll identify which loan program fits best and what documentation you'll need
Zero credit pull — your score is completely protected during this analysis
Complimentary, no-pressure, and no obligation to proceed
Income Analysis
Complimentary · No Credit Pull
Know Before You Shop
Self-employed income is complex. Let us cut through it and tell you exactly where you stand — before you fall in love with a property.
No credit check · No obligation · Oregon & California · NMLS #1498678
Requirements
General Qualifications
Let's Find Your Program
Every self-employed borrower has a unique income structure. Give us 15 minutes and we'll identify the right program, estimate your qualifying income, and outline exactly what documentation you'll need.
Licensed in Oregon & California · NMLS #1498678
FAQ
Common Questions
From the Blog
Further Reading
InvestmentMaximizing DSCR and Cash Flow with Interest-Only Payments: A 2026 Six-City Comparison (Portland, Eugene, Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County)
Interest-only payments on a 40-year DSCR loan can lift your debt-service coverage ratio by roughly 0.13–0.15 and add hundreds of dollars per month in cash flow — sometimes flipping a deal from negative to positive. Here is what the math looks like at 2026 median price points across six West Coast investor markets, modeled at 30% down (70% LTV) which is the sweet spot for best-tier DSCR pricing.
Self-EmployedHow IRA Loans Helped Two Oregon Borrowers Qualify When Tax Returns Couldn't
An IRA loan uses your retirement balance — divided by 36 months — as qualifying income. No distributions required, no age restrictions. Here are two real Oregon scenarios where this program closed the gap: a newly retired Tigard couple buying without triggering taxable distributions, and a recently self-employed Oregon City borrower qualifying without two years of returns.
Self-EmployedHow Two Self-Employed Business Owners Got a Bank Statement Refinance on Their Rural Oregon Property — After Another Lender Said No
Two self-employed Oregon borrowers with three businesses, a private note coming due, and tax returns that didn't tell the whole story. Here's how Lumen Mortgage closed their rural bank statement refinance in under 30 days — after another lender couldn't get it done.
"We were in a unique situation, being self-employed and having large acreage — we were having difficulties with other lenders. David with Lumen Mortgage provided amazing solutions for our complex situation. The whole process was quick and easy. He helped us complete our refinance utilizing a bank statement loan for large acreage. Night and day difference working with David vs. other lenders. Highly recommend and look forward to doing business again."
Chad M., Oregon
Self-employed large-acreage refinance · Verified Google review
What Our Clients Say
Five-Star Reviews from Real Borrowers
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Ready to Apply?
Don't let your tax return stand between you and your next home. Start your application today.
Start My ApplicationBank statement loans by state
State-specific bank statement programs for self-employed borrowers, with guidelines tailored to local tax environments.