If you're a self-employed investor, retired, or using creative tax strategies, getting approved for a traditional mortgage can be a challenge—even if you have solid cash flow or strong assets.
That’s where non-QM loans like asset depletion loans and bank statement loans come into play.
These alternative loan types were built for real estate investors who need flexible underwriting based on real-world financials, not outdated guidelines like W-2s or tax returns.
In this guide, we’ll break down the difference between asset depletion and bank statement loans, so you can choose the right one for your next purchase, refinance, or cash-out strategy.
What Is an Asset Depletion Loan?
An asset depletion loan lets you qualify based on your liquid assets—like cash, stocks, or retirement savings—instead of income.
The lender uses your asset balance to calculate a deemed monthly income, which is then used to assess whether you qualify.
🧮 Example:
$1,200,000 in liquid assets ÷ 240 months = $5,000/month “income”
This monthly income is used just like a salary to calculate DTI (debt-to-income).
