When you buy a home as an investment, rather than as your primary residence, there are usually just a few differences to consider in your mortgage application. However, these differences become more elaborate when purchasing a multi-unit residential property with more than 4 units. That’s because anything with more than 4 units will be zoned for commercial use. It will require a commercial mortgage. We have a page dedicated to this type of property mortgage, here. But, suppose you are only seeking to buy a single-unit home, a duplex or something with less than four units, which you plan to rent out. In this case, you will likely be buying a property zoned for residential use. This makes it easier, and more affordable to buy, than a commercial property. With residentially-zoned rental properties, the main differences in your mortgage application will come down to three things: Your down payment amount. Whether or not you will be occupying one of the units yourself. The way your income is calculated, since buying a rental property, of course, means you’ll be earning income from that property. Please see more on our website.