Smiling woman in an apron holding a tablet inside a bright plant and pottery store.

Self employed professionals

Mortgage options for people who work for themselves. We help business owners, freelancers, and contractors document income clearly and get approved without the usual roadblocks.

Self-employed mortgage solutions

At Kama‘aina Mortgage Group, we specialize in self-employed mortgages. We take the time to understand your business income by reviewing your bank statements, deposits, and real cash flow. We care to provide you faster approvals and mortgage programs built for business owners.

  • Straightforward advice from experienced loan officers
  • Local expertise and independent guidance
  • Use your most recent tax returns or profit statements
  • Access to a variety of lenders who understand self-employed borrowers
Home loans for self-employed borrowers

Getting a mortgage when you’re self-employed shouldn’t be harder — it just takes the right approach. We know how to present your income, deductions, and business history so lenders see the whole picture. From your first call to closing, we keep the process clear and predictable.

How we make it easier for self-employed borrowers

We prepare your file the way underwriters expect to see it, so you can move faster and avoid unnecessary delays.

  • Qualify using tax returns or 12–24 months of bank statements (as programs allow)
  • Combine income sources like 1099s, W-2s, K-1s, or business distributions
  • Include add-backs such as depreciation or one-time expenses where permitted
  • Flexible documentation paths for freelancers, contractors, and business owners
  • Transparent loan terms with clear expectations at every step
  • Local team coordinating escrow, title, and closing to keep things moving

We’ve helped hundreds of self-employed clients across Hawai‘i get financing approved the first time, with fewer delays and clearer communication from start to finish.

Loan options for self-employed borrowers

We work with lenders who offer programs built to fit how you earn. These are a few of the most common loan types for self-employed clients in Hawai‘i.

Program type
Full-doc conventional
Bank statement program
DSCR loan
Documentation method
2 years of tax returns
12–24 months of business or personal bank statements
Rental income from investment property
Typical down payment
5–20%
10–25%
20–25%
Key advantage
Strong rates for stable businesses
Qualify based on deposits, not net income
Approval based on property cash flow
Eligibility to apply

Self-employed borrowers can qualify for a mortgage just like W-2 employees. The process simply uses different paperwork. Lenders want to see that your income is consistent, your business is stable, and your finances are in good shape. Here’s what they look at:

1. Income and repayment capacity

Your tax returns and business records show how much you earn and how steady that income is. Most programs ask for at least two years of self-employment history, but strong, well-documented income can help you qualify sooner.

2. Business profile

The longer and more reliably your business has been running, the better. Lenders also consider the industry you’re in and how your income has trended over time.

3. Credit and debt position

Your credit score, existing debts, and payment history all factor into loan approval and rates. Paying down balances before applying can make a big difference.

4. Financial documentation

Expect to provide tax returns, profit-and-loss statements, and bank statements. The cleaner and more current your records are, the faster your loan can move through underwriting.