Investing in Fraser, CO — Market Analysis
Fraser attracts both STR investors seeking vacation rental income and local LTR buyers serving the resort workforce — DSCR financing works for both strategies in this market. With a median home price of $625,000, acquiring a rental property in Fraser requires a minimum $125,000 down payment for a DSCR loan (20% of purchase price) or $156,000 for a conventional investment property loan (25%). At current DSCR investor rates around 7.5%, your estimated monthly payment on a $500,000 DSCR loan is approximately $3,496 in principal and interest, with a total PITIA (including taxes and insurance) of approximately $3,964/month.
For a long-term rental strategy, Fraser properties at the median price point generate an estimated $4,200/month in gross rent — a gross rent multiplier of approximately 12.4x. After accounting for all operating expenses including vacancy, property management, maintenance, capital reserves, taxes, and insurance (typically 35% of gross), estimated net operating income runs around $2,730/month. This produces an estimated cap rate of 5.2% and an estimated monthly cash flow of $-770 after P&I on a DSCR loan. The estimated DSCR ratio of 1.06x qualifies at the 1.0 threshold most lenders require.
Short-term rental is an active strategy in Fraser. Based on typical occupancy and nightly rates for this market, a well-managed STR property could generate approximately $3,200/month in gross revenue. This produces an estimated STR DSCR ratio of 0.81x — still below DSCR minimums at standard rates — larger down payment or no-ratio product needed. Note: DSCR lenders that accept STR income typically require 12-24 months of AirDNA or VRBO data, or a signed lease agreement from a property management company projecting annual revenue. Estimates above are for illustration only — actual performance depends on property location, amenities, and management quality.
Grand County's high-balance conforming limit of $883,200 means DSCR loans up to $883,200 at 80% LTV qualify for Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac-eligible investor pricing — typically 0.5-0.75% lower than true jumbo DSCR rates. For Fraser investors acquiring properties in the $1M+ range, confirming whether the transaction stays within the conforming limit significantly impacts the rate and investor pricing tier.
Select rural addresses around Fraser qualify for USDA Rural Development loans. USDA is owner-occupied only — not available for investment properties — but investors can use USDA to acquire a primary residence and convert it to a rental after 12 months of owner-occupancy.

