Have you heard of the commercial mortgage term, "Debt Service Coverage Ratio?" It's the term to describe the ratio that lenders use to evaluate and qualify for the financing of a commercials structure. It shows the cash flow compared to debt service. DSCR For Commercial Properties In general, most banks will need a ratio of 1.5 - 1.35 (net operating income to annual debt service) before lending for commercial property. They just want to make sure you will have enough cash flow to cover the payments each month. Net operating income should include interest, principal, lease payments and sinking fund.