Taking Title -- As an Individual
The simplest and most common way to own property is as an individual. Married couples or partners can also hold title as joint tenants (JT) or tenants in common (TIC). Using JT or TIC may have some implications for taxes and inheritance, so check with your tax and legal advisors.
If you choose to leverage your investment with a mortgage, then holding title as an individual (or JT or TIC) simplifies the loan process. The minimum down payment for a investor owner (non-owner occupant) will vary depending upon the lender. Typically the maximum loan-to-value ratio (LTV) is 80%, which means that the investor owner must make a down payment of at least 20% of the property value. Also, regulators occasionally changes the maximum number of mortgage loans which a single individual may have at one time. Check with your bank or mortgage loan broker for current rules and requirements.