Debt yield is calculated by dividing a property's net operating income by the total loan amount, providing a measure of risk that is independent of the interest rate, amortization schedule, or property value. Commercial lenders increasingly use debt yield as a key underwriting metric because it cannot be manipulated by adjusting cap rates or extending amortization periods. Most commercial lenders require a minimum debt yield of 8-10%. For investors, understanding debt yield helps predict how much financing a commercial property can support and whether a deal will meet lender thresholds.