Rental Property Cash Flow Calculator
Purchase Details
Income & Expenses
Monthly Financial Analysis
Investment Returns (Annual)
Understanding Rental Property Cash Flow
Successful real estate investing hinges on accurate financial analysis. This Rental Property Cash Flow Calculator helps investors determine the profitability of a potential real estate purchase by analyzing income, operating expenses, and financing costs.
How This Calculator Works
Unlike simple mortgage calculators, this tool factors in the specific costs associated with holding a rental property. It calculates:
- Net Operating Income (NOI): The total income generated by the property minus all operating expenses (excluding mortgage payments).
- Cash Flow: The money left over after all bills, expenses, and mortgage payments are paid. Positive cash flow is critical for long-term sustainability.
- Cash-on-Cash Return (CoC): A metric that calculates the cash income earned on the cash invested in the property. It is calculated by dividing the annual pre-tax cash flow by the total cash invested (Down Payment + Closing Costs).
Key Inputs Explained
Maintenance & Vacancy: It is prudent to set aside a percentage of monthly rent for repairs and periods where the unit is unoccupied. A common rule of thumb is allocating 5-10% for maintenance and 5-8% for vacancy.
Cap Rate (Capitalization Rate): This measures the natural rate of return on the property independent of financing. It is useful for comparing the relative value of different investment properties.
Why is Positive Cash Flow Important?
Positive cash flow ensures that the investment pays for itself. If a property has negative cash flow, you are essentially paying monthly for the privilege of owning the investment. While appreciation is a valid strategy, positive cash flow provides a safety net during market downturns.