Rental Property ROI Calculator
Investment Analysis Results
Total Investment:
Annual Net Operating Income (NOI):
Monthly Cash Flow:
Cap Rate:
Cash on Cash Return:
Operating Expense Ratio:
How to Use the Rental Property ROI Calculator
Return on Investment (ROI) is the most critical metric for real estate investors. It helps you determine if a property is a profitable asset or a financial liability. This calculator uses the "All-Cash" purchase logic to establish a baseline of profitability, including Net Operating Income (NOI), Cap Rate, and Cash-on-Cash Return.
Key Metrics Explained
- Cap Rate (Capitalization Rate): This measures the ratio between the Net Operating Income and the original purchase price. It allows you to compare different properties regardless of how they are financed.
- Cash-on-Cash Return: This is the ratio of annual before-tax cash flow to the total amount of cash invested. Unlike Cap Rate, this accounts for your "out of pocket" costs like closing fees and renovations.
- Net Operating Income (NOI): This is your total income minus all necessary operating expenses. Note that NOI does not include mortgage payments (debt service), as it focuses on the property's performance.
- Operating Expense Ratio (OER): A measure of what percentage of your gross income is being consumed by operating costs. A lower OER generally indicates a more efficient investment.
Example ROI Calculation
Imagine you buy a duplex for $300,000. You spend $10,000 on closing costs and $20,000 on new flooring and paint. Your total investment is $330,000.
If you rent both units for a total of $3,000 per month, your gross annual income is $36,000. After subtracting taxes ($4,000), insurance ($1,500), and a 10% vacancy/maintenance fund ($3,600), your NOI would be $26,900.
- Cap Rate: $26,900 / $300,000 = 8.97%
- Cash-on-Cash Return: $26,900 / $330,000 = 8.15%
Tips for Maximizing Rental Returns
To improve your ROI, focus on two levers: increasing income or decreasing expenses. Common strategies include adding amenities (like in-unit laundry) to justify higher rent, or appealing property tax assessments to lower annual expenses. Always include a "Vacancy Rate" in your calculations (usually 5-10%) to ensure you have a realistic safety net for when the property is un-rented between tenants.