Analysis Result
Mortgage Payment: $0.00/mo | Total Cash Invested: $0.00
Understanding Rental Property ROI
Investing in real estate is a powerful way to build wealth, but simply buying a property doesn't guarantee a profit. To succeed, investors must analyze the numbers meticulously. This Rental Property Cash Flow & ROI Calculator helps you determine if a potential investment property will generate positive income or become a financial burden.
How Cash Flow is Calculated
Cash flow is the net amount of cash moving in and out of a business. In real estate, it is calculated as:
- Gross Income: Primarily monthly rent, but can include parking fees or laundry income.
- Operating Expenses: Property taxes, insurance, maintenance, HOA fees, and vacancy reserves.
- Debt Service: The monthly principal and interest payment on your mortgage.
A positive cash flow means the property pays for itself and provides you with monthly income. A negative cash flow implies you must contribute money from your own pocket to keep the property running.
Key Metrics Explained
Beyond simple cash flow, professional investors look at two critical percentages to evaluate performance:
1. Cash on Cash Return (CoC)
This metric measures the annual return on the actual cash you invested (down payment + closing costs + repairs). It is calculated by dividing the annual pre-tax cash flow by the total cash invested. A CoC return of 8-12% is generally considered a solid benchmark for rental properties, outperforming the average stock market return in many scenarios.
2. Cap Rate (Capitalization Rate)
Cap Rate measures a property's natural rate of return assuming it was bought entirely with cash. It is calculated by dividing Net Operating Income (NOI) by the current market value or purchase price. It helps compare the profitability of different properties irrespective of financing methods.
Why Use This Calculator?
Real estate markets fluctuate. Interest rates, insurance premiums, and property taxes can vary significantly by location. By inputting accurate data into this calculator, you can simulate different scenarios (such as a higher down payment or lower rent) to ensure your investment remains profitable even during market downturns.