Investing
Rental Property Calculator
Calculate cash flow, cash-on-cash return, cap rate, and other key metrics for a rental property investment.
Enter property details, income, and expenses to analyze if a rental property is a good investment for you.
Investing
Try the calculator
Advanced housing costs
Example
A $400,000 property with 20% down renting for $2,500/month should cash flow positively if expenses are managed well.
Results
Monthly cash flow
-$$447.62
Cash-on-cash return
-6.7%
Cap rate
4.7%
Projection
Distribution view
Milestones
Decision cues
Breakdown
Cost mix
Result reading
The visual trend is moving down, with an approximate change of -$48,343 across the period shown.
Planning cue
Use the output as a scenario test rather than a promise. Small input changes can materially change the result.
This is an estimate. Run conservative numbers—vacancy and maintenance are often higher than new investors expect.
How it works
What the result is showing you
These sections explain what the calculator measures, which assumptions matter most, and where the number can be misleading.
Understanding key rental metrics
Cash flow is income minus expenses. Cash-on-cash return measures annual cash flow against your down payment. Cap rate is net operating income divided by property value, useful for comparing properties.
Don't forget vacancy and maintenance
New investors often underestimate vacancy costs and maintenance. A good rule of thumb is 5-10% for vacancy and 1-2% of property value annually for maintenance.
The 1% rule as a quick check
A quick screening test: the monthly rent should be at least 1% of the purchase price. It's not perfect, but it helps filter properties worth analyzing more deeply.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions people ask most about this calculator.
What's a good cash-on-cash return?
Many investors look for 8-12% or more, depending on the market and risk. Higher is better, but make sure your assumptions about rent and expenses are realistic.
What's cap rate?
Cap rate is net operating income divided by property value. It measures return if you bought the property all cash, making it great for comparing properties across different markets.
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