Cash Flow Analyzer
Full income & expense breakdown
Avg: 5–8%
~1% of value/yr
Typical: 8–10%
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Effective Income
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Total Expenses
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Monthly CF
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Annual CF
About This Calculator
The Rental Cash Flow Calculator shows you exactly how much money a rental property puts in your pocket each month after paying all expenses. Positive cash flow means the property pays you; negative means you're subsidizing it.
Most experienced investors require at least $100–$300 positive cash flow per unit per month as a minimum threshold. This buffer protects against unexpected expenses and vacancies.
Key expenses to never forget: vacancy allowance (even good properties sit empty sometimes), maintenance reserve (budget 1% of property value per year), and property management fees if you don't self-manage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good monthly cash flow for a rental property?▼
Most investors target $100–$300 positive cash flow per unit per month as a minimum. Higher is better, but in competitive markets, some investors accept breakeven or slight negative cash flow if appreciation prospects are strong.
Should I include my mortgage in cash flow calculations?▼
Yes, always include your full mortgage payment. Cash flow is what's left after all expenses including debt service. A property might look profitable before mortgage but be a cash drain after — knowing the true number is essential.
What is the 50% rule for rental properties?▼
The 50% rule is a quick estimate: expect total expenses (excluding mortgage) to equal about 50% of gross rent. So a $2,000/mo rental has ~$1,000 in expenses. While imperfect, it's useful for quick screening before deep analysis.
How does vacancy rate affect cash flow?▼
A 5% vacancy rate means the unit sits empty for about 18 days per year. On a $2,000/month rental, that's $100/month in lost income. Higher vacancy markets or less desirable properties may experience 8–10% vacancy, significantly impacting cash flow.
What's the difference between gross and net rental income?▼
Gross rental income is total rent collected. Net rental income (cash flow) is what remains after all operating expenses and mortgage payments. Net is what actually matters for your financial planning.
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