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To analyze your first property:

1. Navigate to the Rental Calculator
2. Enter the property address (optional)
3. Input the purchase price
4. Enter estimated monthly rent
5. Fill in down payment percentage (typically 20-25% for investment)
6. Add operating expenses (taxes, insurance, maintenance, etc.)
7. Click "Analyze This Deal" to see your results

No! The basic rental property calculator is completely free and requires no account. You can perform unlimited analyses without signing up. However, you'll need a free account to save your deals for later access.

As a beginner, focus on these key metrics:

• Cash Flow: Positive monthly cash flow is essential
• Cash-on-Cash Return: Aim for 8% or higher
• 1% Rule: Monthly rent should be at least 1% of purchase price
• Deal Grade: Our A-F grading gives you a quick assessment

Our calculators use standard real estate investment formulas and are regularly verified. However, actual results may vary based on market conditions, interest rates, and other factors. Always verify calculations independently and consult with professionals before making investment decisions.

Include these common operating expenses:

• Property taxes
• Insurance
• Maintenance and repairs (typically 5-10% of rent)
• Property management (if applicable, typically 8-10% of rent)
• Utilities (if paid by landlord)
• HOA fees
• Vacancy allowance (typically 5-10%)
• Capital expenditures reserve (for big-ticket items)

Our Deal Grade (A-F) is based on multiple factors:

• Cash-on-Cash Return: Higher is better (8%+ is good, 15%+ is excellent)
• Cap Rate: 6%+ is generally good
• 1% Rule: 1%+ is considered a good screening metric
• Monthly Cash Flow: $200+ per unit is desirable
• BRRRR Potential: For BRRRR deals, post-refi ROI is considered

Cap Rate (Capitalization Rate) measures the property's return based on its value, regardless of financing:

Cap Rate = Net Operating Income / Property Value

Cash-on-Cash Return measures your actual cash return based on the money you invested:

Cash-on-Cash = Annual Cash Flow / Total Cash Invested

BRRRR stands for:

• Buy: Purchase a property, typically below market value
• Rehab: Renovate to increase value and rental appeal
• Rent: Lease to quality tenants
• Refinance: Cash-out refinance based on new appraised value
• Repeat: Use recovered cash to buy the next property

The goal is to recover most or all of your initial investment, effectively having "infinite" returns on the cash left in the deal.