Does It Cash Flow?
Looking at a rental deal? Enter the price, financing, rent, and expenses — and see instantly whether it pays you every month or you pay it. Cap rate, cash-on-cash return, and the 1% rule included, with every number shown.
Purchase & financing
Income
Operating expenses
This is the quick math. The full Deal Analyzer goes deeper.
Inside LandlordPro: model rehab costs and renovation delays, check DSCR for lender qualification, save every deal you analyze, and compare them side-by-side. Then when you buy, the same account tracks your REAL cash flow — actual rent collected, AI-scanned receipts, mortgage interest, and depreciation. Free to start — up to 4 units and 3 full deal analyses included.
Try LandlordPro free →How this calculator works
Monthly cash flow = rent − mortgage payment (principal & interest) − taxes − insurance − HOA − maintenance reserve − vacancy allowance − management. If that number is positive, the property pays you; if negative, you subsidize it every month.
Cap rate = net operating income (income minus operating expenses, excluding the mortgage) ÷ purchase price. It measures the deal itself, independent of how you finance it.
Cash-on-cash return = annual cash flow ÷ cash you actually put in (down payment + closing costs). This is the number to compare against other uses of your money.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as "cash flowing"?
Positive monthly cash flow after ALL expenses — including the ones that don't bill you monthly, like vacancy and future repairs. A property that's positive only because you budgeted $0 for maintenance isn't cash flowing; it's waiting.
What is the 1% rule?
A screening shortcut: monthly rent ≥ 1% of purchase price. A $150,000 house should rent for $1,500+. Deals that pass usually pencil out; deals that fail usually don't. Use it to filter, then run the full numbers here.
What's a good cash-on-cash return?
Many buy-and-hold investors target 8–12%. Under ~5%, you're betting mostly on appreciation. Over 12% is strong in most markets — double-check your expense assumptions aren't optimistic.
Why budget vacancy and maintenance if the house is new and rented?
Because averages arrive eventually. 5% vacancy is about 2.5 weeks per year — one turnover. 5–10% maintenance covers the water heater that fails in year three. Deals should survive average luck, not require perfect luck.
This calculator is provided for convenience and general information only and is not financial, investment, or legal advice. Verify all numbers for your market and situation.