Understand every number behind a deal.
Clear, no-jargon guides on the metrics, math and decisions that make or break an investment, each paired with a free calculator.
How to analyze a rental property deal
Run any rental through five metrics: NOI, cap rate, cash flow, cash-on-cash, DSCR. Full worked example with a $325K Indianapolis SFR.
Read the guide →What is DSCR, and what's a good ratio?
The number lenders care about most, and why 1.20 is the line.
Cap rate explained (with examples)
The yield before financing, and when it misleads you.
Cash-on-cash return, step by step
The return on the actual cash you put into a deal.
What rental ROI really includes
Cash flow is only part of it: paydown and appreciation count too.
What NOI is (and why it matters)
The income figure cap rate and DSCR are both built on.
GRM: the quick comparison metric
A fast screen, with a big blind spot.
The BRRRR method, demystified
Buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat, and the math behind it.
How DSCR loans actually work
The investor mortgage that qualifies the property, not you.
How much should you put down?
The trade-off between cash in and monthly cash flow.
Fix & flip, by the numbers
ARV, rehab, holding and selling costs decide the profit.
The 70% rule, explained
A quick ceiling on what to pay for a flip.
1031 exchange explained
The actual rules, deadlines, and tax math behind 1031 exchanges.
Cap rate vs cash-on-cash
One measures the property. The other measures your deal.
DSCR vs conventional loan
Qualify on the property vs qualify on yourself.
GRM vs cap rate
The 3-second screen vs the 10-minute analysis.
NOI vs cash flow
Property-level income vs what actually hits your account.
Cash-on-cash vs ROI
Year-one cash return vs total return across all engines.
Hard money vs DSCR loans
Two different tools for two different jobs. Here is when each wins.
What is a good cap rate?
City-by-city ranges, and when a high cap rate is a red flag.
What is a good cash-on-cash return?
Real benchmarks, and how leverage quietly changes the number.
What is a good DSCR ratio?
Lender tiers, pricing breakpoints, and when sub-1.0 is logical.
What is a good ROI on a rental?
Three return engines, and what's realistic for each.
What is a good GRM?
City-by-city ranges, and when low is not better.
Cap rates by city (2026)
20+ US cities mapped by yield, risk, and growth profile.
Rental property tax deductions
Every deduction, ranked by how much it actually saves you.
DSCR loan requirements (2026)
Credit, down payment, reserves, docs - the actual thresholds.
DSCR loan rates (2026)
Rate ranges by credit tier and how to shop for the best one.
How to calculate vacancy rate
The formula, city benchmarks, and the 5% myth.
Rental analysis template
The 12 columns you need, and why a calculator beats a spreadsheet.
How to calculate cash-on-cash
The formula in 4 steps, with a worked example.
How to calculate rental ROI
All three engines in one calculation, with a worked example.
How to calculate GRM
The formula, plus a fast screening workflow.
How to calculate cap rate
3 steps, a worked example, and the NOI mistakes to avoid.
15 best cities for rental property (2026)
Data-driven breakdown of 15 markets, grouped by cash flow, balance, and appreciation.
Best markets for cash flow (2026)
Real monthly cash flow breakdowns for 8 cities at current mortgage rates.
Landlord-friendly states
Which states actually protect your cash flow, and which ones eat it.
Where to invest $100K in real estate
Five deployment strategies with worked math, ranked head-to-head.
How to buy your first rental property
The full sequence from savings target to closing day. No fluff.
How many rentals to retire?
The real math on door count, cash flow per unit, and how long it takes.
Rental property vs stocks
Four return engines vs one, and why most wealthy people stop picking sides.
Is real estate investing worth it?
The balanced, numbers-first answer with worked examples at 2026 rates.