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Learn the numbers behind the deal.

Every metric our calculators compute, explained the way an experienced investor would walk you through it — no jargon, no fluff, and a calculator at the end of each one.

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What is a good cap rate?

The most-quoted number in real estate investing — and the most misunderstood. Learn what it measures, what the ranges mean, and the moment it starts to mislead you.

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At a glance
4–7% Typical residential range
9 min Read time
1 Paired calculator

Rental Analysis

8 guides
Rental Analysis
What is a good cap rate?
Unlevered yield, the 4–7% range, and when a high number is a red flag.
9 min read
Rental Analysis
Net operating income explained
The income figure every other metric is built on — line by line.
7 min read
Rental Analysis
Cash flow vs. cash-on-cash
Dollars in your pocket vs. yield on your invested cash.
6 min read
Rental Analysis
Rental property ROI, in full
Cash flow, appreciation, and loan paydown — the complete return picture.
10 min read
Rental Analysis
Gross vs. net rental yield
Two yields, when each is useful, and how they relate to cap rate.
5 min read
Rental Analysis
The 50% rule and expense ratios
A fast sanity check on whether your expense assumptions are realistic.
6 min read
Rental Analysis
Modeling vacancy honestly
Why 0% vacancy lies, and how much cushion your deal really needs.
5 min read
Rental Analysis
Break-even ratio & downside
How much can go wrong before the deal stops covering itself.
6 min read

Financing

6 guides
Financing
How mortgage amortization works
Why early payments are mostly interest, and what that costs you.
7 min read
Financing
The 28/36 affordability rule
The two ratios lenders use to decide what you qualify for.
6 min read
Financing
Understanding DSCR loans
How lenders underwrite the property instead of your income.
8 min read
Financing
Down payments & PMI
What 20% really buys you, and when less makes sense.
5 min read
Financing
Loan-to-value, explained
The ratio that controls your rate, PMI, and which programs you can use.
5 min read
Financing
Closing costs, itemized
Every fee on the settlement statement, and which ones you can negotiate.
7 min read

Acquisition & Flipping

3 guides
Acquisition & Flipping
Estimating ARV from comps
What makes a comp a comp, and how to defend your number.
8 min read
Acquisition & Flipping
The 70% rule & max offer
How to back-solve the most you can pay and still profit.
6 min read
Acquisition & Flipping
Flip math that holds up
Holding costs, selling costs, and the margin that survives surprises.
9 min read

Quick Comparison

5 guides
Comparison
Price per square foot
A fast normalizer — and what it conveniently ignores.
4 min read
Comparison
Price-to-rent ratio
The classic buy-vs-rent market signal, and its 15/20 thresholds.
5 min read
Comparison
Gross rent multiplier
The 10-second income screen, and where it breaks down.
4 min read
Comparison
The 1% rule & rent-to-value
A screening filter, not a verdict — how to use it well.
5 min read
Comparison
Renting vs. buying
The full financial comparison, and the assumption that decides it.
9 min read