Rental Cash Flow Calculator
Positive cash flow is the whole point of rental investing. This calculator shows your monthly and annual cash flow after every expense — mortgage, taxes, insurance, management, vacancy, and maintenance.
Cash on Cash Return Calculator
Measure your annual return on the cash you've invested
Annual income minus all annual expenses (before taxes)
Down payment, closing costs, and any initial renovations
Return Comparison by Investment Amount
| Investment | Annual Return | Monthly Cash Flow |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $6,000 | $500 |
| $100,000 | $12,000 | $1,000 |
| $200,000 | $24,000 | $2,000 |
Cash on cash return measures the annual pre tax cash flow as a percentage of the total cash invested. It is commonly used for real estate investments to compare the cash yield across different properties. This metric does not account for appreciation, loan paydown, tax benefits, or the time value of money. A typical target for rental properties is 8-12% cash on cash return.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate monthly cash flow on a rental?+
Monthly cash flow = Monthly rent − (Mortgage payment + Property management + Maintenance reserve + Vacancy allowance + Insurance + Property taxes + HOA fees). A positive number means the property pays you each month. Negative means you're subsidizing the tenant.
What expenses should I include in my rental cash flow calculation?+
Include: mortgage (PITI), property management (8-12% of rent), maintenance reserve (5-10% of rent), vacancy allowance (5-8% of rent), insurance, property taxes, HOA fees, and capital expenditure reserve (for roof, HVAC, etc.). Don't forget to account for seasonal vacancies.
Is negative cash flow always bad for rental properties?+
Not necessarily. In high-appreciation markets (NYC, SF, LA), investors accept negative cash flow because the property value increases significantly. But for most investors, positive cash flow is essential — it covers your costs and provides income. Target $200-500/month minimum.
How do I calculate monthly cash flow on a rental?
Monthly cash flow = Monthly rent − (Mortgage payment + Property management + Maintenance reserve + Vacancy allowance + Insurance + Property taxes + HOA fees). A positive number means the property pays you each month. Negative means you're subsidizing the tenant.