Short answer: Rental cash flow is rent minus operating costs (taxes, insurance, HOA, vacancy, maintenance, management) minus the mortgage payment. Negative cash flow means you pay each month to own the property.
This free rental cash flow calculator uses the same formulas as FirstDoor's full deal score. See exactly how each number is calculated on our methodology page, or learn more in the guide: How to analyze a rental property.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate rental cash flow?
Monthly rent minus operating expenses minus principal and interest.
What expenses should I include?
Property tax, insurance, HOA, plus percentages of rent for vacancy, maintenance and management.
How much cash flow is good?
FirstDoor gives full points at $200+ per month for a first rental.