Rental Cash Flow Calculator
Calculate monthly and annual rental property cash flow with a full itemized expense breakdown.
Understanding Rental Cash Flow
Cash flow is the lifeblood of a rental property portfolio. Even a modest $200-$300/month positive cash flow per unit provides financial cushion, covers unexpected repairs, and generates wealth. Many landlords underestimate their true expenses — especially maintenance and vacancy — and overestimate their effective cash flow by 20-30% in the first year.
In 2026, with high mortgage rates and elevated home prices, many newly purchased rentals produce negative or barely positive cash flow. Investors in these markets are effectively buying appreciation with a negative cash flow cost — which can work in strong markets but creates financial stress if income interruptions occur. Know your true numbers before acquiring any rental property.