Bigger Pockets Calculator

[Luke Wendel]

I'm new here.  Does anybody else constantly have their dreams extinguished by the Rental Calculator.  It seems like every property I enter shows a negaive cash flow unless I put in a really low purchase price or aggressive rental incomes.  Is this just how it works for everybody? 

[John Warren]

@Nicholas L. I think this is what real estate investing has always been now. It has always been a long game, and was never meant to be a get rich quick scheme. I think someone looking to replace their job probably ends up starting a business, which translates to way more income earning potential than the average rental property but with a ton of work and risk. Rentals are the long game wealth builders. 

@Luke Wendel you are in such a perfect area for picking up nice, long-term rentals. It isn't easy because people really enjoy living in places like St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia and parts of Aurora. The rents are strong, the area is desirable, and the real estate there will stay stable. Why not keep picking up stuff that makes sense slowly. 

I think on BP no one talks about how powerful one good deal really is. Like you don't have to totally steal a deal. You buy it, renovate or improve over time, refinance at the right moments and then enjoy the long term appreciation, depreciation, debt pay down and cash flow.