How to Calculate for Investment Scenarios

How to Calculate for Investment Scenarios

Investor · Los Angeles · Member since 2018 · 134 posts · 117 votes

Hello! 

So how can I understand the numbers better or what does everyone do to make sure you are making the best decision? My scenario is I am putting in an offer for the following but not sure if I will have greater potential buying smaller cash flow properties. 

Putting in an offer for a single family residence 4 bed, 3 bath, 1954 sqft, 8000 sqft lot, just down the street from my house for $610,000 with a full doc loan at about 6-7% 30 fixed (so lets do 6.5%) 20% down. Property tax is 1.25% and homeowners is about $100 per month. Will need about $30,000 in fixes and my goal is to rent out all 4 rooms to roommates and live just down the block at my house which I am already doing the same successfully. 

$900 x 4 = $3600 in rent. 

PMI is $3820 so I am paying in about $300 a month out of pocket in this scenario but can ride appreciation in future as the house will appreciate on average 5% per year historically in the area

So how do I use this scenario to match up against buying cash producing no appreciating properties such as a 2plex that can be bought for $77,000 and rented out at $600 per unit etc

I'm just getting lost with numbers and fearful of not making the "wise decision"

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Rental Property Investor · Salem, NH · Member since 2016 · 460 posts · 276 votes
7y

Hi @David W.! 

I'll start by saying that this idea of buying a single family house with no cash flow and banking on appreciation is a BAD idea. Never invest based on that alone.

If scenario 2 cash flows then there is no matching up...scenario 2 wins...every. time.

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  • Rental Property Investor · Salem, NH · Member since 2016 · 460 posts · 276 votes
    7y

    Hi @David W.! 

    I'll start by saying that this idea of buying a single family house with no cash flow and banking on appreciation is a BAD idea. Never invest based on that alone.

    If scenario 2 cash flows then there is no matching up...scenario 2 wins...every. time.

  • Investor · Los Angeles · Member since 2018 · 134 posts · 117 votes
    7y
    Originally posted by @Steve DellaPelle:

    Hi @David W.! 

    I'll start by saying that this idea of buying a single family house with no cash flow and banking on appreciation is a BAD idea. Never invest based on that alone.

    If scenario 2 cash flows then there is no matching up...scenario 2 wins...every. time.

    Thank you. The thought of having a house I can tweak and improve just doors down from my other house is comforting as I am hands on. The goal to purchase is to grow my doors and of course wealth. If I can get a lower mortgage rate it can change the game and I can positive cash flow so that is what I am working on. Just not sure of the numbers and comparing. How do you decide your course of path? Is appreciation (speculation) in Los Angles when everything just seems to grow and recover no matter what happens?

  • Rental Property Investor · Salem, NH · Member since 2016 · 460 posts · 276 votes
    7y

    @David W. Interest rates are around 4.5% for an owner occupant...if you were to purchase as an investment property then your interest rate would be significantly higher (probably 6%+). Plus, that is also assuming you have a very good-excellent credit score (740+) and a solid DTI.

    It is tough to choose your path but it all comes down to what you are looking for. Are you looking to make a quick buck by selling when appreciation is high or do you want passive income? If you want to "flip" a house then you should look for something that has value add opportunities. Figure out your goals and then choose accordingly.

    Best of luck!

  • Investor · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2015 · 764 posts · 953 votes
    7y

    @David W. neither deal is a good one. Don't give up. Keep studying!

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