My first deal analysis, please critique (Dallas)

[Brian D.]

For my very first deal, I'm considering going turn-key through a PM.  He sent me a list of 5 and there's one I like, so I'm trying to run some #s on it to see if I have learned anything.

It's a 3/2 newly updated all around, good B neighborhood with good schools for $155,000.  Rent-o-meter shows $1300/mo.  

Prop taxes $223

Insurance $67

PM $95

Advertising $54 (half month rent/12)

Maintenance, capex & vancancy I said 8% each, so $312

Total Expenses $751

Mortgage payment $523

So cash flow before taxes of $26.50/month.  Thoughts?  Anything I'm missing?

[Kyle Scofield]

That's a question you've got to ask yourself. Is $26.50/month worth it? Assuming you put 20% down on the house ($31,000), your yearly cash flow is only $318 ($26.50 x 12 months). That's only a 1.02% return on the cash you invested for that year ($318 / $31000). In my opinion.. No, the deal is not worth it, you can earn 6% on your money by just sticking it in a fund for the stock market so why not shoot for more?! But you did do a good job of including other expenses in there. Let me know if there's anything that needs clarification.. Hope this helps @Brian D. !