They are just quick & dirty ways of doing cocktail napkin math on properties. 50% rule - The costs to operate a rental property typically averages out to 50% of the gross rents on an annual basis.70% rule - When flipping houses you will probably make some pretty good money if you aim to make offers that allow you to buy the property for 70% of the ARV less the renovation costs.1% rule - If you get a property where the monthly rents are 1% of the purchase price.

It's value is a calculation of:Net Operating Income (NOI) / CapRateFor example, if the NOI is $10k/year and the CapRate is 10%, the property is worth $100k.You need to speak with other local investors / brokers to determine what the right Cap Rat is.

Finally, you could just buy a single family home and operate it as a short term rental.

Cash invested: $3,000 STR/BnB operation located in downtown Seattle.

However, other park operators have done well by rehabbing older homes (assuming the needed repairs are less than $15,000)...in the end, shelter is shelter—especially with the shortage of affordable housing that is available. 

The rest of the money is used as operating expenses and to grow the business.

There quite a few people here on BP who operate in this price range.

Hi, I need help analyzing a rental property.Sale price is $795,000.building has updated/renovated exterior + interior 3 out of 6 units, has separate meters + coin operated laundry room.Tenants 5 out of 6 is month to month.location is very good.the calculation on the calculator is with zero down, Please take a look at my calculations to see if I am missing anything, my first rental Property calculation.Tank you!

@Ashish AcharyaGive me a shout post 4/15.Right now I generally get on BP in-between clients to de-stress a little.Not a good time to get into a debate and dive into code sections.Perhaps my most recent example was too hasty reviewing the regs right now...The "-3" reg defines structural components by reference to Treas Reg Sec 1.48-1.The term “structural components” includes such parts of a building as walls, partitions, floors, and ceilings, as well as any permanent coverings therefor such as paneling or tiling; windows and doors; all components (whether in, on, or adjacent to the building) of a central air conditioning or heating system, including motors, compressors, pipes and ducts; plumbing and plumbing fixtures, such as sinks and bathtubs; electric wiring and lighting fixtures; chimneys; stairs, escalators, and elevators, including all components thereof; sprinkler systems; fire escapes; and other components relating to the operation or maintenance of a building.We know that a building and building structures are a single unit of property.  

If you find a good deal experienced operators will partner with you.