Having many vacant units or units with few tenants can profoundly impact the cash flow plan, ability to cover mortgage payments, taxes, and operational expenses.Thus, it is essential to identify the underlying causes of low occupancy rates and take corrective actions to attract more tenants and ensure the long-term profitability and viability of the property.

Don't get cash-flow confused with appreciation. 

You will likely not get the cash flow from a property in California that you can get if you look for a property in a state that has a lower price point for entry.

In the end what sort of cash flow are you seeing, and where do you see this house being worth in say 5 years? 

Any tips on finding cash flowing properties in Bakersfield, or any realtors/brokers that specialize in investment properties in the surrounding Bakersfield area?

The purchase prices are reasonable with good cash flow. 

I'm currently trying to gain as much traction and capitol as possible so I can start taking these down myself for some cash flow!

It cash flows for $250 a month, 12% cash on cash, Equity $30k.

We bought a 5 unit property for $340K that cash flows$2000/month.

You just take the total income of a property (usually just rental income) and divide it by the cost, which most lenders use what you said, the P&I + tax and insurance cost.Some lenders will take a look at the maintenance costs as well, but with a healthy enough DSCR that can usually overcome it.All that to say based on your original question, most lenders will vary a bit by what they would consider a ‘good’ cash flow, but 1.2 is pretty consistent.