Guided Planner Journey

Rental Investment Path

The Rental Investment Path guides real estate investors through complete deal underwriting in six connected steps. Start by sizing maximum borrowing capacity with Mortgage Affordability. Next, model required upfront equity with the Down Payment Calculator and estimate state-specific transfer taxes and settlement fees with the Closing Cost Calculator. Then evaluate unleveraged property yield with the Cap Rate Calculator, before analyzing full leveraged returns (debt service, cash-on-cash return, IRR, and exit equity) in the Property ROI Calculator. Finally, test the opportunity cost of investing capital in rental property versus personal homeownership and equity markets with the Rent vs Buy Calculator.

1. 1 Mortgage Affordability Calculator Size your borrowing power and target purchase price.
2. 2 Down Payment Calculator Size your upfront capital requirements — investor loans typically require 20–25% down with no PMI option.
3. 3 Closing Cost Calculator Estimate state-level escrow, transfer taxes, and cash to close.
4. 4 Cap Rate Calculator Underwrite unleveraged property yield and NOI against market benchmarks.
5. 5 Property ROI Calculator Model full leveraged deal returns, cash flow, debt service, IRR, and total ROI.
6. 6 Rent vs Buy Calculator Model the opportunity cost of investing capital in cash-flowing rental real estate vs. purchasing a primary residence or renting and buying equities.

Every journey is free, private, and runs entirely in your browser — no account or signup required.