How Do You Properly Evaluate A Rental???
When looking for a property to rent what other things should I take in to consideration besides the one listed below?
1. Price Discount
2. Favorable financing
3. Cash flow.
Now those are the main ones I can think of. Even with number 3 what is determined when calculating cash flow?
My guess Rent Pymnt -(PITI+Maint)= Cash flow. Is that right????
What are the cash flow requirements for some of the pros here on SFH"s. I would think $150 positive cash flow is not enough or is it?
Thanks all 
Also, on rentals are most investors getting 15 or 30 year loans?
Thanks again
Quote:When looking for a property to rent what other things should I take in to consideration besides the one listed below?
1. Price Discount
2. Favorable financing
3. Cash flow.
Numbers one and two are irrelevant as independent discriminators. Why, because they are already factors in determining your cash flow. You might get a 50% discount on a rental property, but if it is unrentable (zero cashflow) it is not a good deal for an investment rental property. Likewise on financing. Rates are the lowest we have seen in many years, but if your operating income does not cover your debt service, you don't want the property as a rental.
Ron Starr published an excellent article for beginning investors. Suggest you read this article first, then consider how to incorporate Cash Flow, Tax Benefits, and Future Appreciation considerations into your investment decision process.
Here is a direct link to the article:
http://www.thecreativeinvestor.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=144
Use the Proforma Tool in the MyTCI>MyTools area.
http://www.thecreativeinvestor.com/Tools-index.html