💰 How to Buy a Rental That Cashflows in Month One

By R. Chandler | MoneyCallShreveport.blogspot.com

Tired of rental properties that barely break even?
If your rental isn't making money from day one, you're just moving your cash from one place to another.

Here’s how smart investors are buying rentals in Shreveport and Bossier City that actually cashflow immediately — and how you can too.

🔍 Step 1: Start With Cash-on-Cash ROI

Most investors ask: “What’s the ARV?” But if you're in this for income, start by asking:

“What will I earn back for every dollar I put in?”

• Properties under $150K
• Rents at or above 1% of purchase price
• Minimal rehab or cosmetic-only updates

💡 Step 2: Use Financing That Keeps You Liquid

If you spend all your cash on closing, you’re handcuffed when it’s time to fix a leak or paint a wall.

Better options:

• DSCR loans (debt-service coverage ratio): Let the rent qualify you
• Hard money with delayed financing: Refi after you stabilize the unit
• Seller financing: Low down and easy to negotiate

🛠️ Step 3: Look for Value-Add Without Major Construction

You're not trying to become a General Contractor. Look for:

• Paint & flooring opportunities
• Old kitchens that need a facelift (not a gut)
• Rent mispricing (rents way below market)

✨ Tip: Raising rent from $850 to $1,250 is faster ROI than putting on a new roof.

🏁 Final Check: Make Sure It Cashflows Now

Here’s a simple formula:

Monthly Rent – (Mortgage + Taxes + Insurance + HOA + Maintenance) = Cashflow

🎯 Target: $250+ per month, per door

📍 Example Rental Scenario

• Purchase Price: $90,000
• Market Rent: $1,300/month (after basic upgrades)
• Estimated Mortgage: $750/month
• Cashflow: ~ $350/month

This is how you build positive cashflow from the very first month.

🔗 Want Deals Like This?

I post these regularly on this blog and my Facebook Realtor page.
📲 Follow for updates or reach out if you’re ready to get started.

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🏡 You Don't Need 10 Properties. You Just Need One Good One.

Let that first one cashflow, and the second one becomes a lot easier.