: Total rental income minus all operating expenses (taxes, insurance, maintenance) but before mortgage payments.
: Vacancy rates, currently around 7.0% , are projected to dip slightly to 6.98% by 2026 as new construction deliveries slow down. 2. Core Financial Metrics buying a home for rental investment
: National inventory has increased approximately 20% over the last year, giving buyers more options and reducing the prevalence of multiple-offer "wars". : Total rental income minus all operating expenses
: Compares NOI to debt payments. Lenders typically require a minimum 1.25 to ensure the property can cover its own mortgage. 3. Emerging 2026 Investment Trends Core Financial Metrics : National inventory has increased
: Demand is hitting a "turning point" as the oldest Baby Boomers turn 80, driving interest in age-restricted rentals. What Makes a Good Rental Property Investment?
Professional investors use these primary Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to evaluate deals: