Calculating investment property cash flow is not a complicated process. It is as simple to compute as subtracting expenses and adding income from real estate investments. The remaining profits are the cash flow that is available.

Cash flow should be easy to budget for investors, but investors are oftentimes incorrect in their estimates. Too many deficits in cash flow budgets could force investors to claim bankruptcy. Real estate investors can avoid creating negative cash flow by budgeting for emergencies and maintenance. Adding an extra ten percent to maintenance expense estimates can mean the difference between declaring profits rather than losses for investment properties.

When real estate investors build up enough cash flow and have sufficient assets, they can become an accredited investor. Accredited investors must have an income of over $300,000 and $1 million in assets which has been reported to the Internal Revenue Service. By becoming accredited, investors are able to acquire more exclusive and possibly lucrative investment properties than average real estate investors.

You might think you are a long way off from becoming accredited. As long as you increase your real estate investment portfolio steadily and maintain positive cash flow, you are taking the necessary steps to become accredited.

When investors buy a house to be used as rental property they can increase cash flow by charging reasonable rent. Any time rental properties are unoccupied, investors lose money. It is better to lose a few hundred dollars in rent each month than a thousand or more for an empty rental home.

An additional way to generate cash flow is to think beyond standard real estate purchases and purchase real estate cash flow notes. When an investor purchases mortgage notes, promissory notes, land contracts or seller carry back trust deeds they act as a mortgage company. Investors can charge interest just like a bank and can repossess properties through foreclosure.

Mortgage notes produce monthly income from the interest charged in each mortgage payment. With no worries about home repairs and maintenance, most of the interest goes straight to the bottom line and increases cash flow.

The most important thing an investor can do to protect their cash flow is to engage in due diligence on every purchase. Part of due diligence involves budgeting correctly, setting rents at the right price, and branching out when making investment purchases.

Another part is to become educated about the most relevant information from a trusted resource. The Internet provides a wealth of investing information. Individuals can purchase real estate investing courses, books and DVDs, or attend seminars.

Another great source for locating insider-secrets and tips is through real estate clubs and networking groups. It is much easier to learn the ropes by connecting with professionals who possess a strong track record and are willing to become a mentor. Additional benefits include meeting other professionals who can assist with real estate needs. These can include mortgage brokers, home appraisers, mortgage lenders, and realtors.

It is important to become educated in all facets of real estate investing to determine which types of properties and notes offer positive cash flow and high return on investment. Going in blind could result in severe financial damage.

Author Bio: Simon Volkov is a professional real estate note investor who focuses on creating positive cash flow by teaming up with other investors. Simon offers multiple investment opportunities via RSS feed and email subscription. His website provides information and resources about current real estate trends. Learn more about Simon and the services he offers by visiting www.SimonVolkov.com.

Category: Real Estate
Keywords: cash flow, investment properties, real estate investors, real estate investing, real estate clubs