BRRRR vs. Flipping: A Comparison of Real Estate Investment Strategies (2024)

Posted by Jessica Huff (Jacobs) on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 7:30:17 AM By Jessica Huff (Jacobs) / November 8, 2023 Comment

BRRRR vs. Flipping: A Comparison of Real Estate Investment Strategies

BRRRR vs. Flipping: A Comparison of Real Estate Investment Strategies (1)

Discovering the Key Differences Between Flipping and BRRRR

When it comes to real estate investing, flips and the BRRRR method are like two sides of the same coin. Although the specifics may vary depending on the market and property, the main distinction lies in the level of investment in finishes. Flips typically involve higher-end finishes, while BRRRRs tend to focus on addressing maintenance and upgrades without excessive spending.

Both strategies aim to generate equity in the property and profit over time. For those flipping in a B neighborhood, luxurious stone countertops and tiled accent walls may be worth it. However, for those renting in the same neighborhood, such upgrades might prove unnecessary. After all, if you plan to rent for an extended period, you can always add those upgrades later when selling becomes a possibility.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

The BRRRR method, if executed correctly, provides a continuous stream of funds indefinitely, in contrast to the one-time profit of a flip. Nevertheless, both strategies offer opportunities for quicker cash and potential leverage. The goal remains the same: to create equity and capitalize on that profit.

Factors to Consider when Deciding

When determining whether to sell or keep a property, consider the following considerations:

1.Cash Flow: An ideal BRRRR situation involves an investment of 75% or less of the property's after-repair value (ARV). If you can generate at least 25% equity, you can refinance and recoup your initial investment. Not meeting this threshold doesn't necessarily mean the property should be sold, but it may require leaving some personal funds in the deal. However, this shouldn't be the sole criteria you rely on, unless you have special circ*mstances.

2. Monthly Cash Flow: If a BRRRR property generates enough income to cover its costs on a monthly basis, that's a good starting point for deciding whether to keep it. The desired cash flow is subjective, but if the property is situated in a rapidly appreciating market, it may be worthwhile to endure lower monthly profits. In contrast, properties in a C area require strong cash flow to withstand unpredictable challenges. Over time, these properties can become more efficient and lucrative.

3. Market Conditions: Depending on the region, selling might be a wiser decision if the market traditionally experiences low appreciation. By capitalizing on the equity from the property, it can be reinvested into more promising projects. Just remember to budget for the necessary taxes on the income generated.

The Unexplored Potential

It's interesting to note how many real estate investors specialize in a single strategy without exploring other avenues. Chronic flippers, for example, often overlook the possibilities of keeping properties as rentals. With so much diversity in real estate investing, it's crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of different approaches and their respective pros and cons.

Unlocking the Hidden Tax Benefits of Real Estate: A Stepping Stone to Financial Independence

Discover the untapped potential of your real estate investments and revolutionize your approach to taxes. Many individuals have been shelling out vast sums to the IRS due to their achievements in house flipping. But what if there was a strategy that could minimize your tax burden and maximize your returns? Introducing tax strategy and cost segregation—the game-changers that make paper losses more appealing than a cash-on-cash return.

Flipping houses may seem like a whirlwind of constant activity, where buying, renovating, and selling properties becomes second nature. However, this high-energy approach also means being taxed as an earned income or wage. Don't worry, flipping does have its merits—especially for those starting out or seeking immediate capital. There are properties that shine as flips but would crumble as rentals.

There's a time and place for flipping, and that's where our team comes in. We collaborate with flippers, bringing them deals and even purchasing their properties as turnkey rentals once they're done. However, if you're reading this, chances are you're on the hunt for financial independence and passive income—flipping houses can be a stepping stone, but it's not the ultimate destination.

For newbies, grasping the tax benefits of buy-and-hold investing can feel like cracking a code. But once you experience it, your life can be transformed. Strictly flipping homes means missing out on these life-changing benefits and actually increasing your tax liability. Sure, paying taxes on substantial earnings isn't a terrible thing, but wouldn't it be objectively better to make a fortune while paying little to no taxes?

By considering the BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) strategy for flips that make sense, you're giving yourself future freedom. Imagine repeating this process and transforming your family's financial future one gift at a time.

Flipping houses is undoubtedly an excellent way to kickstart your real estate journey and build capital. However, if long-term wealth and financial independence are your goals, it's time to shift your perspective. Take a fresh look at the BRRRR strategy and analysis, as what may not seem like a lucrative deal today could be a game-changer in five or ten years. Remember, once you sell a property, it's gone forever.

In the realm of real estate, true wealth is accumulated through patient persistence. Hold onto your investments, allow time to work its magic, and savor the passive fruits of your labor in the not-so-distant future.

JESSICA HUFF

(703) 346-0962

[emailprotected]

jessicahuff.jacobsandco.com

JACOBS & CO. REAL ESTATE, LLC.

12923 Fitzwater Dr. Nokesville, VA 20155

(703) 594-3800 | jacobsandco.com

BRRRR vs. Flipping: A Comparison of Real Estate Investment Strategies (2024)

FAQs

BRRRR vs. Flipping: A Comparison of Real Estate Investment Strategies? ›

Flips typically involve higher-end finishes, while BRRRRs tend to focus on addressing maintenance and upgrades without excessive spending. Both strategies aim to generate equity in the property and profit over time.

Is BRRRR better than flipping? ›

Flipping requires more hands-on work with quicker cash returns, while BRRRR takes longer but offers long-term returns. You'll want to make sure that whichever path you choose aligns with both your short-term goals as well as your long-term plans.

What is the 70% rule for Brrr? ›

Basically, the rule says real estate investors should pay no more than 70% of a property's after-repair value (ARV) minus the cost of the repairs necessary to renovate the home. The ARV of a property is the amount a home could sell for after flippers renovate it.

What is the 75% rule in BRRRR? ›

But how do you know if you've found a great deal? You've probably heard of the 75% rule before — it states that an investor should pay no more than 75% of the ARV (After Repair Value) of a property. For BRRRR, though, you'll also need to consider holding costs.

What is the 1% rule in BRRRR? ›

What is the 1% Rule in BRRRR? The 1% rule in BRRRR investing is a quick method to determine how much rent to charge as a landlord. If you follow the 1% rule, the rent you charge your potential tenants should equal at least 1% of what you paid for the house, including renovation costs, repairs, and other improvements.

What are the disadvantages of BRRRR? ›

The BRRRR Method has risks as well. Some cons to consider include: The cost and work to rehab a home. The added costs of a more expensive or riskier loan.

What are the downsides of Brrr? ›

Disadvantages of the BRRRR Strategy
  • You need to qualify for a mortgage in order to purchase a property. ...
  • You have to find a deal that makes sense. ...
  • You may have to leave some of your initial investment in the deal.
Mar 15, 2023

What is the 50% rule in real estate? ›

The 50% rule is a guideline used by real estate investors to estimate the profitability of a given rental unit. As the name suggests, the rule involves subtracting 50 percent of a property's monthly rental income when calculating its potential profits.

Do you pay taxes on Brrr? ›

The BRRRR method can help you save taxes in several ways, such as: Deducting the depreciation of your property from your rental income. Avoiding or deferring capital gains tax by holding your property for more than a year or using a 1031 exchange.

What is the 1 rule in real estate? ›

The 1% rule of real estate investing measures the price of an investment property against the gross income it can generate. For a potential investment to pass the 1% rule, its monthly rent must equal at least 1% of the purchase price.

What is the 7 rule in real estate? ›

In fact, in marketing, there is a rule that people need to hear your message 7 times before they start to see you as a service provider. Therefore, if you have only had a few conversations with the person that listed with someone else, then chances are, they don't even know you are in real estate.

What is the 80% rule in real estate? ›

What is the 80/20 Rule exactly? It's the idea that 80% of outcomes are driven from 20% of the input or effort in any given situation. What does this mean for a real estate professional? Making more money in real estate is directly tied to focusing your personal energy on the most high value areas of your business.

What is the 8% rule in real estate? ›

The 8% rule is a simple guideline that helps you calculate the total cost of home ownership on a monthly basis. Here's how it works: Property Taxes: In the United States, the average property tax rate is 1.11% across all residential real estate. So, for a $500,000 home, you'd pay $5,500 in property taxes every year.

What is the 4 3 2 1 rule in real estate? ›

Analyzing the 4-3-2-1 Rule in Real Estate

This rule outlines the ideal financial outcomes for a rental property. It suggests that for every rental property, investors should aim for a minimum of 4 properties to achieve financial stability, 3 of those properties should be debt-free, generating consistent income.

Does the BRRRR method really work? ›

The BRRRR strategy is an effective way to buy and hold investment properties with easier access to your capital since you don't need to sell the property to get money or pay short-term capital gains taxes, which reduces your upfront profit.

How much monthly profit should you make on a rental property? ›

Keep in mind, when it comes to real estate cash flow, calculating your expenses and rental property income will be your number one key to success. Anything around 7% or 8% is the average ROI. However, if you'd really like to succeed, you should always aim higher at around 15%.

Is Brrr the best strategy? ›

Ultimately, if you're looking at investing in the real estate market as a long-term endeavour and have the time and patience to make it work, the appreciation on top of passive income you'll gain make BRRRR the best approach for you to adopt.

What is better than flipping a house? ›

Purchasing rental properties tends to be a more common strategy for most real estate investors. Here are some of the major reasons why… – Rental income real estate investing is generally less stressful than flipping, as investors have more time to find and purchase a rental property due to the longer holding period.

What is the 70 rule in real estate flipping? ›

Put simply, the 70 percent rule states that you shouldn't buy a distressed property for more than 70 percent of the home's after-repair value (ARV) — in other words, how much the house will likely sell for once fixed — minus the cost of repairs.

Is the BRRRR method good for beginners? ›

With so many ways to approach real estate investing, it's important to have a detailed strategy to guide you through every step of the process. For many investors—including beginners—the BRRRR method is preferred.

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