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 BRRRR? ›

This rule states that the most an investor should pay for a property is 70% of the After Repair Value minus the estimated rehab cost. The idea is that the remaining 30% will cover the real estate commission, closing costs and so forth while still leaving a healthy profit.

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 downsides of BRRRR? ›

The BRRRR Method

There are, however, legitimate downsides to BRRRR investing. It requires a good understanding of real estate valuations and renovation costs to accurately forecast after-repair values (ARVs)—a mistake here could result in being stuck with a mortgage that's higher than the property's worth.

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 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.

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.

What is the 50% rule in rental property? ›

The 50% rule or 50 rule in real estate says that half of the gross income generated by a rental property should be allocated to operating expenses when determining profitability. The rule is designed to help investors avoid the mistake of underestimating expenses and overestimating profits.

What is the 2% rule in real estate? ›

The 2% rule is a rule of thumb that determines how much rental income a property should theoretically be able to generate. Following the 2% rule, an investor can expect to realize a positive cash flow from a rental property if the monthly rent is at least 2% of the purchase price.

Do you pay taxes on Brrr? ›

Because you are retaining the property to rent to tenants, you have not disposed of (sold) the property therefore there are no company or personal taxes to pay on any sale at the moment. Eventual sale and rental profits are however taxable.

What is the rule of thumb for BRRRR? ›

This general rule of thumb is popular among BRRRR investors and house flippers. Simply put, you shouldn't pay more than 70% of the estimated after-repair value. The 30% financial cushion helps offset repair costs while giving you sufficient equity to qualify for a refinance.

What is a perfect BRRRR? ›

The BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) Method is a real estate investment approach that involves flipping a distressed property, renting it out and then getting a cash-out refinance on it to fund further rental property investments.

Is Brrr the best strategy? ›

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.

What is better than flipping a house? ›

Owning rental property has the potential to generate great returns, especially if held over several years. While you won't be enjoying a lump sum of cash, like flipping a house might produce, you will be collecting consistent income in smaller amounts for as long as you choose to own and rent out the property.

Is the BRRRR method safe? ›

Potential risks associated with the BRRRR strategy

The biggest risk is the ever-fluctuating real estate market, including property values, interest rates and renovation costs that can all impact the profits of your investment.

How many times can you BRRRR in a year? ›

All in, you're looking at around 4 months to buy a property and refinance it, and that's probably on the optimistic side. At that rate, 2-3 properties per year seems more realistic (and still great). But I've seen people who claim to have picked up 5 or 6 properties in a single year using BRRRR strategies.

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