The single most important number in buy-and-hold investing — how much are you earning on the cash you actually put in?
What is Cash-on-Cash Return? It's the annual cash flow you receive divided by the actual cash you invested — expressed as a percentage. Unlike cap rate, it accounts for your financing. A deal that cash flows $300/month on $30,000 invested returns 12% cash-on-cash. That's your real return on your real dollars.
💵 Enter Your Deal Numbers
Down payment + closing costs + any repairs paid out of pocket
$
Total rent collected per month
$
Principal and interest only — not taxes or insurance
$
Annual taxes ÷ 12
$
Annual landlord policy ÷ 12
$
If self-managing, enter 0. If using a PM company, typically 8–10% of rent.
$
Typical rule: 10% of rent for maintenance + 5% for vacancy
$
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Your Cash-on-Cash Return
0%
Per year on your invested cash
Monthly Cash Flow
$0
After all expenses
Annual Cash Flow
$0
Per year
Total Monthly Expenses
$0
All-in cost per month
📊 How Does Your Deal Compare?
Savings Account (~5%)
5%
Minimum Target (8%)
8%
Good Deal (12%)
12%
Great Deal (15%+)
15%+
Your deal: calculating...
Verdict
Item
Monthly
Pro Tip: Cash-on-cash doesn't count equity buildup, appreciation, or tax benefits — it's purely the cash return on your invested dollars. Most experienced investors target a minimum of 8–10% CoC. If your deal is below that threshold, use the BRRRR Calculator to see if you can engineer a higher return by recycling your capital.