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CapRateCity
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The CapRateCity Blog

Guides, data, and analysis for rental property investors. No fluff — just the numbers and strategies that actually matter.

9 min read

What Is a Good Cap Rate? 2026 Guide for Rental Property Investors

Cap rate ranges by city, what affects cap rates, and where to find 6%+ markets. Data from 775 US cities.

8 min read

How to Calculate Cap Rate: Formula, Examples & Common Mistakes

The cap rate formula with 3 real-world examples using actual city data. Common mistakes to avoid and free calculator.

12 min read

Best Cities for Rental Property Investing in 2026 (Data-Driven)

The 20 best cities for rental property investing, ranked by cap rate and cash flow potential across 775 markets.

8 min read

The 1% Rule in Real Estate: Does It Still Work in 2026?

We tested the 1% rule against 775 US cities. Here's what we found and what to use instead.

10 min read

The BRRRR Method Explained: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat — with real numbers, examples, and a free BRRRR calculator.

8 min read

Cash on Cash Return: What It Is, How to Calculate It, and What's Good

Your actual ROI on invested capital. Formula, real examples, and how it differs from cap rate.

10 min read

11 Rental Property Tax Deductions Every Investor Should Know

Maximize your tax savings. 11 deductions landlords can claim including depreciation, mortgage interest, and more.

9 min read

How to Analyze a Rental Property in 15 Minutes

A step-by-step framework to analyze any rental property deal. Cap rate, cash flow, and deal-breaker checks.

10 min read

Section 8 Rental Investing: Pros, Cons & Best Markets in 2026

How the program works for landlords, pros and cons, and which cities have the strongest Section 8 demand.

10 min read

Out of State Real Estate Investing: Complete Guide for 2026

How to invest remotely — market selection, building a team, property management, and the best markets.

9 min read

DSCR Loans Explained: How to Qualify for Investment Property Financing

Qualify based on property income, not personal income. How DSCR loans work, requirements, and rates.

8 min read

Is It Ever OK to Buy a Negative Cash Flow Rental Property?

When negative cash flow makes sense and when it doesn't. The math behind appreciation vs cash flow investing.

10 min read

How Much Money Do You Need to Invest in Rental Property?

Every cost broken down — down payment, closing costs, reserves, rehab. 3 real scenarios from $25K to $65K entry.

9 min read

Rental Property ROI: How to Calculate Your Real Return

Why most ROI numbers are misleading. 4 types of return compared on the same property with real math.

11 min read

Every Rental Property Expense You Need to Budget For

12 expense categories with dollar ranges. Total expense ratio and stress-test scenarios.

12 min read

Best States for Rental Property Investing in 2026

Top 10 and bottom 5 states ranked by taxes, landlord laws, cap rates, and growth.

10 min read

How to Find Rental Property Deals in 2026 (11 Methods)

11 proven methods from MLS to driving for dollars. Cost, hit rate, and how each works.

10 min read

7 Ways to Finance a Rental Property in 2026

Conventional, DSCR, FHA, VA, hard money, seller financing, HELOC — compared side by side.

10 min read

Property Management: DIY vs Hiring a Manager

Full cost breakdown, when to hire, red flags, and the break-even point.

9 min read

Tenant Screening Checklist: How to Find Reliable Renters

7-step screening process, legal requirements, and red flags that predict problems.

11 min read

Real Estate vs Stocks: Which Investment Wins in 2026?

Side-by-side comparison of returns, leverage, taxes, and liquidity with 10-year math.

10 min read

House Hacking: How to Live for Free While Building Wealth

4 strategies, FHA financing, and a full duplex example with the math.

10 min read

Rental Property Depreciation: The Tax Benefit That Pays You to Own

27.5-year schedule, cost segregation, and how depreciation creates paper losses.

8 min read

Average Cap Rates by City: 2026 Data for 775 US Markets

Regional averages, top 10 highest, top 10 lowest, and how to interpret cap rates.

8 min read

How to Calculate Cap Rate on Rental Property

The complete guide to capitalization rate — formula, step-by-step examples, what's a good cap rate, and common mistakes investors make.

7 min read

Cap Rate vs Cash-on-Cash Return: What's the Difference?

Two essential metrics that tell very different stories about your investment. Learn when to use each and why they sometimes disagree.

7 min read

The 1% Rule in Real Estate: Does It Still Work in 2025?

Where the 1% rule came from, which cities still pass it, and what to use instead when the math doesn't add up.

12 min read

15 Best Cities to Buy Rental Property in 2025

Data-driven rankings based on cap rates, population growth, tax rates, and price-to-income ratios across 300 US markets.

10 min read

BRRRR Strategy Explained: Complete Guide with Calculator

Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat — how to build a rental portfolio by recycling your capital. Full walkthrough with numbers.

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