What does ‘cash flow’ refer to in real estate investing?

In real estate investing, cash flow is defined as the net income generated from an investment property after all expenses are deducted. This encompasses all income sources associated with the property, such as rent collected, minus the costs incurred, including mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and management fees.

Understanding cash flow is critical for investors because it helps gauge the property's profitability and overall financial health. A positive cash flow indicates that the property generates more income than it costs to operate, while a negative cash flow suggests the opposite, potentially leading to financial challenges for the investor. Investors aim for properties that provide steady and sufficient cash flow to ensure sustainability and growth in their investment strategies.