Strategies

BRRRR Calculator: How the Strategy Really Works

BRRRR — Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat — lets you recycle the same capital across multiple properties. Done right, you pull most or all of your cash back out at refinance and keep the property as a cash-flowing rental.

The five steps

Buy below market, Rehab to force up the value, Rent it out, Refinance based on the higher after-repair value, then Repeat with the cash you pulled out.

The number that matters: cash left in deal

At refinance, the new loan (typically 75% of ARV) pays off your purchase loan and returns cash to you. Subtract that from what you invested and you get your cash left in the deal. The smaller it is, the higher your return — and if it's zero, your cash-on-cash return is effectively infinite.

Where BRRRR goes wrong

Over-optimistic ARV, rehab overruns, and rising refinance rates are the usual culprits. Always stress-test a conservative ARV and a higher rate before committing.

Run the numbers automatically

Fix & Flip / BRRRR Analyzer

Stop computing this by hand. The Fix & Flip / BRRRR Analyzer does it for you — instantly, with a clear verdict at the end. One-time $34, works in Excel & Google Sheets.

View the Fix & Flip / BRRRR Analyzer

FAQ

What refinance LTV should I assume?
Most lenders refinance investment properties at around 70–75% of the after-repair value. Use the lower end to stay safe.
Can I really get all my money back?
Sometimes — if you buy well below value and the rehab adds enough. Often you leave some cash in, which is still fine if the rental cash flows.

← Or start with the free Quick Calculator