Module 5
Advanced Techniques

Comping for Rental Properties

When selling to landlord buyers, you need different metrics: GRM, cap rate, and the 1% rule matter more than ARV.

The 1% Rule (Quick Test)

Monthly Rent ≥ 1% of Purchase Price

Passes 1% Rule:

$120,000 price × 1% = $1,200/month rent needed

Actual rent: $1,300/month ✓

Fails 1% Rule:

$200,000 price × 1% = $2,000/month rent needed

Actual rent: $1,400/month ✗

Gross Rent Multiplier (GRM)

GRM = Purchase Price ÷ Annual Rent

Lower GRM = Better cash flow potential

GRM under 8 Excellent cash flow
GRM 8-10 Good cash flow
GRM 10-12 Marginal
GRM over 12 Poor cash flow

Example: $120,000 ÷ ($1,200 × 12) = GRM of 8.3 (Good!)

Cap Rate

Cap Rate = (NOI ÷ Purchase Price) × 100

NOI = Annual Rent - Operating Expenses (taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacancy)

8%+ cap rate Strong cash flow market
6-8% cap rate Balanced market
Under 6% cap rate Appreciation play, not cash flow

How to Find Rent Comps

  • Zillow Rentals: Search "For Rent" near subject, filter by beds/baths
  • Rentometer.com: Quick average rent estimates by address
  • Craigslist: Real-time rental listings in the area
  • Property managers: Ask what similar properties rent for

Key Takeaway

Landlord buyers care about cash flow, not ARV. When marketing to landlords, lead with: monthly rent, cap rate, and GRM. These numbers sell rental properties.

Module 5
Advanced Techniques

Comping for Rental Properties

When selling to landlord buyers, ARV isn't everything. Learn the metrics that matter: GRM, cap rate, and the 1% rule.

The 1% Rule (Quick Screen)

Monthly Rent ≥ 1% of Purchase Price

✓ Passes 1% Rule

$150,000 price → $1,500/mo rent

Good cash flow potential

✗ Fails 1% Rule

$200,000 price → $1,400/mo rent

May not cash flow well

Gross Rent Multiplier (GRM)

GRM = Price ÷ Annual Rent

Lower GRM = Better deal for landlords

Under 8

Excellent

8-10

Good

Over 10

Weak

Example: $120,000 price ÷ ($1,200/mo × 12) = GRM of 8.3

Cap Rate

Cap Rate = NOI ÷ Price × 100

NOI = Annual Rent - Operating Expenses (taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacancy)

Higher cap rate = Better return for landlords

Under 6%

Low yield

6-8%

Average

8%+

Strong

Example: $14,400 annual rent - $4,400 expenses = $10,000 NOI

$10,000 ÷ $120,000 × 100 = 8.3% Cap Rate

Finding Rental Comps

  • Zillow Rental Manager: See active and recently rented listings
  • Rentometer.com: Quick rent estimates by address
  • Facebook Marketplace: Real-time local rental listings
  • Property managers: Ask local PMs what similar properties rent for

Key Takeaway

When your buyer is a landlord, lead with rental numbers. "This property rents for $1,400/mo at a 9% cap rate" is more compelling to them than "ARV is $180K."