Investopedia explains 'One Percent Rule'
Purchasing a piece of property for investment requires a thorough analysis of future rents compared to the cost of owning that property. Property owners want to maintain a cash flow greater than costs. For example, an investor is looking to purchase a home valued at $200,000, with the goal of renting the home out for income. After placing 20% down, the investor has a mortgage of $160,000. The one percent rule says that the home would have to be rented out for no less than $1,600 per month ($160,000 * .01).
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