- 9 Reasons to Convert your Short-term Rental to Long-termOver the past 10 years, there has been incredible growth in short-term rentals. With the onset of COVID-19, things have changed. Find out why long-term rentals are better than short-term rentals.
- Everything Landlords and Managers Need to Know About CoronavirusFor landlords, Realtors®, and property managers, here is what you need to know in 2020 in the context of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
- What Every Landlord Must Know About Fair HousingDid you know that you can be in violation of Fair Housing (and get fined for it) if you put “great family neighborhood” in your rental housing advertisement? The Fair Housing Act is a piece of legislation that was created to help create equality in neighborhoods across the country.
- Top Tips for Managing Multiple Tenants and RoommatesMany landlords think having multiple roommates will be a burden and damage the property. However, roommates can provide many advantages to landlords.
- Risks with Venmo, Paypal, and Zelle, for Rent CollectionVenmo, PayPal, Zelle and direct deposit are not good methods to collect rent for landlords, real estate agents, and managers. Find out why.
- How to Handle Tenants with Pets and Service and Emotional Support AnimalsPets and companion animals are becoming more common with tenants. As a landlord, learn how to respond to emotional support and therapy animals. And, learn more about whether to allow pets in your rental.
- The Best Rental Property Management Software in 2025Discover the best rental property management software in 2025. Compare 15 top platforms with features, pricing, and recommendations for every portfolio size.
- How to Advertise Your Rental Property in CaliforniaDiscover how to advertise your rental property in California, attract tenants fast, and maximize your income with our complete step-by-step guide.
- How to Advertise Your Rental Property in ArkansasDiscover how to advertise your rental property in Arkansas, attract tenants fast, and maximize your income with our complete step-by-step guide.
- How to Advertise Your Rental Property in GeorgiaWhether you own a cozy Atlanta condo or a spacious home in Savannah, knowing how to advertise your rental property effectively is crucial to maximizing your investment. Georgia’s rental market is strong, but competition can be fierce. A poorly advertised property risks sitting vacant, while a well-marketed one can fill in days with a qualified tenant. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to advertise your Georgia rental property the right way. Why Rental Advertising Matte
- NAICS Code for Real Estate Investment: Landlord's GuideIn the world of real estate investment, small details can have significant consequences, especially when it comes to how your business is classified. If you've ever formed an LLC, applied for a loan, or filed your taxes, you've likely encountered something called a NAICS code. And if you’re a real estate investor, choosing the correct code isn’t just a formality—it’s a strategic move that can impact everything from compliance to funding eligibility. What Is a NAICS Code? The North American In
- Tenant Liability Insurance vs Renters InsuranceLearn the difference between tenant liability insurance vs renters insurance, what each covers, and which one renters and landlords need for peace of mind.
- Byte-Sized InvestmentTracy & Han used Hemlane to self-manage their rentals, save 70% of their time, and scale to over $10K/month in cash flow—without a property manager.
- Getting Evicted? Don’t Panic — Here’s What You Can DoFacing eviction? Learn what to expect, understand your rights, and find legal help, rental assistance, and housing resources near you. Learn what steps you can do to prevent yourself from getting evicted.
- When is Rent Due? Paying Rent for the Month Ahead or Behind?Wondering if rent is paid ahead or behind? Learn when rent is typically due, what “advance rent” means, and how to pay through platforms like Hemlane.
- Rental Property Loans: Best Options & Investment StrategiesExplore the best rental property loan options, financing strategies, and key factors to consider when investing in real estate for maximum profitability.
- California Pet Rent Laws in 2025: A Guide for LandlordsLearn about California pet rent laws, including deposits, fees, and tenant rights. Find out what landlords can charge and how to set clear pet policies.
- Our Guide to Condominium Property Management SuccessDiscover key responsibilities, challenges, and tips for successful condominium property management to create a well-maintained and thriving community.
- 12 Best Property Management Software for 2025Discover the 12 best landlord software platforms of 2025 to streamline property management. Compare features, benefits, and find the perfect fit for your rentals!
- Mitigate Eviction Risks: Effective Strategies with Property Management ToolsEviction is costly for landlords and tenants, with far-reaching implications. Eviction can cost landlords a lot of money and legal fees, while renters risk displacement, loss of residence, and rental history harm. As frequent evictions exacerbate housing instability and homelessness, communities suffer the ripple effects. Non-payment of rent, lease violations, and property damage are common eviction grounds, but preventive measures can reduce these risks. Landlords can reduce evictions b
The Real Estate Pro-Forma [+ Free Download]
This pro-forma will help you determine whether to purchase a rental property based on the cash flow and expected return.
Investment Strategy before the Pro Forma
The #1 mistake made by real estate investors is that they use emotion to make purchase decisions on rental properties. With a buy/hold strategy for rental properties, emotion should not get in the way of where and how to make your investment. There are two different investment strategies to purchase rental properties, and many real estate investors use a combination of both:
- Appreciation: Some investors will focus on expensive markets where the value is in the appreciation of the land. These investment properties tend to be in major urban cities, and there may not be any cash flow (in other words, you pay more in your mortgage than you receive in rent). But, a long-term hold on the property can eventually turn it into a cash flowing operation with higher value.
- Cash flow: This is used by most professional real estate investors, where they are looking to receive immediate cash flow after purchasing a property. Once they put a down payment on the property, typically 20 percent, then the mortgage is paid via the tenant's rental payment.
Neither strategy is a get rich quick, and rental properties require a long-term investment.
Creating a Real Estate Investment Pro Forma
A spreadsheet will take the emotion out of the purchase. These financial spreadsheets use data and numbers to determine whether you will get a good financial return on the investments. Our team provides both Excel AND Google Sheets for download. Please note that this is a template and you are responsible for checking the numbers, formulas, and math.
Other Ways to Succeed In Real Estate Investing
You will want to hire a strong REALTOR® who knows the market and works with real estate investors. They will help you make the right decision and call you out on some of the numbers. For example, if you keep the eviction rate the same across property classes, then you most likely have a calculation error in your real estate investor pro forma. Class D properties have an increased likelihood of eviction compared to Class B or Class A properties.
You also need to make sure you have capital for your real estate investments. This includes a reserve for any unforeseen expenses in the first year. Know what you can afford on the down payment and/or find alternative financing to fund your investment. And if you're just getting started, learn more about the best strategies for real estate investing.
