Flip vs. Hold Calculator

Compare house flipping vs. rental property investment returns

What is this? This calculator compares two real estate investment strategies: buying a distressed property, renovating it, and selling at a profit (house flipping) vs. buying, renovating, and renting it out long-term. It shows the total profit, annualized return, and risk for each approach.

Who it's for: Real estate investors deciding between fix-and-flip deals and buy-and-hold rentals. Also useful for homeowners considering whether to sell or rent out their current home.
Property Details
Costs & Financing
Flip Analysis
Total Investment
—
Sale Price (minus costs)
—
Flip Profit
—
ROI (Flip)
—
Annualized Return
—
Total Holding Costs
—
Hold Analysis (5-Year)
Cash Required
—
5yr Rental Income
—
5yr Equity Build
—
5yr Cash Flow
—
5yr Total Return
—
COC Return
—

For educational purposes. Not financial advice. Consult a real estate professional.

Real Estate Investment Tools

Run the full analysis. Compare hold vs. flip with these investor-focused tools.

DealCheck — Property Analysis →
30% recurring through Awin — flip vs. hold, rental, wholesale analysis
BiggerPockets →
Real estate investor network — deals, financing, education
Mashvisor →
Property search + investment analytics for real estate investors

We may earn a commission if you click above. Calculator is free to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 70% rule for house flipping?

Maximum offer = After Repair Value (ARV) × 70% - Estimated Repair Costs. This ensures at least 10% gross margin after all selling costs. In competitive markets, use 65-68% to win deals.

Should I flip or hold this property?

Flip if: strong local demand, quick renovation possible, high margin potential. Hold if: strong rental market, long-term appreciation expected, tax benefits valuable. Run the numbers for both scenarios — holding with a cash-out refi can fund the next flip.

What are the biggest flip mistakes?

Underestimating renovation costs (budget 15-20% contingency), long holding periods (holding costs add up fast), overpaying for the property, underestimating selling costs (6% realtor + 2% closing = 8% of sale price), and emotional attachment to the deal.

Related Calculators