Plain definition
A number on a listing or pro forma is bundled with assumptions: vacancy, who pays utilities, and which repairs are yours. Strip the bundle before you call it “income” or “return.”
For rent versus buy, start from Rent vs Buy, then tie the words to one related lesson so you see how practitioners use the same term differently.
What people mix up
When two investors “agree” on cap or cash flow, they often used different expense lists. Sync line items before you debate.
Cross-check Related lesson and Another angle—if both narratives fit your numbers after you align inputs, you are ready to decide.
Check your numbers now
One sentence
Write “NOI includes ___ and excludes ___.” Blank lines mean you are not finished defining the term.
Compare
| Casual use | Careful use |
|---|---|
| “Great cash flow” | Rent minus documented expenses and realistic vacancy |
| “Market cap” | Your NOI on your actual rent and costs |
| “Deal works” | Survives rate +1% and one month vacant |
Name every expense line Then quote cap or cash flow
Your numbers
Core lesson
Go deeper: Rent vs Buy — if one number still does not feel right, enter it in the calculators above and change one input at a time to see what drives the result.
Use the calculator
FAQ
- Where is the main lesson?
Rent vs Buy is the hub with related lessons linked from it.
- Which calculator should I open first?
Use Rent vs buy or Home afford for housing tradeoffs; Loan or Amortization for payments and equity.