The BRRRR Method: The 5 Numbers That Decide a Deal

Updated 2026 · PropVision

BRRRR stands for Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat — a strategy for recycling the same down payment into deal after deal. It only works if the numbers line up. Here are the five that decide whether a BRRRR is a winner or a trap.

1. Purchase price

Buy below market. The whole model depends on creating equity, so you need a discount going in — distressed, dated, or motivated-seller deals. Pay retail and BRRRR falls apart.

2. Rehab cost

Be brutally realistic. Get real contractor numbers and add a 10–15% buffer. Underestimating rehab is the most common reason BRRRR deals leave too much cash stuck in the property.

3. ARV (After-Repair Value)

What it's worth renovated. Pull comps of similar, recently-sold renovated homes. Your refinance is based on ARV, so getting this right is everything.

4. The refinance

Usually 75% of ARV. Most lenders refinance up to ~75% of the after-repair value. If ARV is $300k, you can pull out ~$225k. The goal: that payout covers your purchase + rehab so you recover most (or all) of your cash.

5. Cash left in the deal

The scorecard. Cash left in = (purchase + rehab + closing) − refinance proceeds. The dream is near-zero (an "infinite return"). Under ~$15k and still cash-flowing is a strong BRRRR.
Quick gut-check formula: (75% × ARV) ≥ (Purchase + Rehab). If that holds, you'll likely recover your capital on the refinance.

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