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Complete A to Z on how to flip homes. From how to find the perfect property to selling it for the most profit possible. This 6 part series has everything you need to know.

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Flipping 101

Complete A to Z on how to flip homes. From how to find the perfect property to selling it for the most profit possible. This 6 part series has everything you need to know.

Breaking Down BRRRR

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The Ultimate Guide to the BRRRR Method in Real Estate Investing

October 25, 20234 min read

Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to diversify your portfolio or someone brand new to the world of real estate, the BRRRR Method offers a dynamic approach that can help you build wealth, generate passive income, and achieve your financial goals.

In this guide, we'll delve deep into what the BRRRR Method is, how it works, and why it has become the go-to strategy for many successful investors.

What Is The BRRRR Method?

The BRRRR Method, an acronym that stands for Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, and Repeat, is a powerful real estate investment strategy designed to help investors acquire and grow their real estate portfolios while maximizing their returns. The key to BRRRR is recycling your initial investment, allowing you to acquire additional properties and build wealth over time. This strategy not only offers the potential for substantial cash flow and equity growth but also provides a pathway to financial independence through real estate investing.

1. Buy

The first step in the BRRRR Method sets the stage for your entire real estate investment journey: Buying the right property at the right price. To successfully implement the BRRRR strategy, it's essential to identify properties that have the potential to appreciate in value once they're rehabbed and rented. This often means targeting distressed or undervalued properties that may require significant work but present a promising investment opportunity.

Thorough market research and due diligence are crucial at this stage. Investors should evaluate neighborhoods, property values, comparable sales, and potential rental income to make informed decisions. Securing favorable financing terms, like a hard money loan, can also significantly impact the overall success of the BRRRR Method. By acquiring properties strategically and with a keen eye on long-term potential, you lay the foundation for a profitable BRRRR investment.

2. Rehab

Once you've acquired a property as part of the BRRRR Method, the next critical phase is rehabilitation or "rehab." This stage involves making necessary repairs and improvements to enhance the property's value and appeal. Investors often focus on both cosmetic upgrades and structural fixes, depending on the property's condition and goals. The key is to strike a balance between maximizing the property's potential for appreciation and managing renovation costs effectively. This may include tasks like renovating kitchens and bathrooms, updating flooring, addressing electrical and plumbing issues, and improving the property's overall aesthetics. Successful rehabbing not only increases the property's market value but also allows you to attract higher-quality tenants, which is crucial for generating steady rental income. A well-executed rehab can be a game-changer in the BRRRR Method, ensuring that your property becomes a profitable asset in your real estate portfolio.

3. Rent

The next step of the BRRRR method is rent. Renting out the property provides a steady stream of passive income. To maximize your returns, it’s essential to set competitive rental rates based on local market conditions and property features. One easy way to calculate how much rent to charge is using the 1% rule. This means that  the rent you charge your tenants should equal at least 1% of what you paid for the house, including renovations, repairs, and other improvements.

Additionally, you'll need to screen potential tenants rigorously to ensure they are reliable and can meet their rental obligations. Maintaining the property and responding promptly to tenant requests is crucial for tenant retention and minimizing vacancies, both of which are essential for the BRRRR method's success.

4. Refinance

After the property has been renovated and is generating rental income, it's time to work with lenders to reassess its value. If the property's value has indeed appreciated due to your improvements, you can refinance the property to access a new mortgage with more favorable terms. This often means pulling out a significant portion of the equity you've created through the rehab process. The goal here is to secure a loan that covers most, if not all, of your initial investment. By doing so, you free up your capital to repeat the BRRRR process with another property, effectively recycling your funds and accelerating your real estate portfolio growth. 

5. Repeat

The last step of the BRRRR process is known as repeat. It involves using the capital you've freed up from your refinanced property to embark on acquiring yet another investment property. As you continue to replicate these steps, you'll not only expand your portfolio but also increase your overall cash flow and equity, ultimately realizing the true potential of the BRRRR Method in building wealth.


At 1st Truitt, we understand the importance of investing in real estate and provide our clients with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions. Our team of experienced professionals can help you find the right opportunity and guide you through the entire process. So, if you're ready to take the plunge and get into real estate investing, let us help you make it a reality. Contact us today to get started.

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TERMINOLOGY

Personal Guarantor A person who agrees to assume responsibility for any remaining owed amounts on a loan should there be any.

Total Project Cost (TPC) The purchase price plus your rehab budget.

Loan to Value Ratio (LTV) The comparison of the size of the loan you are requesting compared to the appraised of the value of the asset.

Example: Assume you want to buy a home worth (value) 100k, you have 20k as a down payments, you will borrower 80k your loan to value is 80%.

Loan to Cost Ratio (LTC) This measures the ratio between the total loan amount and the total cost of the project (purchase and the rehab budget) This is the calculated by the loan amount divided by the rehab budget)

Example: Assume the purchase price is 75k and the rehab budget is 25k the total project cost is 100k. Total project cost 100k – 20k down payment = 80k /100k = 80% LTC.

Appraisal A professional assessment of how much a house is currently worth or going to be worth, after a renovation is completed.

Comparable (Comps) A real estate appraisal term referring to properties with similar characteristics to the subject whose value is being determined.

Square Footage of the home

Typically, within one mile of the subject property

Most recent sales price preferably within 6 months

Number of bedrooms and baths

After Repair Value (ARV) The value of a property after it has been improved, renovated or fixed up. It is the estimated future value of the property after it has been repaired.

As-is Value The value of a property as it exists legally and physically, as of the effective date of value.

Scope of Work This is an outline of all the renovations scheduled to be completed before the house is sold, as well as their anticipated costs. The SOW also gives a timetable of when the service provider expects each component of the rehab to be completed.

Settlement Charges Total cost charged to the borrower that is paid at closing. These include but are not limited to lender’s fees (origination), broker fees, title/attorney fees, pre-paid interest, builder’s risk insurance, and down payment.

Origination Points Fees paid to the lender and broker for the evaluation, process, and approval of the hard money loan.

For example – 1 origination point is equal to 1% of the loan amount, 1-point origination of 100k loan amount is 1k.

Builder’s Risk Insurance This is the insurance required by the lender that covers the construction materials, equipment and property related to the building being constructed. Typically, 1 to 4% of construction cost and is paid in full for 12 months at closing.

Draw Schedule A payment plan for construction or renovation projects. This schedule helps lenders determine when they are going to distribute funds to their borrower based on the value of the work completed.

Distressed Properties Properties that are in poor condition or under siege financially (which may include foreclosure); they usually represent great opportunities for fix and flip investments.

Exit Strategy How the borrower plans to pay off the loan, as well as turn a profit. Having a clear exit strategy is an important part of developing your overall plan for the project which will help determine the best type of financing for the deal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hard money loan?

A hard money loan is a type of asset-based loan financing through which a borrower receives funds secured by real property.

What steps do I take to obtain a hard-money loan?

Begin the application process by clicking “Inquire Now” at the bottom of the page.

What states do you lend in?

We lend nationwide except for AZ, MN, NV, NY, SD, ND, OR & UT.

Can I get a loan if I am a 1st-time flipper with no experience?

YES!  1st Truitt works with new investors every day.  The real estate investment industry has seen a huge increase in the number of active renovators over the past 10 years.  We make it a priority to build long-term relationships with those new to the industry, and are happy to take the time to educate new investors and walk you through the process from start to finish.

Will you lend money for the Renovation?

Yes! We will lend up to 100% of the rehab costs.

How fast can I get my money?

With you and the seller’s assistance, we typically fund in 10 days or less.  Our goal is for 1st Truitt to never be the delay in getting your loan closed.  Once we have a completed application and your documentation in place, we can pre-approve you.  And once we have a clear title, appraisal, and inspection report, we fund the loan. How much money do I need to bring to the table at closing? What are your loan terms? How much money do I need to put down on a property before you’ll give me a loan? Do you require collateral other than real estate?

What are the advantages of using hard money?

Simple qualification process, Easier to get approved, Faster Closings, Allows for multiple deals at once, Leverages your money almost 3 to 1 verses conventional or bank financing

What is LTV and ARV?

LTV is Loan to Value. It is a ratio of the value of the property in relation to the loan amount. ARV is After Repair Value and it is one of the ways that 1st Truitt is preferable to traditional lending. Because we loan based on the value of the improved or newly constructed property, you are able to tap into the full equity value of the completed project.

Is there a prepayment penalty?

1st Truitt NEVER has a prepayment penalty on our loans!  You are permitted to pay off your loan at any time prior to its maturity date without any penalty.

Can I get approved for several loans at once?

Yes!  We look at your assets, financials, and your experience to get the whole picture.  We could approve you for several simultaneous loans, for a total financing package up to $2M.  Every individual property needs to be appraised and inspected, and every loan needs to stand on its own merits, but we have approved our more experienced investors for up to 7, even 12+, simultaneous loan projects at a time.  As individual loans are paid off and new loans are taken out, we would need to periodically update your financials to confirm that you have the financial standing to support the loan burden you are taking on.

Will 1st Truitt provide a proof of funds letter?

Yes, 1st Truitt will provide a proof of funds letter after the potential borrower has been financially qualified.  The proof of funds letter will be contingent upon further review of the borrower and the collateral.

Hear What Our Clients Say

500+ Investors have trusted us to fund their latest projects

George Owens

I would give them 5 stars! They are easy to work with, close quickly, release draws quickly, and are always willing to work with you! This team is top-notch, with great customer service skills, and willing to help guide you on the way! I would give them 5 stars! They are easy to work with, close quickly, release draws quickly, and are always willing to work with you! This team is top-notch, with great customer service skills, and willing to help guide you on the way!

Max Tanner

I have been working with 1st Truitt for the past 3 years and they always fund on time and have good terms for our fix and flip projects. Their underwriting and turn time is faster than any other lender we have ever used. I would definitely recommend!

Kim Fosley

1st Truitt, thanks for making it happen today. Working with a local, direct decision-maker with flexibility such as yourself has been the best experience I've had with a lender since we started purchasing properties.

*Bridge loan rates and terms are based on a combination of factors: LTV, FICO, and experience and are subject to change. Interest rates or charges herein are not recommended, approved, set or established by the State of Kansas.

†Rental loan and Rental Portfolio loan rates and terms are based on a combination of factors: LTV, FICO, and experience and are subject to change. Non-owner-occupied rental properties only. Interest rates or charges herein are not recommended, approved, set or established by the State of Kansas. Cash-out LTV based solely off of appraised value, not cost basis.

+Ask your loan originator how a Rental Portfolio Loan positively impacts you as an individual.

Loans available in AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, and WV, as well as Washington D.C. Prepayment penalties as allowable by state.

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