SFR vs Multifamily: How Brandon Doubled Rental Cash Flow
- By Jim Blackburn
- on
Client Profile:
- Name: Brandon
- Age: 37
- Occupation: Firefighter
- Goal: Buy his first rental and generate income for early retirement
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
The Situation
Brandon had $60,000 saved and was approved for a $450,000 purchase. He originally planned to buy a single-family rental in a new-build neighborhood because it “seemed easier.”
We sat down and ran a side-by-side comparison using the SFR vs. Multifamily Matchmaker Quiz and a custom cash flow projection.
The Analysis
Metric | Single-Family (New Build) | Multifamily (Triplex – Older Build) |
Price | $420,000 | $460,000 |
Rent (Total) | $2,350 | $4,050 |
Expenses (Taxes, Insurance, Mgmt) | $400 | $1,100 |
Mortgage (P&I) | ~$2,300 | ~$2,600 |
Cash Flow | -$350 | +$350–450/month |
Appreciation Potential | Higher | Moderate |
Maintenance | Lower | Higher |
The Decision
Brandon chose the triplex and:
- Lived in one unit for 12 months (owner-occupied financing)
- Rented the other two units for $1,975 and $2,025
- After 1 year, refinanced and moved out
- Now cash flows ~$650/month and manages with a local property manager
The Results (18 Months Later)
- Equity Gained: $43,000 (market + principal)
- Total Cash Flow: ~$7,800/year
- Tax Savings (via depreciation): ~$4,200/year
- Confidence Level: Through the roof
What Brandon Said
“I thought SFRs were safer and easier. But I realized what I actually needed was income. You guys helped me shift from comfort to cash flow — and now I’m thinking about property number two.”
Takeaway for Readers
The “easier” path isn’t always the most profitable. Choosing the right property type depends on your goals — and sometimes, the less obvious option can launch your investment future faster.
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