What Does Real Cash Flow Look Like in 2025?

[Joseph Snyder]

Kicking off my first post here with a question I’ve been reflecting on lately:
What does actual cash flow look like in 2025?

I've been in real estate for nearly 10 years—flips, STR, MTR, by-the-room, and LTR. I'm now based in Columbus, Ohio, but I still own and operate 6 rentals in Norfolk, VA, which bring in around $3,500–$4,500/month net.

At one point I had 16 units, clearing about $8K/month, but I trimmed down for simplicity and efficiency.

I also ran a profitable Airbnb in New Orleans via rental arbitrage, which gave me great insight into short-term rental operations without owning the asset.

The market’s different in 2025—rates are higher, prices are sticky, and cash flow is tighter—but I still believe there’s opportunity if you:
✅ Buy with intention
✅ Use the right strategy (STR/MTR/LTR/etc.)
✅ Self-manage or add value yourself
✅ Focus on net, not hype

I’d love to hear from other investors:
→ Are you still seeing cash flow?
→ What’s working in your market (and what’s not)?

Let’s keep it real — no guru math.