50% rule and loan terms...

[Andy N.]

I am mostly a reader of the forum. I have read many post on here about the 50% rule. I have question that may have already been answered. If it has please forgive me and point me in the right direction.

Its my understanding that the 50% rule tells us that 50% of your rent will go to cover everything but debt service. With that being said how long of terms do you use when evaluating a property. Seems like many that I look at don't cash flow well on 15 years but do on 30.

Thanks in Advance.

Andy