Questions about the Rental Calculator

[Jaclyn King]

I am utilizing the BP rental calculator for the first time. When I'm analyzing deals I'm seeing negative monthly cash flow.  However, my goal is to offset my own rent with the income.  For example, monthly rental income is $3,100 but expenses from the calculator show $3,727/month.  The calculator is showing -$627/month.

Does that mean the negative cash flow is what I will need still need to pay in rent each month e.g. $627? 

[Caleb Brown]

With the negative $627 is that with you occupying a unit? If so then being in the hole $627 is normal with the house hack. As you said the goal is to reduce your monthly housing expense, paying $627 towards rent is way under so still worth it. When you occupy a unit you take away part of the income so the calculator will be skewed. I'd run numbers as you occupy and then when you move out down the road.