BRRRR Method Tips

Quick, actionable BRRRR tips — proactive moves that improve your odds, distinct from our mistakes to avoid list and our full step-by-step guide.

Before You Buy

• Talk to your refinance lender before you buy, not after — confirm seasoning requirements and DSCR expectations up front.
• Underwrite to a conservative ARV, not the most optimistic comp you can find.
• Get a firm rehab bid before making an offer, not a rough guess — surprises in the rehab budget are the fastest way to trap extra capital.

During the Rehab

• Build to rental-grade quality, not retail-flip quality — durable materials beat high-end finishes for rentals.
• Add a rehab contingency (commonly 10-15%) instead of budgeting to the penny.
• Photograph everything as you go — appraisers and future buyers both respond well to documented, clearly-completed work.

During Tenant Placement

• Screen thoroughly even under time pressure — a bad tenant costs more than a few extra weeks of vacancy while you find a good one.
• Get the lease signed and rent flowing before you approach your refinance lender — most want to see it in writing, not just verbally confirmed.

At Refinance

• Order the appraisal only once the rehab is fully complete and photo-documented — an appraiser walking into an unfinished property will value it that way.
• Have your lease, rent roll, and updated insurance ready before the lender asks — it speeds the process meaningfully.
• Shop more than one refinance lender if you have time — seasoning requirements and LTV limits vary and can change how much capital you get back.

For the Long Run

• Track your actual results (cash left in each deal, real cash-on-cash return) after every cycle — this is how your underwriting improves over time.
• Don't force a repeat on a bad deal just to keep the cycle going — a paused cycle beats a bad property.