After utilizing a commercial real estate loan calculator to determine loan payments, the next step in designing a property investment plan requires a look at estimated cash flow and projected financial data. With real estate values rising across the nation, properties listed today will likely increase in value over the next few years. With major lenders relaxing restrictions on construction loans, investors have the opportunity to build new facilities and plan for future cash flow or invest in existing structures to generate immediate cash flow.

One of the most useful features of a commercial real estate loan calculator is that entering different values helps investors plan against the potential for negative cash flow issues. The difference of just a few fractions of a percentage point on mortgage calculators meant for residential properties may make a subtle difference in monthly payment amounts.

However, changing the percentages and amortization details on a commercial calculator may give significantly different results when large properties are under consideration for investment. A property that costs a few million dollars will need every penny scrutinized while a home that needs a few hundred thousand dollars for investment might have more “wiggle” room regarding payments.

Unfortunately, many investors today have started to purchase properties without performing the necessary financial analysis on whether those properties will offer eventual rental income. Beyond using a commercial real estate loan calculator for payment estimates, investors must also consider closing costs, rehabilitation costs, and operating expenses.

Although it’s possible to estimate mortgage payment details with closing costs rolled into the number, the cost of a property’s renovation and the operating costs will make a significant dent in any immediate rental income granted by the property. Whether an investor has the money to buy a property or not, it’s the costs that come after the final papers are signed that will impact future profits.

However, not everything about commercial real estate investing should feel like a financial drain and tremendous risk. Although the process is certainly one that requires research and planning, many properties on the market right now do have the potential to generate positive cash flow.

While a commercial real estate loan calculator should allow an investor to calculate mortgage payment details, a calculator should also help an investor determine whether a potential return will exceed basic monthly payments. It’s important to consider the positive returns of features like tax benefits and value appreciation. It’s essential that investors take into account a few years of market trends, as well as current announcements from the Federal Reserve on likely interest rate changes.

For investors who do not yet have a significant real estate portfolio, investing in apartments offers one of the best ways to experience immediate cash flow from commercial investing. A commercial real estate loan calculator may be used to determine payment information on apartment loans with a number of different variables.

One of the most significant differences between rental houses and apartment rentals for the owner is that an apartment complex requires less maintenance per tenant than a house. Consider that a house with one family has one roof, which may need upgrading at a certain point.

Whether an investor decides to start with an apartment complex, or whether something more significant like a retail mall, warehouse building or large commercial building, understanding your financial options can play a key role in your long-term profit potential. Thus, mastering the various financial formulas when using a commercial real estate loan calculator should always come first when researching and completing your financial due diligence for your commercial property investments.