When you search properties on RealixData, every listing gets a Deal Score from 0 to 100. It's designed to answer one question: "Is this property worth investigating further?" Here's exactly how it works, what each score range means, and why we built it this way.
The 6 Scoring Factors
Each property is evaluated across six dimensions. Here's the breakdown with exact weights:
| Factor | Weight | What It Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Flow | 30% | Monthly income after all expenses |
| Cap Rate | 20% | Unlevered return on the property |
| 1% Rule | 15% | Rent-to-price ratio screening |
| Price-to-Rent Ratio | 15% | How many years of rent to recoup purchase price |
| Market Conditions | 10% | Local price trends and market health |
| Property Condition | 10% | Age, maintenance needs, listing quality |
What the Score Ranges Mean
80-100: Exceptional Deal
Strong cash flow, high cap rate, meets the 1% rule. These are rare — when you find one, move fast. Fewer than 5% of properties score here.
60-79: Good Opportunity
Solid fundamentals with room to optimize. May need better financing terms or minor value-add to become great. About 15% of properties fall here.
40-59: Average
Typical for the market. May cash flow slightly or break even. Could work for appreciation plays in growing markets. About 35% of properties.
20-39: Below Average
Negative cash flow likely. Overpriced for the rental income it generates. Needs significant price negotiation to work. About 30% of properties.
0-19: Poor Investment
Deep negative cash flow, poor cap rate, fails basic screening. May still be a good primary residence — just not a good rental investment. About 15%.
Why We Weight Cash Flow at 30%
Cash flow is king for rental investors. A property that generates positive cash flow from day one protects you against market downturns, vacancy, and unexpected repairs. You can survive a slow market when your property pays for itself — you can't survive it when you're feeding it $500/month from your pocket.
Trust Notes: When Scores Seem Too Good
Sometimes a property shows a 40%+ cap rate or $5,000/month cash flow. Is it a hidden gem? Usually not. These outliers often have:
- Incorrect or outdated listing data
- Inflated rent estimates that won't hold in reality
- Major undisclosed issues (foundation, roof, environmental)
- Properties in areas with very high vacancy or crime
That's why RealixData shows "trust notes" on properties with extreme values. These flags say: "The numbers look great on paper — verify with local comps before you act." We'd rather you miss a deal than lose money on bad data.
The Score Is a Starting Point, Not a Verdict
No algorithm replaces boots-on-the-ground due diligence. A Deal Score of 85 means "this property has strong fundamentals worth investigating." It doesn't mean "buy this blindly." Always verify rent comps, inspect the property, and understand the local market before making an offer.
See How Properties Score
Search any market and see Deal Scores calculated in real-time.
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