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The FlipRuns fix & flip blog
Short answer
The FlipRuns blog publishes three fix-and-flip guides a week on underwriting, ARV and comps, rehab cost per square foot, holding costs, hard money and DSCR financing, and city-level flip markets in Texas, Florida, and Ohio. Every guide uses 2026 numbers and links straight into the free deal analyzer so you can run the math yourself.
Start with how to underwrite a flip in 15 minutes, real rehab cost per square foot in 2026, and how holding costs eat flip profit.
Contingency Budgets: How Much Is Enough for a Rehab?
Learn how to calculate the right contingency budget for your fix-and-flip. Protect your profits from rehab overruns with our guide to percentage-based and itemized reserves.
How to Underwrite a Flip in 15 Minutes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn the fast, no-fluff process for flip underwriting. Our guide covers ARV, rehab costs, and deal analysis to make you a smarter, faster investor.
5 Beginner Flip Mistakes That Cost $20,000+
Learn the top 5 expensive flip mistakes new investors make. From bad underwriting to underestimating rehab costs, avoid these $20K+ errors and flip smarter.
How to Read Real Estate Comps Like an Appraiser
Stop guessing on ARV. Learn to read MLS comps like a pro appraiser and nail your After Repair Value every time. Our playbook for fix-and-flip investors.
Real Rehab Cost Per Square Foot in 2026: Regional Guide
Stop guessing your flip budget. Get 2026's real rehab costs per square foot, broken down by US region. Data-driven estimates for serious flippers.
Fix and Flip vs BRRRR: Which Wins in 2026
Fix and flip vs. BRRRR: which real estate exit strategy is right for you in 2026? We break down the cash, risks, and rewards to help you decide.
Best Cities to Flip Houses in Texas: A 2024 Investor's Guide
Discover the best cities to flip houses in Texas. We break down the markets in Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas with real-world numbers and pro insights.
Best Cities for a Florida Flip: Tampa, Jax, & Orlando
Looking for the best Florida flip? We break down the markets in Tampa, Jacksonville, and Orlando with real numbers, market data, and pro tips.
Best Cities to Flip Houses in Ohio (2024 Data)
Looking for your next Ohio flip? We break down Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati with real data, example deals, and profit potential for flippers.
Holding Costs: The Silent Killer of Your Flip Profits
Don't let hidden expenses destroy your next fix-and-flip. Learn to identify, calculate, and minimize carrying costs like loans, taxes, and insurance.
Fix and Flip Financing in 2026: Hard Money vs. DSCR vs. Private
Unlock your next flip. An in-depth guide to 2026's top flip financing options: hard money, DSCR loans, and private money. Learn which is right for your deal.
How to Estimate ARV Without an Appraiser (The Investor's Guide)
Learn how to accurately estimate After Repair Value (ARV) without hiring an appraiser. This guide teaches investors how to find and analyze comps.
The 70% Rule Explained for New Fix-and-Flip Investors
Don't overpay. Learn the 70 percent rule for fix and flip deals. This guide breaks down the ARV formula with real-world examples to protect your profit.
Fix & Flip Financing in 2026: Hard Money, DSCR, and Private Lenders Compared
Hard money rates hit 11.5% in 2026. Here's the full comparison of hard money, DSCR conversion loans, and private capital — plus when to use each.
How to Estimate a Rehab Budget in Under an Hour
A repeatable rehab-estimation workflow using the $/sqft method, the room-by-room method, and a 15% contingency rule — with a checklist for the walkthrough.
The 70% Rule for Fix & Flips (With 3 Real Deal Examples)
The 70% rule is the single most-used shortcut in house flipping. Here's the exact formula, when it works, when it lies to you, and three real deals scored against it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 70% rule for fix and flips?
The 70% rule caps your offer at 70% of after-repair value minus the rehab budget: MAO = (ARV x 0.70) - rehab. The remaining 30% covers commissions, closing costs, financing, holding costs, and profit.
How do you estimate a rehab budget?
Screen with a $/sqft assumption - $15-25 cosmetic, $35-55 standard, $75-120 full gut - then price the shortlisted house room by room and add a 15% contingency on top of the final number.
How do you calculate ARV without an appraiser?
Use three to five sold comparables within a mile, closed in the last 90-180 days, matched on square footage, beds, baths, and the finish level you plan to deliver, then adjust for real differences.
What does fix and flip financing cost in 2026?
Hard money runs 10.5-12.5% plus 1.5-3 points, private capital 8-10% with 0-1 points, and a DSCR refinance 7.5-8.5% if the flip does not sell and you pivot to renting.
How much profit should a flip make?
Walk away from deals showing less than roughly $25,000 net profit or under 20% ROI after purchase, rehab, financing, holding, and both sets of closing costs.
Which US markets does FlipRuns cover?
We publish local deal math for 20 US markets, including Tampa, Orlando, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Charlotte, Raleigh, and Nashville, each with a pre-filled calculator.
How often do you publish new posts?
Three posts a week, written from live deals: underwriting, rehab budgets, financing, and market playbooks - no course pitches.