Common AcronymsHomebuying Glossary

NOI

Also known as Net Operating Income

A rental property's total income minus operating expenses, before financing costs.

In plain English

NOI is a property's rental income minus operating expenses (maintenance, taxes, insurance, management) — but before subtracting mortgage payments — used as the basis for calculating cap rate and DSCR.

Why it matters

NOI is the standard starting point for evaluating whether a rental property is a sound investment, independent of how it's financed.

Related terms

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