Valuation & Appraisal

    Cash Flow

    The money left after subtracting operating expenses and mortgage debt service from a property's income.

    Cash flow is the income an investment property actually puts in the owner's pocket after paying both operating expenses and the mortgage debt service. Positive cash flow means the property earns more than it costs to operate and finance.

    Cash flow differs from net operating income, which subtracts operating expenses but stops before the mortgage payment.

    On the exam

    Cash flow is after debt service. Net operating income is before debt service.

    Exam trap

    Do not equate cash flow with net operating income. The mortgage payment separates them.

    Tested in

    Investments and Business Brokerage (2% of the exam)

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    This definition is Florida real estate exam-prep education, not legal, tax, or professional advice. Verify current rules against the official source before relying on them for a real transaction. Back to the full glossary.