Guides
Each guide answers one question from primary sources, works through an example and links to the calculator that does the math for your own numbers.
Last updated October 8, 2026
1031 Exchange Rules and Deadlines
The 1031 exchange rules that decide whether a real estate swap defers tax: like-kind property, the 45- and 180-day deadlines, intermediaries and boot.
Depreciation Recapture If Never Claimed: What Happens at Sale
Why you owe depreciation recapture on a rental even if you never claimed depreciation, what it costs at sale, and how an amended return or Form 3115 can fix it.
DSCR Loan Requirements: What Lenders Look At
DSCR loan requirements explained: the property's coverage ratio, rent documentation, down payment, credit, reserves and property type, and how to check yours.
How Much to Set Aside for 1099 Taxes
How much to set aside for 1099 taxes from each payment: self-employment tax, income tax and state tax as a share of profit, with percentages by income.
How to Reduce Capital Gains Tax on Rental Property
How to reduce capital gains tax on rental property: basis records, timing, 1031 exchanges, the home sale exclusion, installment sales and losses.
Quarterly Estimated Tax Due Dates 2026
The four quarterly estimated tax due dates 2026 for federal tax, the period each covers, how to pay, and what happens if a payment is late or short.
Seller Financing Tax Rules for the Seller
Seller financing tax rules for the seller: the installment method, the gross profit percentage, depreciation on a rental, interest income and the AFR minimum.
Selling Rental Property at a Loss: How the Loss Is Taxed
How selling rental property at a loss is figured and deducted: section 1231 ordinary losses, suspended passive losses, and the limit for a former home.
The 70% Rule for Flipping Houses, With Examples
The 70% rule for flipping houses: how to figure a maximum allowable offer from the ARV and rehab, what the 30% has to cover, and when the rule misleads.
The Assumable Mortgage Equity Gap: How to Cover It
Why the assumable mortgage equity gap decides whether a low-rate loan pays off, how to cover it with cash or a second loan, and the rate that breaks even.
The FHA Self-Sufficiency Test, Explained
What the FHA self-sufficiency test is, which properties it applies to, how HUD figures the rent and the payment, and a worked fourplex example.
What to Do After a Failed FHA Self-Sufficiency Test
Why a triplex or fourplex fails the FHA self-sufficiency test, and what changes the result: the price, the down payment, the rate or a different loan.