Hey friend—whether you’re just getting started or deep in the world of real estate investing, let’s slow down for a second and have a real, honest conversation.
If you’re going to build lasting wealth through real estate investing in Destin and 30A, you have to know your numbers. I mean really know them. Whether you’re just dipping your toes in the investment waters or you’ve got a growing portfolio under your belt, understanding the financial side of things is what separates the guessers from the gainers. Read on if you want to learn how to calculate ROI on investment properties and I’ll be sharing my favorite tool with you — my free Profit Potential Calculator where you can run all your numbers on whether a property is a good or bad investment.
Why Knowing Your Numbers in Real Estate Investing Matters
There’s no way around it: math is money in real estate. You can’t make strategic decisions, evaluate deals, or scale your portfolio if you’re just winging it.
One of the first numbers every investor needs to lock in on?
Monthly Cash Flow.
That’s the money left over after you’ve paid all your expenses—mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance, management fees, utilities (if you cover them), etc. This number tells you if the property is actually paying you every month or slowly draining your wallet.
Positive cash flow = positive vibes + peace of mind.
Negative cash flow = stress and a slow leak in your investing plan.
Next up?
Return on Investment (ROI).
Your ROI shows you how hard your money is working. It’s the percentage of profit you’re making based on how much you put into the property (including purchase price, renovations, and furnishings if you’re in the short-term rental game). A solid ROI helps you determine whether that Destin condo or 30A beach bungalow is worth it—or if your money could perform better elsewhere.
Align Your Numbers with Your Goals
This isn’t just about spreadsheets. It’s about strategy.
Ask yourself:
- Am I looking for steady passive income?
- Do I want long-term appreciation?
- Is this a quick flip or a long-haul legacy property?
Knowing your numbers helps you stay aligned with your goals—and keeps emotion out of your investment decisions. That’s powerful.
Learn, Review, Repeat
Ready to start thinking like a pro? Here’s your game plan:
- Educate yourself: Dive into books, listen to podcasts, attend local investor meetups or short-term rental workshops.
- Talk to the right people: Connect with an investor-savvy REALTOR (👋🏼) and loop in a financial advisor or CPA who gets real estate.
- Track and tweak: Regularly review how your properties are performing. Are they hitting your cash flow targets? Does your ROI make sense in this market? If not, it might be time to adjust your strategy.
Here’s How to Calculate ROI and Run the Numbers on your Next Destin or 30A Investment Property
I created a free tool that helps you evaluate potential deals, whether you want to invest in real estate in Destin, along 30A, or beyond.
Why Use the Profit Potential Calculator?
Whether you’re buying your very first rental or adding another gem to your portfolio, you need to know if the numbers make sense. That’s exactly what my Profit Potential Calculator helps you do—quickly and clearly.
Here’s what you’ll get when you use it:
✅ Clarity on Cash Flow
You’ll instantly see whether a property is expected to make or lose money each month after covering all your expenses. No more guessing—just real numbers, real fast.
✅ Easy ROI Breakdown
The calculator shows you your projected Return on Investment (ROI)—which is one of the key indicators investors use to decide if a property is truly worth it. The higher the ROI, the harder your money is working for you.
✅ Confidence in Your Offers
Use this tool to back up your purchase decisions. When you know your numbers, you’ll walk into negotiations feeling informed and empowered—not emotional or unsure.
✅ Perfect for Destin + 30A Investors
With short-term rentals and second homes being so popular in our area, it’s easy to overspend or overestimate. This calculator keeps things grounded and ensures your investment aligns with your goals.
✅ Designed by a Local Investor (That’s Me!)
I built this based on the exact metrics I use to grow my own portfolio of 200+ doors. It’s practical, realistic, and tailored to the kind of vacation and long-term rentals we see here along the Emerald Coast.
🎯 Bottom line? This tool helps you stop guessing—and start investing wisely.
👉 Grab my Profit Potential Calculator here: https://mckaylahale.com/profit-potential
Trust me—knowing your numbers is how you grow your numbers.
Ready to Invest? Let’s Run the Numbers Together.
If you’re serious about buying a cash-flowing property in Destin, investing along 30A, or exploring opportunities anywhere on the Emerald Coast, you need a REALTOR who understands the numbers—not just the square footage.
As both an investor and a local expert, I don’t just open doors—I help you run the math, evaluate the strategy, and find properties that align with your goals. I’ve built my own portfolio from the ground up and I work every day with clients looking to do the same.
Whether you want a short-term rental that stays booked year-round or a long-term hold with stable returns, I’ll help you find the right fit—and make sure it actually cash flows.
📲 Let’s connect and turn your investment goals into reality.
Reach out here or DM me on Instagram @heymckaylahale—and let’s start looking at deals that make sense on paper and perform in real life.
Here’s to investing wisely and confidently,
McKayla
