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FAQS

  • Why is your model different?
    We leave no stone unturned and built the ultimate Excel based real estate investment model. We consider all the Moving Parts to deliver Comprehensive Financials and a Consolidated look at your potential investment so you can make a thorough investment decision in 15 minutes. Moving Parts: Cash Inflows, Cash Outflows, Capital Improvements, Loans, Line of Credit, Taxes/Depreciation/1031 Comprehensive Financials: Bank Financials, Cash Flow, Net Worth, Rates of Return, Valuation, Opportunity Cost Consolidated: Key Data Summary, Consolidated Financials Key Data Summary, Consolidated Financials, Bank Financials in Premium, Consultant and Professional only.
  • What assumptions/inputs does your model account for?
    We take into consideration all the moving pieces that come into purchasing an investment property: Cash Inflows, Cash Outflows, Capital Improvements, Loans, Line of Credit, Taxes/Depreciation/1031.
  • What financial data output will your model generate so I can make my real estate investment decision?
    Once we have all the inputs and customizations to that input (if needed) our model will generate the following: Capital Stack Summary - Equity Investment and Financing_ Rates of Return: IRR, ROI, Cash on Cash, Cash Multiple, Yield Ex-Leverage, Cash Flow Breakeven Years Cash Flow, Property Value, Total Value, Equity % Profit Margins: EBITDA, Operating, Net Debt Ratios: Debt Coverage, Loan to Value Property Valuation: Cap Rate, P/E, Annual Rental Revenue, Monthly Rental Revenue, Discounted Cash Flow (NPV) Opportunity Cost: Compare Investment vs Alternative Rate of Return
  • What financial reports will be generated in your model?
    In-depth monthly and annual financial reports that provide detail on your investment: 36 Month Cash Flow Annual Cash Flow Bank Financials: 36 Month Cash Flow, Annual Cash Flow, Debt Ratios Net Worth Rates of Return Valuation Opportunity Cost Consolidated Financials: Summary of the Above Key Data Summary: Key financial data presented in an easy to read 5-page summary. Charts Key Data Summary, Consolidated Financials, Bank Financials in Premium, Consultant and Professional only.
  • What are the differences between your models so I know what to purchase?
    Please click the link below to view the differences between the models. Link to Model Comparison
  • Do you offer refunds?
    We offer a 10-day money back guarantee on all models if you’re not satisfied for any reason.​​ After 10 days all purchases are final.
  • Can I share the model with others?
    No. DO NOT SHARE YOUR MODEL OR LICENSE KEY! We have a License Key on each model and will remove access of any users we suspect of License Key or Model sharing. However, you are allowed to share the reports with your partnership group, advisors, banks, etc.
  • Do I need to purchase Microsoft Excel to use the model?
    Yes, you must have Microsoft Excel to use the model. You can purchase it here for as low as $6.99 per month.
  • Do I have to be proficient at Excel to use the model?
    No, if you can do data entry you can use our model. We have guardrails, instructions, and notes throughout the model to guide you along. If you can read and follow detailed instructions, you should be able to figure it out.
  • Why is the model moving slow?
    The model has a lot of formulas that can bog it down. Depending on the power of your computer, it could move fairly slow. This is not unusual. To increase the speed, you could go to the Formulas ribbon > Calculation Options > check Manual. This will make it so the formulas will no longer update automatically. To update the formulas and the model, you must click "Calculate Now" in the Formulas ribbon. Important: if you switch to Manual calculation you must click "Calculate Now" for the model to update before you review the output for analysis.
  • Do I have to be good with numbers and math?
    No. We have guardrails, instructions, and notes in the model to guide you along. If you can read and follow detailed instructions on the “How To” tab/sheet you should be able to figure it out. The numbers often speak for themselves, so assuming you put in the correct data and can interpret the Financials tabs/sheets you will be able to get the answers you need. A good understanding of finance and researching what you should target in terms of your financials would be helpful.
  • Where do I start when I open the model?
    We realize with all the sheets/tabs, assumptions, customizations, and summary the model may be a bit overwhelming when you first open it. The best place to start is to read our blog post - https://www.buildreif.com/post/where-to-start-your-reif-model. This walks you through the various tabs in the model to get you started on the right track. We would also encourage you to read through the red "How To" tab in the model. As you have more questions, take a look at our Model How To Table of Contents - https://www.buildreif.com/post/model-how-to-table-of-contents.
  • Where do I go to enter the data once I read through the "How To" sheet/tab?"
    To enter data, you go to the Input sheets/tabs, which are designated by their yellow color. The most logical of these “Assumptions” tabs to start is the “Model Profile”. Before you start inputting data in the "Assumptions" sheet/tab, read through the sheet/tab and the various input options. Take a look at each section and input, read through the notes, and outline what matches your situation. Once you have a good idea on that you can start inputting the data that matches your real estate investment. The best place to get an idea of where to start is to read our blog post - https://www.buildreif.com/post/where-to-start-your-reif-model. This walks you through the various tabs in the model to get you started on the right track. We would also encourage you to read through the red "How To" tab in the model.
  • Where do I input data and how do I know what data to input?
    To enter data, you go to the Input sheets/tabs, which are designated by their yellow color. Only you know your unique real estate investment situation and can edit your data entries accordingly. Further, the model has guardrails, instructions, and notes in the model to guide you along. If you have a question the answer can likely be found in the notes. Our blog post on data entry does a good job of walking you through the process - https://www.buildreif.com/post/data-entry-made-simple.
  • How do I customize data?  I don’t need to customize data, do I need to do anything?"
    Your data inputs on the yellow tab/sheets can be customized on the Output sheets/tabs, which are designated by their light green color. Values are entered on the Input sheet/tab and then flow to the corresponding Output sheet/tab. For example, Expenses assumptions are entered on the “Cash Flow Inputs” sheet/tab. This then creates a formula that flows to the “Exp+OutF” sheet/tab where it can be customized away from the formula value. This custom value is what is used in the Financials tabs/sheets. If you don't need a lot of customization, it doesn't matter. You don't need to change any of the corresponding Output sheets/tabs. The values you enter on the Input sheet/tab will still flow to Financials sheets/tabs where you can make your observations. The Input sheets/tabs are built to create a linear output. For example, Expenses have the following inputs: amount, start and stop, the growth rate, are they paid monthly or annually, are they paid every year or every few years. The formula is then created based on these inputs and flows to the Output tab/sheet. If you like the formula as is and don’t need customization, simply do nothing at all or ignore the Output tab/sheet and that formula value will flow to the Financials sheets/tabs. The Output sheets/tabs are designed for when you don't have a more linear output you can easily update the values to meet your real estate investment. Our blog post on customization does a good job of walking you through the process - https://www.buildreif.com/post/customize-formula-data.
  • What are the “Blank” tabs?
    The “Blanks” tabs are there to give the option to build custom formulas that will flow to other parts of the model. You can leave these blank if you have no need for custom formulas or create your own if you don’t like the layout.
  • What are on the Financials sheets/tabs and how do I interpret that data?
    Our model contains the following financials so you can do the ultimate analysis on your property: Key Data Summary (Premium, Consultant and Professional Only): Summary of key financials (Rates of Return, Cash Flow, Net Worth, Valuation, Opportunity Cost, Debt Ratios) highlighted for the summary year (one year or an average of multiple years) and detailed key data years (up to 6 years you want to focus on) in one place with easy to interpret conditional formatting to make your investment decision quickly and holistically Bank Financials (Premium, Consultant and Professional Only): 36 Month and Annual cash flows and debt ratios to provide the bank for your potential investment Consolidated Financials (Premium, Consultant and Professional Only): Final data from Cash Flow, Net Worth, Return, and Valuation sheet/tabs rolled into 1 Cash Flow: 36 Month and Annual; Operating, Mandatory, Capital Investment Net Worth: Property and Free Cash Flow Return: IRR, ROI, Cash on Cash, Cash Multiple, Yield Ex-Leverage, Cash Flow Breakeven Valuation: Cap Rate, Price to Earnings, Rental Revenue Value, Discounted Cash Flow (NPV), Valuation Iterations, Opportunity Cost Charts: Net Capital Investment, IRR/Cash on Cash, Cash Flow, Property Value/Net Equity, Total Value, Total Value vs Opportunity Cost Investment How you interpret is up to you. Everyone has their own unique real estate investment and priorities. What may be financially advantageous for one, might not be the same for the other. We recommend reviewing the Financials with your financial advisor, accountant, or anyone else who might be able to help you make the best financial decision for yourself. You can learn more about our metrics and reports here - https://www.buildreif.com/post/reif-metrics-and-reports.
  • Why do I need the Key Data Summary?
    The “Key Data Summary” was formulated so you can do a thorough 15-minute real estate investment analysis. In our view, it’s the single biggest reason to purchase the model and provides everything you need summarized and detailed in one easy to read report to make your investment decision. The Key Data report is a summary of all key financial data an investor needs to make a purchase decision presented to you in an easy to read 5-page summary. The REIF Model details key data over 6 years you decide, as well as a key year to focus on. Summary of key financials (Rates of Return, Cash Flow, Net Worth, Valuation, Opportunity Cost, Debt Ratios) highlighted for the summary year (one year or an average of multiple years) and detailed key data years (up to 6 years you want to focus on) in one place with easy to interpret conditional formatting to make your investment decision quickly and holistically. Premium, Consultant and Professional only. View Sample Key Data Summary
  • Why do certain values and the Financials change based on their value (i.e. Conditional Formatting)?
    Conditional Formatting helps highlight values that are better or worse than your Target Metrics. The different colors allow you to analyze the values more quickly for your analysis. In the model, Green = positive outcomes that exceed the target bogey and Red = negative outcomes below the target bogey. If you don’t want conditional formatting, you can turn it off on the “Settings” tab.
  • What are REAL values?
    The model will run both Nominal and REAL values. REAL values take future values and calculate them in today’s dollars. Nominal is the actual value at that date. On the “Key Data Summary” you can highlight the Nominal or REAL value. You can make that selection on the “Settings” tab.
  • Why are cells and fonts different colors?
    Cells and fonts are different colors to designate either: You can fill in a value or drop down and select a value You entered a customized value that is different from the formula value (this is okay, just outlines you did so) No value needs be entered given your inputs on prior assumptions The value can't be changed and is set given the formula A new section or a heading Learn more about data entry here - https://www.buildreif.com/post/data-entry-made-simple.
  • What are the notes, where are they located, and how do they guide me along?"
    Notes are in cells (mostly data entry cells) where some level of instruction or clarification may be needed. Notes contain details to help you figure out how the model works. Notes are in every cell where there is a little red triangle in the right corner. When you scroll over them, they pop up and provide info on the data input in that cell and how it's used. By reading the notes, they can guide you through the model making sure the data you're entering matches your financial situation and providing instruction and detail where needed in the model. The image below details the what, where, and how the notes operate.
  • Why can't I click on a certain cell OR change certain cell data OR enter certain data in a cell OR why are certain cells blacked out?
    If you can't click on a cell, change data in that cell, or enter certain data in a cell this is by design to make sure the formulas flow properly. If a cell is blacked out that means data need not be entered in that cell given prior data you entered. These are the guardrails noted in the prior questions. We have the model set up so you can only click on the cells where the data can be changed to prevent formula errors. Cells where data flow by a formula can't be changed. This is to prevent the wrong data from being entered. The cells are white. Cells that you can click and change data are light blue or tan. If a message pops up that says "The value doesn't match the data validation restrictions defined for this cell." That means we restricted the cell from improper data from being entered so the formulas flow properly. For example, when entering an Expense the value needs to be positive for our formula to work. Thus, if you try to enter a negative value the model prevents that from happening. Cells are blacked out to designate data entry that is not needed or possible to remove assumptions that are not currently being used. However, these cells will stop being blacked out if they are needed. For example, if you’re doing a “Fixed Mortgage” for your loan type then the “ARM Period” will be blacked out; however, if you select “ARM” for your loan type the cell will no longer be black and you can enter the “ARM” term.
  • I got a formula error, what happened?"
    We tried to build the model with safeguards so this would not happen. However, if it does please send us an email (zach@buildreif.com) with the model and explain what happened. Perhaps you entered data improperly or we have a faulty formula.
  • How do I hide cells on the Reports to only show the cells I need?
    On the top left of each Report you will see a cell that says "Cells: View or Hide" with a little arrow in the bottom right. Click that arrow and uncheck "Hide" and then click "OK". Only the cells that are visible will be shown now. If you add data (e.g. new Cash Flow), simply run the above again and the cell will now appear as it was hidden initially.

REIF Models

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We offer a 10-day money back guarantee on all models if you’re not satisfied for any reason.​​

  • Standard

    39$
    Confirm investment viability on one investment property
    Valid for 2 months
    • 10 Cashflow, Expense, & Renovation Inputs
    • Full Financial Reports, Charts
    • Save $39 on Premium and Consultant
  • Best Value

    Premium

    149$
    Fast, thorough, visual analysis to build a RE portfolio
    Valid for one year
    • $79 Annual License Fee (After First Year)
    • 20 Cashflow, Expense, and Renovation Inputs
    • Full Financial Reports, Charts
    • Key Data Summary, Bank Financials, Consolidated Financials
  • Consultant

    399$
    For the investor who wants a 1-on-1 review
    Valid for one year
    • $79 Annual License Fee (After First Year)
    • 20 Cashflow, Expense, & Renovation Inputs
    • Full Financial Reports, Charts
    • Key Data Summary, Bank Financials, Consolidated Financials
    • 1-on-1 model review and onboarding
    • Ongoing consulting available

Professional

For those who want all the features of the Consultant model but have a desire to brand it as their own, need a bespoke model, and/or want a Commercial Use License.

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