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704 W 1st St Duplex
B Composite 71.87
Why this score? — see what drove the B grade

The composite is a weighted blend of 9 inputs, each scored 0–100. Each bar is that input's sub-score; the figure is the points it added to the 100-point composite (weight × sub-score).

  • Cash flow +30.0/30.0
  • 1% rule +10.0/10.0
  • DSCR +10.0/10.0
  • ARV discount +7.5/15.0
  • Schools +4.4/10.0
  • Livability +4.0/5.0
  • Rent growth +3.5/5.0
  • Condition / age +2.5/5.0
  • Appreciation +0.0/10.0

$76,900

704 W 1st St · Waterloo, IA 50701
3 bd · 2.5 ba · 1,604 sqft · MultiFamily public records · 46 Days on market
Built 1915 2,100 sqft lot $48/sqft · 86% below area

🖨 Deal sheet 📄 Offer letter ✓ Due diligence

Multi-family units

County records classify this as Multi-Family (2-4 Unit). Listing-text estimate: 2 units. confirmed

Listing remarks MLS

Attention Investors! This exceptional duplex presents a golden opportunity you won't want to miss. Well cared for by the same owner since 1994, this property boasts two distinct living spaces, each thoughtfully layed-out with separate kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and entrances. The main level offers a comfortable one-bedroom unit, while the upstairs unit equally provides a spacious one-bedroom layout. Don't hesitate: seize this fantastic investment today!

Key facts

  • 2,100 sq ft lot
  • 4 parking spots
  • Built 1915

Property features AI

Finance

  • Other: Zoned R-1; Lot dimensions approximately 30 x 70

Exterior

  • Parking: On-street parking (4 open spaces noted)
  • Utilities: Public water; Public sewer
  • Home design: Duplex residential income property; Two levels
  • Construction: Vinyl siding
  • Exterior features: Asphalt roof

Interior

  • Heating & cooling: Central air conditioning; Forced air heating; Natural gas heating
  • Interior features: Basement with concrete floor/walls
  • Laundry & utility: No laundry features listed

Neighborhood map

Property Rental comp Retail Transit Schools Stadiums Fortune 500 · Circle radius: 3.0 mi
Loading POIs…

What this means for you Summary

Snapshot

  • This is a 2 × 1-bed/1-bath units multifamily listed at $77k.

Deal economics

  • At list price, monthly cash flow is $662 ($8k/yr) — positive. Per door: $331/mo.
  • The deal already cash-flows at list — no discount required.
  • Meets the 1% rule at list price ($1k rent vs $77k).
  • Recommended offer: $75k (3.0% below list) — sets the bar for market timing.
  • Cap rate 16.6% vs local median 4.2% in Waterloo — top-decile yield for the area; either an underpriced asset or a hidden risk that comps aren't pricing in. Stress-test before assuming the spread holds.

Location & tenants

  • Location reads 81/100 on livability (#74 in IA, #1,589 nationally) — a professional / high-income tenant draw. Strengths: commute A+, cost of living A+, housing A+; Watch: crime F, employment D-.
  • Waterloo Community School District (urban): math 50% / reading 54% proficiency, ranked #276 of 289 in IA (top 96%) — acceptable for families but not a draw, mixed tenant base, ~2y average lease.
  • Zoned schools: Irving Elementary School (math 43% / reading 44%, grade F, #560 of 616 statewide, top 91%, 402 students, 92% FRL); West High School (math 55% / reading 63%, grade C+, #273 of 336 statewide, top 81%, 1,652 students, 62% FRL) — zoned schools average 77% FRL vs 58% district-wide (19 pts higher); higher-poverty schools than district average — tighter screening recommended.
  • Market conditions: Rents rising (+3.8%/yr); 282 active listings in the ZIP; 25 comparable units currently listed for rent nearby; rentals lingering (median 44d on market — plan ~5-8 weeks vacancy on turnover, expect pricing pressure); 56% of comp listings sitting > 30 days — soft ceiling on asking rent; 287 units permitted in Black Hawk County in 2024 (67 in 5+ unit buildings).

Forward outlook

  • Local home prices are declining (-3.0%/yr); year-one equity from $532 of loan paydown is wiped out by about $2k of value loss. Plan a longer hold.
  • Black Hawk County population projected at +10% by 2050 — modest demand growth; plan on rents tracking national, not racing it.
  • At projected returns (-3.0% appreciation + 3.8% rent growth), your $22k cash investment doubles in ~4 years — after that, you're playing with house money.

Negotiation context

  • It's been on market 46 days — a 3% lower offer ($75k) is reasonable based on typical stale-listing flexibility.
  • 7 sale attempts since 3y ago with the ask held roughly flat each time — persistent listings suggest the price (not the market) is what's stuck; bring a comps-based counter.

Risks & watch-outs

  • Watch-outs: built in 1915 — expect roof / HVAC / electrical / plumbing capex.
Recommended offer $74,593 (3.0% below list)

Questions for the listing agent

  1. It's been on market 46 days. Have you received any prior offers? Is the seller open to a 3% concession, seller financing, or rate buy-down credit?
  2. Can we see the unit-by-unit rent roll, current vacancy, and any below-market leases? What's the average tenancy length?
  3. What capital expenditures (roof, boiler, parking lot, exteriors) have been made in the last 5 years, and what's planned in the next 2?
  4. Built in 1915 — when were the roof, HVAC, electrical panel, plumbing, and water heater last replaced?
  5. Is there a deadline driving the sale (1031 exchange, divorce, estate, relocation)? That informs how much negotiation room exists.
  6. Crime grade is F in this area — have there been break-ins, vandalism, or insurance claims at this property in the last 3 years? What carrier currently insures it and at what premium?
  7. What's the average days-on-market for RENTAL listings here right now (not sales)? A rising rental-DOM trend means longer vacancies and softer asking-rent achievability than the comps imply.
  8. What's the recent tenant-quality profile in this submarket — average credit score on applications, eviction rate, late-payment / NSF rate, and stable-employment percentage? A property-management company in the area should have these aggregated.
  9. How much new apartment / multifamily construction is in the pipeline within 1–3 miles? Heavy new supply (>2% of stock underway) typically softens rents 12–24 months out; light construction supports rent growth.

Investment metrics

1% rule
1.94%
Cap rate
16.62%
Cash-on-cash
36.87%
DSCR
2.64
GRM
4.3

CMA / ARV

ARV (median comp)
$239,189
List price
$76,900
Delta
-67.85%
Verdict
UNDERPRICED
Comps
2 within 1.0 mi

Projected returns pro-forma

-3.0% appreciation · 3.8% rent growth · sell at horizon

5-year hold
IRR
33.6%
Equity multiple
2.43×
Total profit
$30,896
Equity at exit
$11,466
10-year hold
IRR
41.0%
Equity multiple
5.01×
Total profit
$86,262
Equity at exit
$6,649

Cash invested: $21,532 (down + closing). Projections, not guarantees.

Landlord ↔ Tenant lean methodology

Overall (STATE)
83 Strongly Landlord-Friendly
State Iowa
83 Strongly Landlord-Friendly · R+6
County
— inherits STATE
City
— inherits STATE
3-day pay-or-quit; mostly landlord-friendly statewide.

ZIP-level market 50701

Rents YoY
3.8%
Active inventory
282
Price-to-rent
8.6×

Monthly cashflow live

Estimated rent
$1,492 high interval (Pro) →
Mortgage (P&I)
$403
Tax from tax record
$82 /mo · $982/yr
Insurance
$32
HOA
$0
Vacancy / Maint / Mgmt
$313
Net cashflow
$662

Break-even live

Break-even rent $655
Max offer price $76,900
Occupancy floor 51%

2-unit breakdown (identical units grouped — click to expand)

UnitsBedsBathsEst. rent
Total (2 units) $1,492

UW: 25.0% down · 7.5% · 30yr · 1.5% tax · 5.0% vac · 8.0% maint · 8.0% mgmt

Financing live

Cash to close

Down payment
$19,225
Closing costs
$2,307
Reserves months
Total cash needed

Loan-product check · same deal, 3 products live

Conventional

25% down · 7.5% · 30yr

Down + closing
Monthly P&I
Monthly cashflow
DSCR
Eligible?

Personal DTI + credit; lowest rate.

DSCR

20% down · 8.5% · 30yr

Down + closing
Monthly P&I
Monthly cashflow
DSCR
Eligible?

No personal income docs; deal must DSCR.

Hard money

10% down · 12.0% · 12mo

Down + closing
Monthly P&I
Monthly cashflow
DSCR
Eligible?

Short-term bridge; refi at stabilization.

Rent comps 25 comps

AddressBedsBaths SqftRent$/sqft DOM Units Dist
820 W 2nd St Apt 2 Waterloo, IA 2.0 1.5 1100 $695 $0.63 43d 1 0.15mi
418 Sunnyside Ave Waterloo, IA 3.0 1.0 1200 $675 $0.56 43d 1 0.17mi
416 Sunnyside Ave Waterloo, IA 3.0 1.0 1200 $825 $0.69 43d 1 0.17mi
45 W Jefferson St Waterloo, IA 1.0–2.0 1.0–2.0 1062 $1,750 $1.65 21d 9 0.32mi
223 W 4th St Ste 203 Waterloo, IA 2.0 1.5 1466 $1,250 $0.85 43d 1 0.45mi
702 Western Ave Waterloo, IA 2.0 1.5 1500 $1,100 $0.73 21d 1 0.56mi
1427 W 2nd St Waterloo, IA 3.0 1.0 1248 $1,250 $1.00 43d 1 0.58mi
616 Kimball Ave Waterloo, IA 3.0 1.0 1302 $1,100 $0.84 43d 1 0.75mi
311 E 3rd St Waterloo, IA 2.0 2.0 1154 $1,500 $1.30 21d 1 0.77mi
905 Baltimore St Waterloo, IA 3.0 1.5 1392 $1,025 $0.74 43d 1 0.78mi
824 Sycamore St Unit 824-09 Waterloo, IA 2.0 2.0 1054 $1,250 $1.19 43d 1 0.79mi
1840 W 3rd St Waterloo, IA 2.0 1.0 1770 $700 $0.40 44d 1 0.81mi
719 Marsh St Waterloo, IA 3.0 1.0 1224 $1,100 $0.90 21d 1 0.83mi
924 Sycamore St #1 Waterloo, IA 2.0 2.0 1054 $1,250 $1.19 43d 1 0.83mi
920-928 Sycamore St Unit 920-07 Waterloo, IA 2.0 2.0 1054 $1,250 $1.19 43d 1 0.86mi
910 Mulberry St Apt 3 Waterloo, IA 2.0 1.0 1064 $695 $0.65 21d 1 0.96mi
1107 Mulberry St Waterloo, IA 3.0 1.0 1248 $950 $0.76 21d 1 1.07mi
216 Courtland St Apt 1 Waterloo, IA 4.0 1.0 1150 $825 $0.72 21d 1 1.20mi
214 Edwards St Waterloo, IA 3.0 1.0 1150 $825 $0.72 21d 1 1.22mi
1014 Fletcher Ave Waterloo, IA 4.0 3.5 2123 $2,450 $1.15 43d 1 1.30mi
2215 Falls Ave Waterloo, IA 3.0 1.0 1290 $1,400 $1.09 43d 1 1.37mi
824 Logan Ave Waterloo, IA 4.0 2.0 1572 $1,425 $0.91 21d 1 1.38mi
2539 W 3rd St Waterloo, IA 3.0 2.5 1200 $1,695 $1.41 21d 1 1.38mi
203 Reed St Waterloo, IA 3.0 1.5 1492 $1,200 $0.80 21d 1 1.46mi
1720 Franklin St Waterloo, IA 4.0 1.5 1392 $1,000 $0.72 43d 1 1.48mi

Listing history 39 events

  1. 2026-06-19
    days on market $76,900 Active 46 DOM
  2. 2026-06-18
    days on market $76,900 Active 45 DOM
  3. 2026-06-17
    days on market $76,900 Active 44 DOM
  4. 2026-06-16
    days on market $76,900 Active 43 DOM
  5. 2026-06-15
    days on market $76,900 Active 42 DOM
  6. 2026-06-14
    days on market $76,900 Active 40 DOM
  7. 2026-06-13
    days on market $76,900 Active 39 DOM
  8. 2026-06-10
    days on market $76,900 Active 37 DOM
  9. 2026-06-09
    days on market $76,900 Active 36 DOM
  10. 2026-06-08
    days on market $76,900 Active 35 DOM
  11. 2026-06-07
    days on market $76,900 Active 34 DOM
  12. 2026-06-05
    days on market $76,900 Active 31 DOM
  13. 2026-06-03
    days on market $76,900 Active 30 DOM
  14. 2026-06-02
    days on market $76,900 Active 29 DOM
  15. 2026-06-01
    days on market $76,900 Active 28 DOM
  16. 2026-05-31
    days on market $76,900 Active 27 DOM
  17. 2026-05-30
    days on market $76,900 Active 26 DOM
  18. 2026-05-02
    listed $79,900 Active 463-char remark
  19. 2025-09-03
    historical $595
  20. 2025-08-28
    listed $595
  21. 2024-04-30
    historical $595
  22. 2024-04-13
    historical $595
  23. 2024-04-12
    listed $595
  24. 2024-04-11
    listed $595
  25. 2024-04-10
    historical $595
  26. 2024-04-03
    listed $595
  27. 2024-02-04
    historical $575
  28. 2023-12-13
    price $575
  29. 2023-11-17
    price $600
  30. 2023-11-15
    price $625
  31. 2023-10-05
    price $650
  32. 2023-09-29
    price $675
  33. 2023-09-27
    listed $695
  34. 2023-09-19
    soldstatus $68,000
  35. 2023-09-15
    soldstatus $68,000 Closed 461-char remark
    Show marketing remark (461 chars)

    Attention Investors! This exceptional duplex presents a golden opportunity you won't want to miss. Well cared for by the same owner since 1994, this property boasts two distinct living spaces, each thoughtfully layed-out with separate kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and entrances. The main level offers a comfortable one-bedroom unit, while the upstairs unit equally provides a spacious one-bedroom layout. Don't hesitate: seize this fantastic investment today!

  36. 2023-08-30
    status Pending 461-char remark
    Show marketing remark (461 chars)

    Attention Investors! This exceptional duplex presents a golden opportunity you won't want to miss. Well cared for by the same owner since 1994, this property boasts two distinct living spaces, each thoughtfully layed-out with separate kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and entrances. The main level offers a comfortable one-bedroom unit, while the upstairs unit equally provides a spacious one-bedroom layout. Don't hesitate: seize this fantastic investment today!

  37. 2023-08-15
    historical 461-char remark
    Show marketing remark (461 chars)

    Attention Investors! This exceptional duplex presents a golden opportunity you won't want to miss. Well cared for by the same owner since 1994, this property boasts two distinct living spaces, each thoughtfully layed-out with separate kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and entrances. The main level offers a comfortable one-bedroom unit, while the upstairs unit equally provides a spacious one-bedroom layout. Don't hesitate: seize this fantastic investment today!

  38. 2023-08-05
    status Pending 461-char remark
    Show marketing remark (461 chars)

    Attention Investors! This exceptional duplex presents a golden opportunity you won't want to miss. Well cared for by the same owner since 1994, this property boasts two distinct living spaces, each thoughtfully layed-out with separate kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and entrances. The main level offers a comfortable one-bedroom unit, while the upstairs unit equally provides a spacious one-bedroom layout. Don't hesitate: seize this fantastic investment today!

  39. 2023-08-02
    listed $69,900 Active 461-char remark
    Show marketing remark (461 chars)

    Attention Investors! This exceptional duplex presents a golden opportunity you won't want to miss. Well cared for by the same owner since 1994, this property boasts two distinct living spaces, each thoughtfully layed-out with separate kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and entrances. The main level offers a comfortable one-bedroom unit, while the upstairs unit equally provides a spacious one-bedroom layout. Don't hesitate: seize this fantastic investment today!

ⓘ Source: listings_history table (triggers on properties + properties_extension) + one-shot backfill from property_details.listing_events for pre-trigger history.

Tax reassessment forecast IA · Partial reset (capped growth)

Current annual tax
$982 · $82/mo
Projected year-2 tax
$1,095 · $91/mo
Expected delta
+$113/yr (+$9/mo · 11.5%)

ⓘ Screening estimate from a state-policy table — verify with the county assessor before closing.

Climate risk First Street

  • 🌊 Flood 1/10 Low FEMA zone X (unshaded) · 0% chance over 30 yrs
  • 🔥 Wildfire 1/10 Low
  • 🌡 Heat 3/10 Moderate 7 d/yr ≥101°F today · 16 d/yr by 30 yrs out
  • 💨 Wind 2/10 Low
  • 🫁 Air quality 1/10 Low 0 unhealthy d/yr today · 0 by 30 yrs out

Nearby sold comps map

Loading sold comps map…

Walkable amenities ~0.75 mi

Loading nearby amenities…

Taxation est. · year 1

Rental income
$17,904
− Mortgage interest
−$4,308
− Property taxes
−$982
− Insurance
−$384
− Repairs & maintenance
−$1,432
− Management
−$1,432
− Depreciation
−$2,237
Taxable income
$7,128
combined federal + state — saved on this device
Est. tax owed @ 24.0%
−$1,711
After-tax cash flow
$6,228/yr

For passive investors: Depreciation is non-cash, so a rental often shows a tax loss while cash-flowing — sheltering income. Rental losses are passive: they offset passive income freely, and up to $25,000/yr can offset ordinary (W-2) income if you actively participate and your MAGI is under $100k (phasing out to $0 by $150k); unused losses carry forward. On sale, claimed depreciation is recaptured at up to 25%, and gains may owe capital-gains tax (a 1031 exchange can defer both). Figures are a year-1 estimate at your 24.0% rate — not tax advice; consult a CPA.

Schools (NCES district)

District
Waterloo Community School District
NCES district ID
1930480
Math proficiency
50% ▼ -4.00%
Reading proficiency
54% ▲ 1.00%
Median HH income
$42,545
Composite
43.72/100
National rank
#2950
State rank
#276 of 289 in IA

Livability — Waterloo

Score
81/100
State rank
#74
US rank
#1589

Category grades

Amenities B+ Commute A+ Cost of living A+ Crime F Employment D- Housing A+ Health & safety A- User ratings A-

Schools grade is shown separately in the Schools card above.

Census & demographics

Census place
Waterloo, IA
County
Black Hawk County · 112,933 people
City population
69,066
Metro
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Population (ZIP)
30,232
Household income
$61,475
Rent vs Own
32.8% rent · 67.2% own
Severe rent burden
1377.0

Population outlook (Black Hawk County) Hauer SSP2

Today (2025)
139,716 people
By 2030
142,853 · +2.2%
By 2040
147,843 · +5.8%
By 2050
153,247 · +9.7%
By 2075
167,977 · +20.2%
By 2100
177,320 · +26.9%

Race, ethnicity, and origin ACS 2023

Neighborhood character
Predominantly White (78%)
Race & ethnicity
White 78% Black 11% Two or more races 5% Hispanic / Latino 3% Asian 3%
Common ancestry
Portuguese 3% Italian 3% American 2%
Foreign-born
7% · Canada, South Korea, Vietnam
Languages at home
92% English-only · Russian/Polish/Slavic 2% Spanish 2% French/Haitian/Cajun 2%

Political lean MEDSL · Black Hawk

2024 margin
Toss-up / Even · D 50.0% · R 48.8% · Other 1.2%
2008→2024 swing
-21.3pp toward R · 2008: 22.4pp · 2024: 1.2pp
All cycles
2024: D+1.2 2020: D+9.0 2016: D+7.3 2012: D+20.0 2008: D+22.4

Not yet ingested

Civics

Market trends

HPI YoY
▼ -107.19%
Current HPI
162.8951
Rent YoY
▲ 3.80%
Metro
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
State GDP YoY
▲ 2.48%
F500 in state
4

Industry mix (Fortune 500 HQ in IA)

Industry F500 HQs Revenue

Price history

+10.0% since first listed
23 events — show timeline
  • 2026-05-22 Price Changed $76,900 NEIRBR as distributed by MLS GRID
  • 2026-05-02 Listed $79,900 NEIRBR as distributed by MLS GRID
  • 2025-09-03 Rental Removed $595 APPFOLIO
  • 2025-08-28 Listed for Rent $595 APPFOLIO
  • 2024-04-30 Rental Removed $595 RENT.
  • 2024-04-13 Rental Removed $595 APPFOLIO
  • 2024-04-12 Listed for Rent $595 RENT.
  • 2024-04-11 Listed for Rent $595 APPFOLIO
  • 2024-04-10 Rental Removed $595 APPFOLIO
  • 2024-04-03 Listed for Rent $595 APPFOLIO
  • 2024-02-04 Rental Removed $575 BUILDIUM
  • 2023-12-13 Price Changed $575 BUILDIUM
  • 2023-11-17 Price Changed $600 BUILDIUM
  • 2023-11-15 Price Changed $625 BUILDIUM
  • 2023-10-05 Price Changed $650 BUILDIUM
  • 2023-09-29 Price Changed $675 BUILDIUM
  • 2023-09-27 Listed for Rent $695 BUILDIUM
  • 2023-09-19 Sold (Public Records) $68,000 Public Records
  • 2023-09-15 Sold (MLS) $68,000 NEIRBR as distributed by MLS GRID
  • 2023-08-30 Pending NEIRBR as distributed by MLS GRID
  • 2023-08-15 Delisted NEIRBR as distributed by MLS GRID
  • 2023-08-05 Pending NEIRBR as distributed by MLS GRID
  • 2023-08-02 Listed $69,900 NEIRBR as distributed by MLS GRID

Property tax history

+0.7%/yr

Latest (2025): $982 · +8.4% YoY. Source: county tax records.

Cash-flow waterfall

monthly

Sold comps — $/sqft

last 12 mo · ≤1 mi

Loading sold comps…