CashFlowRE
Sign in Sign up
5404 Starling St
C+ Composite 63.6
Why this score? — see what drove the C+ 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 +23.0/30.0
  • ARV discount +15.0/15.0
  • DSCR +7.4/10.0
  • 1% rule +6.6/10.0
  • Livability +3.7/5.0
  • Rent growth +2.7/5.0
  • Schools +2.7/10.0
  • Condition / age +2.5/5.0
  • Appreciation +0.0/10.0

$130,000

5404 Starling St · Houston, TX 77017
3 bd · 1.0 ba · 1,279 sqft · SingleFamily public records · 27 Days on market
Built 1940 6,324 sqft lot $102/sqft · 32% below area Est $190k · 32% under

🖨 Deal sheet (PDF) 📄 Offer letter ✓ Due diligence

Listing remarks MLS

Great home to add to your portfolio! This 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offers a great opportunity for buyers looking to add their own touch or an investor looking for their next project. This property provides a solid starting point for renovations and updates. With its functional layout and spacious bedrooms, this home has plenty of potential to be transformed into a comfortable residence or investment property. While it does need work, the possibilities are endless for those with vision. Don’t miss the chance to make this property your own! Schedule your showing today!

Key facts

  • 6,324 sq ft lot
  • Built 1940
  • Listed 27 days

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 3-bed/1.0-bath single-family listed at $130k.

Deal economics

  • At list price, monthly cash flow is $231 ($3k/yr) — positive.
  • The deal already cash-flows at list — no discount required.
  • Meets the 1% rule at list price ($2k rent vs $130k).
  • Recommended offer: $128k (1.5% below list) — sets the bar for market timing.
  • Cap rate 8.4% vs local median 3.2% in Houston — 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 74/100 on livability (#184 in TX, #4,771 nationally) — a middle-class / working-renter tenant base. Strengths: amenities A+, cost of living A+, housing A+; Watch: crime F.
  • Houston ISD (urban): math 27% / reading 35% proficiency, ranked #593 of 826 in TX (top 72%) — families likely to look elsewhere, expect single-tenant / working-renter base with shorter leases; 71% free/reduced lunch — lower-income household profile, screen leases tightly.
  • Zoned schools: Patterson El (math 28% / reading 37%, grade F, #2,234 of 4,322 statewide, top 52%, 921 students, 95% FRL); Stevenson Middle (math 22% / reading 35%, grade F, #1,122 of 1,662 statewide, top 69%, 1,192 students, 92% FRL); Chavez H S (math 26% / reading 26%, grade F, #1,234 of 1,632 statewide, top 76%, 2,272 students, 93% FRL) — zoned schools average 94% FRL vs 71% district-wide (22 pts higher); higher-poverty schools than district average — tighter screening recommended.
  • Market conditions: Rents flat; 88 active listings in the ZIP; 13 comparable units currently listed for rent nearby; rentals leasing fast (median 13d on market — plan ~1-2 weeks tenant-placement turnaround); 29,883 units permitted in Harris County in 2024 (8,621 in 5+ unit buildings).
  • This rent runs 36% of the median local income ($51k/yr) — at the standard rent-burdened threshold; future hikes will face affordability resistance.

Forward outlook

  • Local home prices are declining (-3.0%/yr); year-one equity from $899 of loan paydown is wiped out by about $4k of value loss. Plan a longer hold.
  • Harris County population projected at +47% by 2050 — long-run rental-demand tailwind backs the buy-and-hold thesis.

Negotiation context

  • It's been on market 27 days — a 2% lower offer ($128k) is reasonable based on typical stale-listing flexibility.
  • 3 sale attempts since 12y 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.
  • Current owner paid $30k; list at $130k implies a 341% gain — meaningful room to come down on a strong offer.

Risks & watch-outs

  • Watch-outs: built in 1940 — expect roof / HVAC / electrical / plumbing capex.
  • Climate carrying-cost: moderate flood risk; severe wind risk, 99% chance of damaging wind over 30y; extreme-heat days projected 7→22/yr by 2055 (HVAC capex compounding) — expect insurance premiums to compound above CPI over the hold.
Recommended offer $128,050 (1.5% below list)

Questions for the listing agent

  1. Built in 1940 — when were the roof, HVAC, electrical panel, plumbing, and water heater last replaced?
  2. Is there a deadline driving the sale (1031 exchange, divorce, estate, relocation)? That informs how much negotiation room exists.
  3. Schools are D-rated, which usually means shorter tenancies and higher turnover. Who's the typical renter profile here, and what's been the actual vacancy rate?
  4. 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?
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. How much new for-sale + rental construction is in the pipeline within 1–3 miles? Heavy new supply typically softens prices + rents 12–24 months out; constrained supply supports both.

Investment metrics

1% rule
1.16%
Cap rate
8.42%
Cash-on-cash
7.60%
DSCR
1.34
GRM
7.2

CMA / ARV

ARV (median comp)
$190,159
List price
$130,000
Delta
-31.64%
Verdict
UNDERPRICED
Comps
20 within 1.0 mi
Show comp detail 12 sales within ~0.75 mi
Address Dist Beds/Ba Sqft Sold Price $/sf Match
5403 Primrose St 0.19mi 4/1.0 (+1) 1,269 (-1%) 6mo $190,000 $150 80
919 Oak Meadows St 0.49mi 3/1.0 1,218 (-5%) 0mo $195,500 $161 69
1308 Pecan Dr 0.58mi 3/1.0 1,256 (-2%) 2mo $120,000 $96 68
1703 Seagull St 0.42mi 3/2.0 1,260 (-2%) 10mo $229,900 $182 66
1106 Aubert St 0.52mi 3/2.0 1,290 (+1%) 6mo $215,000 $167 65
10 Pine Creek Ct 0.58mi 3/2.0 1,225 (-4%) 5mo $227,500 $186 58
5510 Meadow Creek Ln 0.40mi 3/1.5 1,422 (+11%) 8mo $165,000 $116 54
1114 Maroby St 0.67mi 3/1.0 1,200 (-6%) 7mo $215,000 $179 53
5551 Winding Creek Way 0.40mi 2/2.0 (-1) 1,463 (+14%) 2mo $129,900 $89 47
806 Evonne St 0.46mi 3/1.0 1,463 (+14%) 10mo $195,000 $133 46
4921 Michael Dr 0.70mi 3/1.0 1,140 (-11%) 8mo $179,900 $158 42
1508 Hemlock Dr 0.59mi 4/2.0 (+1) 1,468 (+15%) 5mo $229,900 $157 34

Match score weights: distance 35% · size 25% · config 20% · recency 20%. Top-matched comps best support the ARV.

Projected returns pro-forma

-3.0% appreciation · 0.88% rent growth · sell at horizon

5-year hold
IRR
-7.2%
Equity multiple
0.74×
Total profit
$-9,474
Equity at exit
$19,383
10-year hold
IRR
-0.7%
Equity multiple
0.96×
Total profit
$-1,509
Equity at exit
$11,240

Cash invested: $36,400 (down + closing). Projections, not guarantees.

Landlord ↔ Tenant lean methodology

Overall (STATE)
87 Strongly Landlord-Friendly
State Texas
87 Strongly Landlord-Friendly · R+5
County
— inherits STATE
City
— inherits STATE
3-day notice; statewide preemption; one of the fastest eviction climates; Travis County (Austin) slightly slower.

ZIP-level market 77017

Home prices YoY
-21.7%
Rents YoY
0.9%
Active inventory
88
Price-to-rent
7.2×

Monthly cashflow live

Estimated rent
$1,513 high interval (Pro) →
Mortgage (P&I)
$682
Tax from tax record
$229 /mo · $2,748/yr
Insurance
$54
HOA
$0
Vacancy / Maint / Mgmt
$318
Net cashflow
$231

Break-even live

Break-even rent $1,221
Max offer price $130,000
Occupancy floor 80%

Sensitivity live

Price -10% $304 -5% $267 +0% $231 +5% $194 +10% $157
Rent -10% $111 -5% $171 +0% $231 +5% $290 +10% $350
Rate -1.0pp $296 -0.5pp $264 base $231 +0.5pp $197 +1.0pp $163

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
$32,500
Closing costs
$3,900
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 13 comps

AddressBedsBaths SqftRent$/sqft DOM Units Dist
1514 Allen Genoa Rd Houston, TX 1.0–2.0 1.0–2.0 846 $1,715 $2.03 3d 24 0.41mi
4800 Allendale Rd Unit 2165 Houston, TX 2.0 2.0 1322 $1,333 $1.01 0d 1 0.66mi
4800 Allendale Rd Unit 4857 Houston, TX 2.0 2.0 1322 $1,373 $1.04 12d 1 0.66mi
4800 Allendale Rd Unit 2162 Houston, TX 2.0 2.0 1322 $1,349 $1.02 6d 1 0.66mi
4800 Allendale Rd Unit 425 Houston, TX 2.0 2.0 1322 $1,349 $1.02 9d 1 0.66mi
4921 Barkley St Houston, TX 3.0 2.0 1502 $1,900 $1.26 21d 1 0.67mi
4800 Allendale Rd Unit 2047 Houston, TX 2.0 2.0 1322 $1,384 $1.05 12d 1 0.67mi
5535 Timber Creek Place Dr Houston, TX 1.0–2.0 1.0–2.0 757 $1,214 $1.60 4d 18 0.74mi
4806 Allendale Rd Houston, TX 2.0 2.0 1322 $1,152 $0.87 45d 1 0.76mi
2810 Forest Oaks Blvd Houston, TX 4.0 2.0 1280 $1,675 $1.31 46d 1 0.95mi
4206 E Villa St Houston, TX 3.0 1.0 1190 $1,845 $1.55 15d 1 1.24mi
6043 Bonn Echo Ln Houston, TX 2.0 2.0 900 $1,165 $1.29 45d 1 1.28mi
1009 Richey St Pasadena, TX 1.0–3.0 1.0–2.0 885 $1,499 $1.69 0d 24 1.43mi

Listing history 13 events

  1. 2026-05-13
    status Pending 578-char remark
    Show marketing remark (578 chars)

    Great home to add to your portfolio! This 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offers a great opportunity for buyers looking to add their own touch or an investor looking for their next project. This property provides a solid starting point for renovations and updates. With its functional layout and spacious bedrooms, this home has plenty of potential to be transformed into a comfortable residence or investment property. While it does need work, the possibilities are endless for those with vision. Don’t miss the chance to make this property your own! Schedule your showing today!

  2. 2026-04-16
    listed $130,000 Active 578-char remark
    Show marketing remark (578 chars)

    Great home to add to your portfolio! This 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offers a great opportunity for buyers looking to add their own touch or an investor looking for their next project. This property provides a solid starting point for renovations and updates. With its functional layout and spacious bedrooms, this home has plenty of potential to be transformed into a comfortable residence or investment property. While it does need work, the possibilities are endless for those with vision. Don’t miss the chance to make this property your own! Schedule your showing today!

  3. 2026-04-07
    status Pending
  4. 2026-04-07
    historical
  5. 2025-12-18
    listed $140,000 Active
  6. 2015-04-07
    soldstatus
  7. 2014-12-10
    historical
  8. 2014-12-09
    soldstatus
  9. 2014-12-03
    price $59,900
  10. 2014-11-26
    soldstatus Sold
  11. 2014-10-25
    listed $54,900 Active
  12. 1997-08-22
    soldstatus
  13. 1989-12-01
    soldstatus $29,500

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

Tax reassessment forecast TX · Resets to sale price

Current annual tax
$2,748 · $229/mo
Projected year-2 tax
$2,748 · $229/mo
Expected delta
$0/yr ($0/mo · 0.0%)

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

Climate risk First Street

  • 🌊 Flood 5/10 Major FEMA zone X (shaded) · 24% chance over 30 yrs
  • 🔥 Wildfire 1/10 Low
  • 🌡 Heat 9/10 Extreme 7 d/yr ≥109°F today · 22 d/yr by 30 yrs out
  • 💨 Wind 9/10 Extreme 99% chance of damaging wind over 30 yrs
  • 🫁 Air quality 2/10 Low 2 unhealthy d/yr today · 2 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
$18,160
− Mortgage interest
−$7,282
− Property taxes
−$2,748
− Insurance
−$650
− Repairs & maintenance
−$1,453
− Management
−$1,453
− Depreciation
−$3,782
Taxable income
$793
combined federal + state — saved on this device
Est. tax owed @ 24.0%
−$190
After-tax cash flow
$2,577/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
Houston ISD
NCES district ID
4823640
Math proficiency
27% ▼ -18.00%
Reading proficiency
35% ▼ -6.00%
Median HH income
$46,054
Composite
26.63/100
National rank
#7173
State rank
#593 of 826 in TX

Livability — Houston

Score
74/100
State rank
#184
US rank
#4771

Category grades

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

Schools grade is shown separately in the Schools card above.

Census & demographics

Census place
Houston, TX
County
Harris County · 4,702,590 people
City population
3,226,434
Metro
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
Population (ZIP)
29,640
Household income
$51,079
Rent vs Own
49.0% rent · 51.0% own
Severe rent burden
1601.0

Population outlook (Harris County) Hauer SSP2

Today (2025)
5,571,493 people
By 2030
6,089,821 · +9.3%
By 2040
7,142,806 · +28.2%
By 2050
8,185,864 · +46.9%
By 2075
10,574,329 · +89.8%
By 2100
12,109,958 · +117.4%

Race, ethnicity, and origin ACS 2023

Neighborhood character
Predominantly Hispanic (81%)
Race & ethnicity
Hispanic / Latino 81% Two or more races 38% White 7% Black 6% Asian 4%
Hispanic origin (detail)
Mexican 65%
Common ancestry
Lithuanian 1%
Foreign-born
39% · Canada, Vietnam
Languages at home
32% English-only · Spanish 63% Vietnamese 4%

Political lean MEDSL · Harris

2024 margin
Lean D (+5.5) · D 52.0% · R 46.4% · Other 1.6%
2008→2024 swing
+3.9pp toward D · 2008: 1.6pp · 2024: 5.5pp
All cycles
2024: D+5.5 2020: D+13.3 2016: D+12.4 2012: D+0.1 2008: D+1.6

Not yet ingested

Civics

Market trends

HPI YoY
▼ -76.86%
Current HPI
277.3656
Rent YoY
▲ 0.88%
Metro
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
State GDP YoY
▲ 3.95%
F500 in state
110

Industry mix (Fortune 500 HQ in TX)

Industry F500 HQs Revenue

Price history

+340.7% since first listed
13 events — show timeline
  • 2026-05-13 Pending HARMLS
  • 2026-04-16 Listed $130,000 HARMLS
  • 2026-04-07 Pending HARMLS
  • 2026-04-07 Listing Removed HARMLS
  • 2025-12-18 Listed $140,000 HARMLS
  • 2015-04-07 Sold (Public Records) Public Records
  • 2014-12-10 Listing Removed HARMLS
  • 2014-12-09 Sold (Public Records) Public Records
  • 2014-12-03 Price Changed $59,900 HARMLS
  • 2014-11-26 Sold (MLS) HARMLS
  • 2014-10-25 Listed $54,900 HARMLS
  • 1997-08-22 Sold (Public Records) Public Records
  • 1989-12-01 Sold (Public Records) $29,500 Public Records

Property tax history

+5.0%/yr

Latest (2025): $2,748 · +11.7% YoY. Source: county tax records.

Cash-flow waterfall

monthly

Sold comps — $/sqft

last 12 mo · ≤1 mi

Loading sold comps…