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644 N Serrano Ave Triplex
B Composite 70.7
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 +29.4/30.0
  • ARV discount +12.5/15.0
  • DSCR +10.0/10.0
  • 1% rule +7.3/10.0
  • Schools +3.6/10.0
  • Livability +3.4/5.0
  • Condition / age +2.5/5.0
  • Rent growth +2.1/5.0
  • Appreciation +0.0/10.0

$995,000

644 N Serrano Ave · Los Angeles, CA 90004
3 bd · 3.0 ba · 1,911 sqft · MultiFamily public records · 101 Days on market
Built 1912 5,526 sqft lot $521/sqft · 11% below area Est $1121k · 11% under

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

Multi-family units

County records classify this as Multi-Family (2-4 Unit). Listing-text estimate: 3 units. confirmed

Listing remarks MLS

ALL UNITS SEPARATELY METERED FOR WATER, GAS, AND ELECTRIC. A MAJOR VALUE ADD FOR INVESTORS! Located in Los Angeles within the vibrant Melrose District, this well-positioned triplex offers an excellent opportunity in one of the city's most sought-after urban neighborhoods, known for its trendy boutiques, diverse dining, and close proximity to Hollywood, Koreatown, and Downtown LA. This multi-family property features three units with a functional layout, including a front unit with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, a rear unit with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, and an additional studio unit with 1 bathroom, creating multiple income streams and flexible living options. Ideal for investors seeking strong rental potential or owner-occupants looking to offset their mortgage by renting out additional units, the property offers versatility for both income generation and multi-generational living. Gated property with rear access and parking for up to six vehicles in the back. Conveniently located near Melrose Avenue, major freeways, public transportation, shopping, dining, and key employment hubs, this property is perfectly situated for long term value and demand. ALL UNITS ARE SEPARATELY METERED FOR WATER, GAS, AND ELECTRICITY, A SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGE THAT HELPS REDUCE OPERATING EXPENSES AND INCREASE OVERALL INVESTMENT EFFICIENCY. Buyer to verify all information, including permits, square footage, and unit details.

Key facts

  • Gated property
  • Separately metered
  • Rear access

Tags

SEPARATELY METEREDGATED PROPERTYREAR ACCESSPARKING FOR SIX VEHICLESLOCATED IN MELROSE DISTRICTMULTIPLE INCOME STREAMS

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 × 5-bed/4.0-bath units multifamily listed at $995k.

Deal economics

  • At list price, monthly cash flow is $4k ($42k/yr) — positive. Per door: $1k/mo.
  • The deal already cash-flows at list — no discount required.
  • Meets the 1% rule at list price ($12k rent vs $995k).
  • Recommended offer: $905k (9.0% below list) — sets the bar for market timing.
  • Cap rate 10.5% vs local median 2.1% in Los Angeles — 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 68/100 on livability (#273 in CA) — a middle-class / working-renter tenant base. Strengths: amenities A+, commute A+, employment B; Watch: health & safety C-, schools D+, crime F.
  • Los Angeles Unified (urban): math 29% / reading 54% proficiency, ranked #223 of 517 in CA (top 43%) — families likely to look elsewhere, expect single-tenant / working-renter base with shorter leases; 67% free/reduced lunch — lower-income household profile, screen leases tightly.
  • Market conditions: Rents soft (-1.7%/yr); 142 active listings in the ZIP; 40 comparable units currently listed for rent nearby; rentals lingering (median 45d on market — plan ~5-8 weeks vacancy on turnover, expect pricing pressure); 50% of comp listings sitting > 30 days — soft ceiling on asking rent; 19,697 units permitted in Los Angeles County in 2024 (9,426 in 5+ unit buildings).
  • At $12,195/mo this rent would consume 226% of the median local household income ($65k/yr) (locally 6512% of renters already pay >50% of income on rent) — very limited rent-growth headroom before tenants either downsize or default.

Forward outlook

  • Local home prices are declining (-3.0%/yr); year-one equity from $7k of loan paydown is wiped out by about $30k of value loss. Plan a longer hold.
  • Los Angeles County population projected at +9% by 2050 — modest demand growth; plan on rents tracking national, not racing it.

Negotiation context

  • It's been on market 101 days — a 9% lower offer ($905k) is reasonable based on typical stale-listing flexibility.
  • Current owner paid $95k; list at $995k implies a 947% gain — meaningful room to come down on a strong offer.

Risks & watch-outs

  • Watch-outs: built in 1912 — expect roof / HVAC / electrical / plumbing capex.
  • Climate carrying-cost: extreme-heat days projected 7→22/yr by 2055 (HVAC capex compounding) — expect insurance premiums to compound above CPI over the hold.
Recommended offer $905,450 (9.0% below list)

Questions for the listing agent

  1. It's been on market 101 days. Have you received any prior offers? Is the seller open to a 9% 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 1912 — when were the roof, HVAC, electrical panel, plumbing, and water heater last replaced?
  5. Why hasn't it sold? Are there any deal-killer items the seller is aware of (foundation, flood, title, zoning, code violations)?
  6. Is there a deadline driving the sale (1031 exchange, divorce, estate, relocation)? That informs how much negotiation room exists.
  7. 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?
  8. 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?
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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
1.23%
Cap rate
10.53%
Cash-on-cash
15.14%
DSCR
1.67
GRM
6.8

CMA / ARV

ARV (median comp)
$1,120,691
List price
$995,000
Delta
-11.22%
Verdict
UNDERPRICED
Comps
20 within 1.0 mi
Show comp detail 4 sales within ~0.75 mi
Address Dist Beds/Ba Sqft Sold Price $/sf Match
4938 Maplewood Ave 0.30mi 2/2.0 (-1) 1,706 (-11%) 20mo $1,050,000 $615 43
853 N Ridgewood Pl 0.55mi 4/4.0 (+1) 2,096 (+10%) 9mo $750,000 $358 42
508 N Kingsley Dr 0.27mi 4/4.0 (+1) 1,656 (-13%) 21mo $1,062,000 $641 39
441 N Norton Ave 0.65mi 4/2.0 (+1) 1,664 (-13%) 4mo $1,189,000 $715 36

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 · 0.0% rent growth · sell at horizon

5-year hold
IRR
2.6%
Equity multiple
1.10×
Total profit
$26,670
Equity at exit
$148,358
10-year hold
IRR
9.2%
Equity multiple
1.62×
Total profit
$172,301
Equity at exit
$86,029

Cash invested: $278,600 (down + closing). Projections, not guarantees.

Landlord ↔ Tenant lean methodology

Overall (CITY)
0 Strongly Tenant-Friendly
State California
18 Strongly Tenant-Friendly · D+13
County
— inherits STATE
City Los Angeles
0 Strongly Tenant-Friendly · D+22
LARSO + JCEO 2023; relocation for substantial remodel evictions.

ZIP-level market 90004

Rents YoY
-1.7%
Active inventory
142
Price-to-rent
20.4×

Monthly cashflow live

Estimated rent
$12,195 high interval (Pro) →
Mortgage (P&I)
$5,218
Tax from tax record
$486 /mo · $5,829/yr
Insurance
$415
HOA
$0
Vacancy / Maint / Mgmt
$2,561
Net cashflow
$3,516

Break-even live

Break-even rent $7,745
Max offer price $995,000
Occupancy floor 66%

Sensitivity live

Price -10% $4,079 -5% $3,797 +0% $3,516 +5% $3,234 +10% $2,953
Rent -10% $2,552 -5% $3,034 +0% $3,516 +5% $3,998 +10% $4,479
Rate -1.0pp $4,017 -0.5pp $3,769 base $3,516 +0.5pp $3,258 +1.0pp $2,996

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

UnitsBedsBathsEst. rent
Total (3 units) $12,195

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
$248,750
Closing costs
$29,850
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 40 comps

AddressBedsBaths SqftRent$/sqft DOM Units Dist
648 Serrano Ave Unit 648 Los Angeles, CA 3.0 3.0 1525 $3,895 $2.55 45d 1 0.02mi
660 N Oxford Ave Los Angeles, CA 5.0 1.0–4.0 893 $3,280 $3.67 4d 11 0.04mi
637 N Kingsley Dr #1 Los Angeles, CA 4.0 3.0 1500 $4,875 $3.25 45d 1 0.19mi
854 Serrano Pl Los Angeles, CA 3.0 2.0 1892 $4,500 $2.38 45d 1 0.19mi
637 N Kingsley Dr Los Angeles, CA 4.0 2.0 1500 $4,875 $3.25 45d 1 0.19mi
546 N Harvard Blvd Los Angeles, CA 3.0 3.0 1249 $4,500 $3.60 45d 1 0.19mi
4710 W Maplewood Ave Los Angeles, CA 3.0 3.0 1500 $3,950 $2.63 25d 1 0.22mi
913 N Hobart Blvd Los Angeles, CA 4.0 4.5 1935 $4,542 $2.35 45d 1 0.27mi
913 N Hobart Blvd Unit 1/2 Los Angeles, CA 4.0 4.5 1757 $4,395 $2.50 4d 1 0.27mi
913 N Hobart Blvd Unit 3/4 Los Angeles, CA 3.0 3.5 1564 $3,937 $2.52 45d 1 0.27mi
523 N Saint Andrews Pl Unit 523 Los Angeles, CA 3.0 2.0 1612 $3,437 $2.13 22d 1 0.29mi
928 N Western Ave Los Angeles, CA 2.0–4.0 2.0–3.0 1311 $3,445 $2.63 6d 9 0.30mi
443 N Harvard Blvd Unit 1/2 Los Angeles, CA 3.0 3.5 1350 $3,940 $2.92 6d 1 0.31mi
497 N Saint Andrews Pl Los Angeles, CA 3.0 3.5 1977 $5,490 $2.78 45d 1 0.31mi
608 N Gramercy Pl Los Angeles, CA 2.0 3.0 1250 $3,950 $3.16 45d 1 0.31mi
608 1/2 N Gramercy Pl Los Angeles, CA 2.0 3.0 1250 $3,500 $2.80 0d 1 0.31mi
945 N Oxford Ave Unit 10 Los Angeles, CA 4.0 4.0 1763 $4,600 $2.61 45d 1 0.32mi
945 N Oxford Ave Unit 6 Los Angeles, CA 4.0 4.0 2000 $4,887 $2.44 45d 1 0.32mi
5019 Maplewood Ave #105 Los Angeles, CA 3.0 2.5 2218 $5,400 $2.43 45d 1 0.33mi
4909 Rosewood Ave Los Angeles, CA 3.0 3.0 1270 $3,695 $2.91 6d 1 0.35mi
735 N Gramercy Pl Los Angeles, CA 3.0 4.0 2015 $5,990 $2.97 25d 1 0.35mi
401 N Serrano Ave Ph 3 Los Angeles, CA 3.0 2.0 1800 $5,500 $3.06 45d 1 0.35mi
4733 Elmwood Ave #304 Los Angeles, CA 3.0 2.0 1610 $3,500 $2.17 11d 1 0.36mi
4733 Elmwood Ave Los Angeles, CA 2.0–3.0 2.0 1465 $3,500 $2.39 16d 2 0.36mi
4460 Maplewood Ave Unit 1/4 Los Angeles, CA 4.0 3.5 1729 $5,041 $2.92 19d 1 0.38mi
4572 Oakwood Ave Unit 4572 Los Angeles, CA 4.0 4.0 1750 $4,400 $2.51 9d 1 0.38mi
5150 Romaine St Los Angeles, CA 3.0 2.0 1280 $3,495 $2.73 16d 1 0.40mi
5152 Romaine St Los Angeles, CA 3.0 2.0 1280 $3,650 $2.85 0d 1 0.41mi
339 N Harvard Blvd Los Angeles, CA 3.0 2.0 1350 $3,550 $2.63 45d 1 0.41mi
525 N Wilton Pl Los Angeles, CA 1.0–2.0 1.0–2.0 1066 $5,095 $4.78 25d 5 0.41mi
5526 Barton Ave Los Angeles, CA 3.0 2.0 1300 $3,400 $2.62 45d 1 0.43mi
623 N Mariposa Ave Los Angeles, CA 3.0 3.5 1600 $4,500 $2.81 20d 1 0.43mi
963 N Saint Andrews Pl Los Angeles, CA 4.0 3.0 1691 $4,000 $2.37 45d 1 0.44mi
1035 N Serrano Ave Unit 3 Los Angeles, CA 4.0 3.5 1806 $5,600 $3.10 45d 1 0.44mi
4841 Elmwood Ave Los Angeles, CA 3.0 2.5 2100 $4,429 $2.11 25d 1 0.45mi
1034 N Oxford Ave Unit 1034 Los Angeles, CA 4.0 3.5 1941 $4,308 $2.22 45d 1 0.45mi
766 N Ridgewood Pl Unit 1 Los Angeles, CA 2.0 1.0 1300 $3,350 $2.58 45d 1 0.45mi
766 N Ridgewood Pl Los Angeles, CA 2.0 1.0 1300 $3,350 $2.58 45d 1 0.45mi
618 S Mariposa Ave Unit 1/2 Los Angeles, CA 3.0 3.5 1829 $4,540 $2.48 4d 1 0.47mi
4830 Elmwood Ave #303 Los Angeles, CA 2.0 2.0 1457 $3,150 $2.16 25d 1 0.47mi

Listing history 7 events

  1. 2026-06-04
    days on market $995,000 Active 101 DOM
  2. 2026-06-03
    days on market $995,000 Active 100 DOM
  3. 2026-06-02
    days on market $995,000 Active 99 DOM
  4. 2026-06-01
    days on market $995,000 Active 98 DOM
  5. 2026-05-31
    days on market $995,000 Active 97 DOM
  6. 2026-02-23
    listed $995,000 Active 1421-char remark
    Show marketing remark (1421 chars)

    ALL UNITS SEPARATELY METERED FOR WATER, GAS, AND ELECTRIC. A MAJOR VALUE ADD FOR INVESTORS! Located in Los Angeles within the vibrant Melrose District, this well-positioned triplex offers an excellent opportunity in one of the city's most sought-after urban neighborhoods, known for its trendy boutiques, diverse dining, and close proximity to Hollywood, Koreatown, and Downtown LA. This multi-family property features three units with a functional layout, including a front unit with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, a rear unit with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, and an additional studio unit with 1 bathroom, creating multiple income streams and flexible living options. Ideal for investors seeking strong rental potential or owner-occupants looking to offset their mortgage by renting out additional units, the property offers versatility for both income generation and multi-generational living. Gated property with rear access and parking for up to six vehicles in the back. Conveniently located near Melrose Avenue, major freeways, public transportation, shopping, dining, and key employment hubs, this property is perfectly situated for long term value and demand. ALL UNITS ARE SEPARATELY METERED FOR WATER, GAS, AND ELECTRICITY, A SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGE THAT HELPS REDUCE OPERATING EXPENSES AND INCREASE OVERALL INVESTMENT EFFICIENCY. Buyer to verify all information, including permits, square footage, and unit details.

  7. 1986-06-12
    soldstatus $95,000

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

Tax reassessment forecast CA · Resets to sale price

Current annual tax
$5,829 · $486/mo
Projected year-2 tax
$7,562 · $630/mo
Expected delta
+$1,733/yr (+$144/mo · 29.7%)

ⓘ 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 6/10 Major 7 d/yr ≥92°F today · 22 d/yr by 30 yrs out
  • 💨 Wind 1/10 Low
  • 🫁 Air quality 5/10 Major 8 unhealthy d/yr today · 8 by 30 yrs out

Nearby sold comps map

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Walkable amenities ~0.75 mi

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Taxation est. · year 1

Rental income
$146,340
− Mortgage interest
−$55,735
− Property taxes
−$5,829
− Insurance
−$4,975
− Repairs & maintenance
−$11,707
− Management
−$11,707
− Depreciation
−$28,945
Taxable income
$27,440
combined federal + state — saved on this device
Est. tax owed @ 24.0%
−$6,586
After-tax cash flow
$35,604/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
Los Angeles Unified
NCES district ID
0622710
Math proficiency
29% ▼ -4.00%
Reading proficiency
54% ▲ 10.00%
Median HH income
$50,403
Composite
35.67/100
National rank
#4875
State rank
#223 of 517 in CA

Livability — Los Angeles

Score
68/100
State rank
#273
US rank
#9237

Category grades

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

Schools grade is shown separately in the Schools card above.

Census & demographics

Census place
Los Angeles, CA
County
Los Angeles County · 9,444,647 people
City population
3,838,149
Metro
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Population (ZIP)
58,484
Household income
$64,826
Rent vs Own
83.8% rent · 16.2% own
Severe rent burden
6512.0

Population outlook (Los Angeles County) Hauer SSP2

Today (2025)
10,940,515 people
By 2030
11,256,481 · +2.9%
By 2040
11,729,929 · +7.2%
By 2050
11,948,407 · +9.2%
By 2075
11,818,114 · +8.0%
By 2100
10,842,928 · -0.9%

Race, ethnicity, and origin ACS 2023

Neighborhood character
Diverse neighborhood (Simpson 0.68)
Race & ethnicity
Hispanic / Latino 46% Asian 25% White 21% Two or more races 11% Black 4% Native American 1%
Hispanic origin (detail)
Mexican 19%
Common ancestry
Lithuanian 1% Romanian 1% Scotch-Irish 1%
Foreign-born
47% · Canada, South Korea, China
Languages at home
34% English-only · Spanish 40% Korean 10% Tagalog/Filipino 8%

Political lean MEDSL · Los Angeles

2024 margin
Solid D (+32.9) · D 64.8% · R 31.9% · Other 3.3%
2008→2024 swing
-7.4pp toward R · 2008: 40.4pp · 2024: 32.9pp
All cycles
2024: D+32.9 2020: D+44.2 2016: D+48.0 2012: D+40.0 2008: D+40.4

Not yet ingested

Civics

Market trends

HPI YoY
▼ -896.52%
Current HPI
421.3689
Rent YoY
▼ -1.71%
Metro
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
State GDP YoY
▲ 3.21%
F500 in state
116

Industry mix (Fortune 500 HQ in CA)

Industry F500 HQs Revenue

Price history

+947.4% since first listed
2 events — show timeline
  • 2026-02-23 Listed $995,000 TheMLS
  • 1986-06-12 Sold (Public Records) $95,000 Public Records

Property tax history

+1.7%/yr

Latest (2025): $5,829 · +1.5% YoY. Source: county tax records.

Cash-flow waterfall

monthly

Sold comps — $/sqft

last 12 mo · ≤1 mi

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