418 Oaklawn Ave · Waterloo, IA
Flood risk 1/10 · Minimal
- FEMA flood zone
- X (unshaded)
- Chance of flooding over 30 yrs
- 0.0%
- Est. flood insurance / yr
- $473 – $860
Fire risk 1/10 · Minimal
- Est. fire insurance / yr
- $902 – $1,676
Heat risk 3/10 · Minor
- Hot days now (above 101°F)
- 7 days/yr
- Hot days in 30 yrs
- 16 days/yr
Wind risk 2/10 · Minimal
- Chance of severe wind over 30 yrs
- —
Air-quality risk 1/10 · Minimal
- Unhealthy air days now
- 0 days/yr
- Unhealthy air days in 30 yrs
- 0 days/yr
Risk factors via First Street. Map © Google.
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 +4.8/15.0
- 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
$50,000
🖨 Deal sheet 📄 Offer letter ✓ Due diligence
Listing remarks MLS
Welcome home to this inviting 2-bedroom, 1-bath townhouse in Waterloo — offering comfort, convenience, and low-maintenance living in a great location. Step inside to a bright and functional main level featuring a spacious living area perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The adjoining kitchen offers ample cabinet space and a practical layout that makes everyday living easy. Upstairs, you’ll find two comfortable bedrooms with generous closet space and a full bath. Enjoy the benefits of townhouse living with minimal exterior upkeep, dedicated parking, and a layout that maximizes space and natural light. Whether you're a first-time buyer, downsizing, or looking for an investment opportunity, this property delivers exceptional value. Don’t miss your chance to own an affordable and move-in-ready home in Waterloo — schedule your private showing today!
Key facts
- Ample cabinet space
- Dedicated parking
- Built 1919
Tags
Neighborhood map
What this means for you Summary
Snapshot
- This is a 2-bed/1.5-bath townhouse listed at $50k.
Deal economics
- At list price, monthly cash flow is $347 ($4k/yr) — positive.
- The deal already cash-flows at list — no discount required.
- Meets the 1% rule at list price ($885 rent vs $50k).
- Recommended offer: $44k (12.0% below list) — sets the bar for market timing.
- Cap rate 14.6% 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: schools C-, 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.
- Market conditions: Rents rising (+3.8%/yr); 282 active listings in the ZIP; 40 comparable units currently listed for rent nearby; rentals lingering (median 44d on market — plan ~5-8 weeks vacancy on turnover, expect pricing pressure); 55% 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).
- This rent is only 17% of the median local income ($61k/yr) — well below the 30% rent-burden line; pricing power to push rent on renewal without tenant pushback.
Forward outlook
- Local home prices are declining (-3.0%/yr); year-one equity from $346 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 $14k cash investment doubles in ~4 years — after that, you're playing with house money.
Negotiation context
- It's been on market 123 days — a 12% lower offer ($44k) is reasonable based on typical stale-listing flexibility.
- 3 sale attempts since 4y ago; this cycle's ask has dropped $20k (29%) from the opening price — seller is motivated, your offer sets the floor, not the list.
Risks & watch-outs
- Watch-outs: built in 1919 — expect roof / HVAC / electrical / plumbing capex.
Questions for the listing agent
- It's been on market 123 days. Have you received any prior offers? Is the seller open to a 12% concession, seller financing, or rate buy-down credit?
- Built in 1919 — when were the roof, HVAC, electrical panel, plumbing, and water heater last replaced?
- Why hasn't it sold? Are there any deal-killer items the seller is aware of (foundation, flood, title, zoning, code violations)?
- Is there a deadline driving the sale (1031 exchange, divorce, estate, relocation)? That informs how much negotiation room exists.
- 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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 1.77% ✓
- Cap rate
- 14.62%
- Cash-on-cash
- 29.73%
- DSCR
- 2.32
- GRM
- 4.7
CMA / ARV
- ARV (median comp)
- $47,204
- List price
- $50,000
- Delta
- 5.92%
- Verdict
- FAIR
- Comps
- 14 within 1.0 mi
Show comp detail 2 sales within ~0.75 mi
| Address | Dist | Beds/Ba | Sqft | Sold | Price | $/sf | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 426 Oaklawn Ave | 0.01mi | 2/1.0 | 952 (-7%) | 10mo | $65,000 | $68 | 78 |
| 420 Oaklawn Ave | 0.00mi | 2/1.0 | 1,071 (+5%) | 24mo | $39,000 | $36 | 70 |
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 · 3.8% rent growth · sell at horizon
- IRR
- 25.2%
- Equity multiple
- 2.05×
- Total profit
- $14,724
- Equity at exit
- $7,455
- IRR
- 33.4%
- Equity multiple
- 4.17×
- Total profit
- $44,333
- Equity at exit
- $4,323
Cash invested: $14,000 (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
ZIP-level market 50701
- Rents YoY
- 3.8%
- Active inventory
- 282
- Price-to-rent
- 4.7×
Monthly cashflow live
- Estimated rent
- $885 high interval (Pro) →
- Mortgage (P&I)
- −$262
- Tax from tax record
- −$70 /mo · $834/yr
- Insurance
- −$21
- HOA
- −$0
- Vacancy / Maint / Mgmt
- −$186
- Net cashflow
- $347
Break-even live
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
- $12,500
- Closing costs
- $1,500
- 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
| Address | Beds | Baths | Sqft | Rent | $/sqft | DOM | Units | Dist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 416 Sunnyside Ave Waterloo, IA | 3.0 | 1.0 | 1200 | $825 | $0.69 | 43d | 1 | 0.10mi |
| 418 Sunnyside Ave Waterloo, IA | 3.0 | 1.0 | 1200 | $675 | $0.56 | 43d | 1 | 0.10mi |
| 1254 W Mullan Ave Unit 1254 Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 1.0 | 864 | $775 | $0.90 | 20d | 1 | 0.11mi |
| 1272 W Mullan Ave Unit 1272 Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 1.0 | 864 | $825 | $0.95 | 20d | 1 | 0.11mi |
| 820 W 2nd St Apt 2 Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 1.5 | 1100 | $695 | $0.63 | 43d | 1 | 0.23mi |
| 313 Denver St Unit Downstairs Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 1.5 | 950 | $695 | $0.73 | 20d | 1 | 0.31mi |
| 626 W 2nd St Unit 1 Waterloo, IA | 1.0 | 1.0 | 857 | $750 | $0.88 | 20d | 1 | 0.32mi |
| 218 South St Unit 5 Waterloo, IA | 1.0 | 1.0 | 800 | $545 | $0.68 | 43d | 1 | 0.35mi |
| 1427 W 2nd St Waterloo, IA | 3.0 | 1.0 | 1248 | $1,250 | $1.00 | 43d | 1 | 0.38mi |
| W Mullan Ave Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 1.0 | 918 | $710 | $0.77 | 43d | 2 | 0.38mi |
| 21 W Jefferson St Waterloo, IA | 1.0 | 1.0 | 711 | $1,410 | $1.98 | 20d | 6 | 0.50mi |
| 45 W Jefferson St Waterloo, IA | 1.0–2.0 | 1.0–2.0 | 1062 | $1,750 | $1.65 | 20d | 9 | 0.51mi |
| 702 Western Ave Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 1.5 | 1500 | $1,100 | $0.73 | 20d | 1 | 0.55mi |
| 1524 1/2 W 5th St Unit 1524 1/2 Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 1.0 | 981 | $850 | $0.87 | 20d | 1 | 0.57mi |
| 616 Kimball Ave Waterloo, IA | 3.0 | 1.0 | 1302 | $1,100 | $0.84 | 43d | 1 | 0.57mi |
| 706 South St Unit B Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 1.0 | 750 | $635 | $0.85 | 20d | 1 | 0.61mi |
| 706 South St Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 1.0 | 750 | $675 | $0.90 | 43d | 1 | 0.61mi |
| 302 Commercial St Waterloo, IA | 1.0 | 1.0 | 901 | $1,100 | $1.22 | 20d | 1 | 0.62mi |
| 719 Marsh St Waterloo, IA | 3.0 | 1.0 | 1224 | $1,100 | $0.90 | 20d | 1 | 0.64mi |
| 733 Baltimore St Waterloo, IA | 1.0 | 1.0 | 724 | $700 | $0.97 | 43d | 1 | 0.65mi |
| 1121 W 7th St Waterloo, IA | 1.0 | 1.0 | 800 | $725 | $0.91 | 43d | 1 | 0.67mi |
| 136 Janney Ave Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 2.0 | 901 | $1,325 | $1.47 | 43d | 1 | 0.68mi |
| 223 W 4th St Ste 203 Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 1.5 | 1466 | $1,250 | $0.85 | 43d | 1 | 0.71mi |
| 905 Baltimore St Waterloo, IA | 3.0 | 1.5 | 1392 | $1,025 | $0.74 | 43d | 1 | 0.74mi |
| 1008 Leavitt St Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 1.0 | 700 | $920 | $1.31 | 20d | 1 | 0.75mi |
| 611 Johnson St Unit 11 Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 1.0 | 800 | $895 | $1.12 | 43d | 1 | 0.75mi |
| 611 Johnson St Unit 8 Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 1.0 | 800 | $825 | $1.03 | 43d | 1 | 0.75mi |
| 1014 Leavitt St Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 1.0 | 700 | $1,060 | $1.51 | 20d | 2 | 0.77mi |
| 200 Parkview Blvd Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 1.0 | 744 | $725 | $0.97 | 20d | 1 | 0.92mi |
| 254 Parkview Blvd Unit 254 Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 1.0 | 744 | $795 | $1.07 | 43d | 1 | 0.94mi |
| 226 Palmer Dr Unit 226-B Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 1.0 | 800 | $780 | $0.97 | 20d | 1 | 0.97mi |
| 237 Miriam Dr Apt B Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 1.0 | 750 | $725 | $0.97 | 43d | 1 | 0.99mi |
| 225 Miriam Dr Unit A Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 1.0 | 700 | $650 | $0.93 | 43d | 1 | 0.99mi |
| 311 E 3rd St Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1154 | $1,500 | $1.30 | 20d | 1 | 1.02mi |
| 520 Lafayette St Unit A Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 1.0 | 800 | $750 | $0.94 | 43d | 1 | 1.04mi |
| 824 Sycamore St Unit 824-09 Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1054 | $1,250 | $1.19 | 43d | 1 | 1.05mi |
| 1112 Byron Ave Unit 1114 Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 1.0 | 896 | $930 | $1.04 | 20d | 1 | 1.08mi |
| 924 Sycamore St #1 Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1054 | $1,250 | $1.19 | 43d | 1 | 1.09mi |
| 2539 W 3rd St Waterloo, IA | 3.0 | 2.5 | 1200 | $1,695 | $1.41 | 20d | 1 | 1.12mi |
| 920-928 Sycamore St Unit 920-07 Waterloo, IA | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1054 | $1,250 | $1.19 | 43d | 1 | 1.12mi |
Listing history 26 events
-
2026-06-19days on market $50,000 Active 123 DOM
-
2026-06-18days on market $50,000 Active 122 DOM
-
2026-06-17days on market $50,000 Active 121 DOM
-
2026-06-16days on market $50,000 Active 120 DOM
-
2026-06-15days on market $50,000 Active 119 DOM
-
2026-06-14days on market $50,000 Active 117 DOM
-
2026-06-13pricedays on market $50,000 Active 116 DOM
-
2026-06-10days on market $65,000 Active 114 DOM
-
2026-06-09days on market $65,000 Active 113 DOM
-
2026-06-08days on market $65,000 Active 112 DOM
-
2026-06-07days on market $65,000 Active 111 DOM
-
2026-06-05days on market $65,000 Active 108 DOM
-
2026-06-03days on market $65,000 Active 107 DOM
-
2026-06-02days on market $65,000 Active 106 DOM
-
2026-06-01days on market $65,000 Active 105 DOM
-
2026-05-31days on market $65,000 Active 104 DOM
-
2026-05-30days on market $65,000 Active 103 DOM
-
2026-05-19price $65,000 881-char remark
Show marketing remark (881 chars)
Welcome home to this inviting 2-bedroom, 1-bath townhouse in Waterloo — offering comfort, convenience, and low-maintenance living in a great location. Step inside to a bright and functional main level featuring a spacious living area perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The adjoining kitchen offers ample cabinet space and a practical layout that makes everyday living easy. Upstairs, you’ll find two comfortable bedrooms with generous closet space and a full bath. Enjoy the benefits of townhouse living with minimal exterior upkeep, dedicated parking, and a layout that maximizes space and natural light. Whether you're a first-time buyer, downsizing, or looking for an investment opportunity, this property delivers exceptional value. Don’t miss your chance to own an affordable and move-in-ready home in Waterloo — schedule your private showing today!
-
2026-02-16$70,000 Active 881-char remark
Show marketing remark (881 chars)
Welcome home to this inviting 2-bedroom, 1-bath townhouse in Waterloo — offering comfort, convenience, and low-maintenance living in a great location. Step inside to a bright and functional main level featuring a spacious living area perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The adjoining kitchen offers ample cabinet space and a practical layout that makes everyday living easy. Upstairs, you’ll find two comfortable bedrooms with generous closet space and a full bath. Enjoy the benefits of townhouse living with minimal exterior upkeep, dedicated parking, and a layout that maximizes space and natural light. Whether you're a first-time buyer, downsizing, or looking for an investment opportunity, this property delivers exceptional value. Don’t miss your chance to own an affordable and move-in-ready home in Waterloo — schedule your private showing today!
-
2022-12-02soldstatus $49,000
-
2022-11-30soldstatus $49,000 Closed 200-char remark
Show marketing remark (200 chars)
A spacious brick townhouse. Currently rented out. This is a great rental property for the seasoned investor or someone just getting started. Owner is a licensed real estate agent in the State of Iowa.
-
2022-11-03status Pending 200-char remark
Show marketing remark (200 chars)
A spacious brick townhouse. Currently rented out. This is a great rental property for the seasoned investor or someone just getting started. Owner is a licensed real estate agent in the State of Iowa.
-
2022-10-20status Active 200-char remark
Show marketing remark (200 chars)
A spacious brick townhouse. Currently rented out. This is a great rental property for the seasoned investor or someone just getting started. Owner is a licensed real estate agent in the State of Iowa.
-
2022-10-01status Pending 200-char remark
Show marketing remark (200 chars)
A spacious brick townhouse. Currently rented out. This is a great rental property for the seasoned investor or someone just getting started. Owner is a licensed real estate agent in the State of Iowa.
-
2022-09-19$53,000 Active 200-char remark
Show marketing remark (200 chars)
A spacious brick townhouse. Currently rented out. This is a great rental property for the seasoned investor or someone just getting started. Owner is a licensed real estate agent in the State of Iowa.
-
2020-09-25soldstatus $16,000
ⓘ Source: listings_history table (triggers on properties + properties_extension) + one-shot
backfill from property_details.listing_events for pre-trigger history.
Tax reassessment forecast IA · Partial reset (capped growth)
- Current annual tax
- $834 · $70/mo
- Projected year-2 tax
- $834 · $70/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 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
- $10,623
- − Mortgage interest
- −$2,801
- − Property taxes
- −$834
- − Insurance
- −$250
- − Repairs & maintenance
- −$850
- − Management
- −$850
- − Depreciation
- −$1,455
- Taxable income
- $3,584
- Est. tax owed @ 24.0%
- −$860
- After-tax cash flow
- $3,302/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
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
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | 1 | $16B |
|
||
| Retail / Convenience | 1 | $15B |
|
||
Price history
+306.2% since first listed9 events — show timeline
- 2026-05-19 Price Changed $65,000 NEIRBR as distributed by MLS GRID
- 2026-02-16 Listed $70,000 NEIRBR as distributed by MLS GRID
- 2022-12-02 Sold (Public Records) $49,000 Public Records
- 2022-11-30 Sold (MLS) $49,000 NEIRBR as distributed by MLS GRID
- 2022-11-03 Pending — NEIRBR as distributed by MLS GRID
- 2022-10-20 Relisted — NEIRBR as distributed by MLS GRID
- 2022-10-01 Pending — NEIRBR as distributed by MLS GRID
- 2022-09-19 Listed $53,000 NEIRBR as distributed by MLS GRID
- 2020-09-25 Sold (Public Records) $16,000 Public Records
Property tax history
+0.3%/yrLatest (2025): $834 · +8.6% YoY. Source: county tax records.
Cash-flow waterfall
monthlySold comps — $/sqft
last 12 mo · ≤1 miLoading sold comps…