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225 Ellis St Multi-family
A- Composite 81.54
Why this score? — see what drove the A- 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
  • DSCR +10.0/10.0
  • 1% rule +9.1/10.0
  • ARV discount +7.5/15.0
  • Appreciation +7.4/10.0
  • Rent growth +5.0/5.0
  • Schools +5.0/10.0
  • Livability +3.8/5.0
  • Condition / age +3.8/5.0

$3,980,000

225 Ellis St · San Francisco, CA 94102
None bd · None ba · 6,567 sqft · MultiFamily · 118 Days on market
Built 1910 Good condition 2,265 sqft lot $606/sqft · 78% above area

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

Multi-family units

County records classify this as Multi-Family (5+ Unit). Listing-text estimate: 1 unit. estimate disagrees with records

5+ unit building — per-unit beds/baths from public records are typically unavailable; the breakdown below (if shown) is an estimate from the listing text.

Listing remarks MLS

Marcus & Millichap is pleased to offer a unique multifamily investment opportunity in Downtown San Francisco, California - 225 Ellis. This 16 room SRO has undergone substantial remodeling and comes with a ground floor retail which is well positioned to benefit from San Francisco's gradual recovery in tourism and business travel. Just steps away from the city's primary business districts, 225 Ellis offers a compelling option for both business and leisure guests. Its central location provides easy access to public transit and top attractions, including Union Square, the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf, as well as a wide range of dining, shopping and cultural experiences nearby. 225 Ellis is set to attract a diverse clientele in the heart of San Francisco just steps away from iconic Union Square

Key facts

  • Central location
  • Ground floor retail
  • Top attractions

Tags

GROUND FLOOR RETAILCENTRAL LOCATIONEASY ACCESS TO PUBLIC TRANSITTOP ATTRACTIONS

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 multifamily listed at $3.98M. Condition is rated good.

Deal economics

  • At list price, monthly cash flow is $17k ($201k/yr) — positive.
  • The deal already cash-flows at list — no discount required.
  • Meets the 1% rule at list price ($56k rent vs $3.98M).
  • Recommended offer: $3.62M (9.0% below list) — sets the bar for market timing.
  • Cap rate 11.3% vs local median 2.1% in San Francisco — 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 76/100 on livability (#90 in CA, #3,143 nationally) — a middle-class / working-renter tenant base. Strengths: amenities A+, commute A+, employment A+; Watch: crime F, cost of living F.
  • San Francisco Unified (urban): math 50% / reading 56% proficiency, ranked #322 of 1,400 in CA (top 23%) — acceptable for families but not a draw, mixed tenant base, ~2y average lease.
  • Market conditions: Rents rising fast (+10.1%/yr); 63 active listings in the ZIP; 1 comparable units currently listed for rent nearby; 750 units permitted in San Francisco County in 2024 (688 in 5+ unit buildings).
  • At $56,019/mo this rent would consume 1112% of the median local household income ($60k/yr) (locally 3769% of renters already pay >50% of income on rent) — very limited rent-growth headroom before tenants either downsize or default.

Forward outlook

  • In year one you build about $218k of equity ($28k loan paydown + $191k appreciation (4.8% local appreciation)).
  • San Francisco County population projected at +39% by 2050 — long-run rental-demand tailwind backs the buy-and-hold thesis.
  • At projected returns (4.8% appreciation + 8.0% rent growth), your $1.11M cash investment doubles in ~3 years — after that, you're playing with house money.
  • By year 2, paydown + projected appreciation supports a ~$350k cash-out refi (75% LTV) — recoverable capital for the next deal without selling this one.

Negotiation context

  • It's been on market 118 days — a 9% lower offer ($3.62M) is reasonable based on typical stale-listing flexibility.
  • 2 sale attempts; this cycle's ask is 198900% above the opening price — seller raised mid-cycle; expect resistance to lowballs.

Risks & watch-outs

  • Watch-outs: built in 1910 — expect roof / HVAC / electrical / plumbing capex.
Recommended offer $3,621,800 (9.0% below list)

Questions for the listing agent

  1. It's been on market 118 days. Have you received any prior offers? Is the seller open to a 9% concession, seller financing, or rate buy-down credit?
  2. Built in 1910 — when were the roof, HVAC, electrical panel, plumbing, and water heater last replaced?
  3. Why hasn't it sold? Are there any deal-killer items the seller is aware of (foundation, flood, title, zoning, code violations)?
  4. Is there a deadline driving the sale (1031 exchange, divorce, estate, relocation)? That informs how much negotiation room exists.
  5. Schools are B-rated — typically a magnet for longer-tenancy family renters. What's the average tenant stay here, and is there a school-zone premium baked into asking?
  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
1.41%
Cap rate
11.34%
Cash-on-cash
18.04%
DSCR
1.80
GRM
5.9

CMA / ARV

ARV (median comp)
$2,232,626
List price
$3,980,000
Delta
78.27%
Verdict
OVERPRICED
Comps
20 within 1.0 mi
Show comp detail 9 sales within ~0.75 mi
Address Dist Beds/Ba Sqft Sold Price $/sf Match
974-980 Sutter St 0.43mi 6/— 6,330 (-4%) 1mo $1,095,000 $173 73
1441-1447 Sacramento St 0.59mi 14/4.0 6,747 (+3%) 3mo $3,625,000 $537 65
417-419 Hyde St 0.36mi —/— 6,252 (-5%) 12mo $1,103,000 $176 65
1272-1276 California St 0.53mi 9/3.0 6,816 (+4%) 8mo $2,500,000 $367 63
1645-1649 Sacramento St 0.70mi 12/3.0 6,386 (-3%) 5mo $2,125,500 $333 58
1108-1112 Pine St 0.45mi 9/3.0 5,655 (-14%) 6mo $2,050,000 $363 51
1075 Ofarrell St 0.69mi 1/— 6,075 (-8%) 7mo $1,793,750 $295 50
1424 Jones St 0.70mi 12/1.0 7,075 (+8%) 12mo $1,950,000 $276 45
949-953 Leavenworth St 0.47mi 9/3.0 5,685 (-13%) 17mo $2,250,000 $396 42

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

Projected returns pro-forma

4.8% appreciation · 8.0% rent growth · sell at horizon

5-year hold
IRR
31.4%
Equity multiple
3.01×
Total profit
$2,235,094
Equity at exit
$2,206,525
10-year hold
IRR
32.6%
Equity multiple
6.89×
Total profit
$6,569,252
Equity at exit
$3,768,342

Cash invested: $1,114,400 (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 San Francisco
0 Strongly Tenant-Friendly · D+57
SF Rent Ordinance + Eviction Protections; relocation $10k+; one of strictest in US.

ZIP-level market 94102

Home prices YoY
2.7%
Rents YoY
10.1%
Active inventory
63
Price-to-rent
94.7×

Monthly cashflow live

Estimated rent
$56,019 high interval (Pro) →
Mortgage (P&I)
$20,872
Tax est. 1.5%
$4,975 /mo · $59,700/yr
Insurance
$1,658
HOA
$0
Vacancy / Maint / Mgmt
$11,764
Net cashflow
$16,750

Break-even live

Break-even rent $34,816
Max offer price $3,980,000
Occupancy floor 65%

Sensitivity live

Price -10% $19,501 -5% $18,125 +0% $16,750 +5% $15,375 +10% $14,000
Rent -10% $12,325 -5% $14,537 +0% $16,750 +5% $18,963 +10% $21,176
Rate -1.0pp $18,754 -0.5pp $17,762 base $16,750 +0.5pp $15,719 +1.0pp $14,670

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

UnitsBedsBathsEst. rent
Total (16 units) $56,019

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
$995,000
Closing costs
$119,400
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 1 comps

AddressBedsBaths SqftRent$/sqft DOM Units Dist
14 Isis St Unit 4 San Francisco, CA 1.0 1.0 5526 $3,200 $0.58 45d 1 1.03mi

Listing history 18 events

  1. 2026-06-21
    days on market $3,980,000 Active 118 DOM
  2. 2026-06-18
    days on market $3,980,000 Active 115 DOM
  3. 2026-06-17
    days on market $3,980,000 Active 114 DOM
  4. 2026-06-16
    days on market $3,980,000 Active 113 DOM
  5. 2026-06-15
    days on market $3,980,000 Active 112 DOM
  6. 2026-06-13
    days on market $3,980,000 Active 110 DOM
  7. 2026-06-13
    days on market $3,980,000 Active 109 DOM
  8. 2026-06-09
    days on market $3,980,000 Active 106 DOM
  9. 2026-06-08
    days on market $3,980,000 Active 105 DOM
  10. 2026-06-07
    days on market $3,980,000 Active 104 DOM
  11. 2026-06-04
    days on market $3,980,000 Active 101 DOM
  12. 2026-06-03
    days on market $3,980,000 Active 100 DOM
  13. 2026-06-02
    days on market $3,980,000 Active 99 DOM
  14. 2026-06-01
    days on market $3,980,000 Active 98 DOM
  15. 2026-05-31
    days on market $3,980,000 Active 97 DOM
  16. 2026-05-12
    listed $2,000
  17. 2026-03-02
    price $3,980,000 818-char remark
    Show marketing remark (818 chars)

    Marcus & Millichap is pleased to offer a unique multifamily investment opportunity in Downtown San Francisco, California - 225 Ellis. This 16 room SRO has undergone substantial remodeling and comes with a ground floor retail which is well positioned to benefit from San Francisco's gradual recovery in tourism and business travel. Just steps away from the city's primary business districts, 225 Ellis offers a compelling option for both business and leisure guests. Its central location provides easy access to public transit and top attractions, including Union Square, the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf, as well as a wide range of dining, shopping and cultural experiences nearby. 225 Ellis is set to attract a diverse clientele in the heart of San Francisco just steps away from iconic Union Square

  18. 2026-02-23
    listed $4,200,000 Active 818-char remark
    Show marketing remark (818 chars)

    Marcus & Millichap is pleased to offer a unique multifamily investment opportunity in Downtown San Francisco, California - 225 Ellis. This 16 room SRO has undergone substantial remodeling and comes with a ground floor retail which is well positioned to benefit from San Francisco's gradual recovery in tourism and business travel. Just steps away from the city's primary business districts, 225 Ellis offers a compelling option for both business and leisure guests. Its central location provides easy access to public transit and top attractions, including Union Square, the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf, as well as a wide range of dining, shopping and cultural experiences nearby. 225 Ellis is set to attract a diverse clientele in the heart of San Francisco just steps away from iconic Union Square

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

Nearby sold comps map

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Walkable amenities ~0.75 mi

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Taxation est. · year 1

Rental income
$672,228
− Mortgage interest
−$222,942
− Property taxes
−$59,700
− Insurance
−$19,900
− Repairs & maintenance
−$53,778
− Management
−$53,778
− Depreciation
−$115,782
Taxable income
$146,348
combined federal + state — saved on this device
Est. tax owed @ 24.0%
−$35,123
After-tax cash flow
$165,878/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.

Condition & rehab AI · 11 photos

Good 75/100 Cosmetic rehab

This multifamily property in San Francisco's downtown area is in good condition with a good rehab level. It offers a unique investment opportunity with a ground floor retail and easy access to top attractions. Consider landscaping and interior updates to further enhance its value.

Value-add opportunities

  • Both Landscaping and curb appeal improvements — Enhances curb appeal and can attract more tenants.
  • Resale Modernize kitchen appliances — Upgrades can increase the home's appeal to potential buyers.
  • Resale Paint interior walls — Fresh paint can make the home more appealing to buyers.
  • Resale Upgrade lighting fixtures — Modern lighting can enhance the home's appeal and energy efficiency.
  • Rental Install smart home technology — Can attract tech-savvy tenants and improve energy efficiency.

Renovation cost estimate screening

Value-add ROI direction

  • Both Landscaping and curb appeal improvements — Enhances curb appeal and can attract more tenants.
  • Resale Modernize kitchen appliances — Upgrades can increase the home's appeal to potential buyers.
  • Resale Paint interior walls — Fresh paint can make the home more appealing to buyers.
  • Resale Upgrade lighting fixtures — Modern lighting can enhance the home's appeal and energy efficiency.
  • Rental Install smart home technology — Can attract tech-savvy tenants and improve energy efficiency.

ⓘ Cost ranges are severity-bucket heuristics (US national rule-of-thumb). Get contractor quotes + a written scope before underwriting a rehab budget.

Schools (NCES district)

District
San Francisco Unified
NCES district ID
0634410
Math proficiency
50% ▬ 0.00%
Reading proficiency
56% ▲ 1.00%
Median HH income
$81,249
Composite
50.14/100
National rank
#4088
State rank
#322 of 1400 in CA

Livability — San Francisco

Score
76/100
State rank
#90
US rank
#3143

Category grades

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

Schools grade is shown separately in the Schools card above.

Census & demographics

Census place
San Francisco, CA
County
San Francisco County · 827,552 people
City population
827,552
Metro
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA
Population (ZIP)
35,976
Household income
$60,431
Rent vs Own
92.0% rent · 8.0% own
Severe rent burden
3769.0

Population outlook (San Francisco County) Hauer SSP2

Today (2025)
1,030,936 people
By 2030
1,110,409 · +7.7%
By 2040
1,270,010 · +23.2%
By 2050
1,435,001 · +39.2%
By 2075
1,779,074 · +72.6%
By 2100
1,966,767 · +90.8%

Race, ethnicity, and origin ACS 2023

Neighborhood character
Highly diverse neighborhood (Simpson 0.77)
Race & ethnicity
White 31% Asian 28% Hispanic / Latino 22% Two or more races 13% Black 9% Native American 2%
Hispanic origin (detail)
Mexican 15% Puerto Rican 1%
Common ancestry
Scotch-Irish 2% Romanian 2% Lithuanian 2%
Foreign-born
41% · Canada, China, Vietnam
Languages at home
52% English-only · Spanish 16% Chinese 10% Vietnamese 5%

Political lean MEDSL · San Francisco

2024 margin
Solid D (+64.8) · D 80.3% · R 15.5% · Other 4.1%
2008→2024 swing
-5.7pp toward R · 2008: 70.5pp · 2024: 64.8pp
All cycles
2024: D+64.8 2020: D+72.5 2016: D+76.1 2012: D+70.2 2008: D+70.5

Not yet ingested

Civics

Market trends

HPI YoY
▲ 4.80%
Current HPI
184.4403
Rent YoY
▲ 10.11%
Metro
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA
State GDP YoY
▲ 3.21%
F500 in state
116

Industry mix (Fortune 500 HQ in CA)

Industry F500 HQs Revenue

Price history

-100.0% since first listed
3 events — show timeline
  • 2026-05-12 Listed for Rent $2,000 SHOWMOJO
  • 2026-03-02 Price Changed $3,980,000 San Francisco MLS
  • 2026-02-23 Listed $4,200,000 San Francisco MLS

Cash-flow waterfall

monthly

Sold comps — $/sqft

last 12 mo · ≤1 mi

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