2227 Cave Hollow Rd Rd · Varnell, GA 30721

$220,000

4 bd · 2.0 ba · 1,664 sqft · MultiFamily · 185 Days on market

Built 1960 Fair condition 0.81 ac lot

---

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 +22.4/30.0
• ARV discount +7.5/15.0
• DSCR +7.2/10.0
• 1% rule +5.8/10.0
• Livability +3.2/5.0
• Schools +3.0/10.0
• Rent growth +2.5/5.0
• Condition / age +2.2/5.0
• Appreciation +0.0/10.0

Multi-family units

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

Listing remarks MLS

Excellent investment opportunity with this income-producing duplex in Dalton. Each unit offers a functional 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom layout, providing comfortable living spaces that appeal to long-term tenants. Both sides are currently tenant-occupied, creating immediate rental income from day one. Situated in a convenient location with easy access to local amenities, employment centers, and major roadways, this property is well-positioned for steady demand. Ideal for investors seeking a low-maintenance addition to their portfolio or those looking to secure consistent cash flow in a growing area. * Owner is Licensed Agent in the State of Georgia.

Key facts

• Easy access
• Employment centers
• Tenant occupied

Tags

• INCOME PRODUCING DUPLEX
• FUNCTIONAL LAYOUT
• TENANT OCCUPIED
• EASY ACCESS
• LOCAL AMENITIES
• EMPLOYMENT CENTERS

What this means for you Summary

Snapshot

• This is a 2 × 2-bed/1.0-bath units multifamily listed at $220k. Condition is rated fair.

Deal economics

• At list price, monthly cash flow is $365 ($4k/yr) — positive. Per door: $182/mo.
• The deal already cash-flows at list — no discount required.
• Meets the 1% rule at list price ($2k rent vs $220k).
• Recommended offer: $194k (12.0% below list) — sets the bar for market timing.
• Cap rate 8.3% vs local median 2.5% in Varnell — 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 64/100 on livability (#276 in GA) — a middle-class / working-renter tenant base. Strengths: crime A+, cost of living A+, housing A+; Watch: schools F, amenities F, commute F.
• Whitfield County (rural): math 37% / reading 34% proficiency, ranked #62 of 174 in GA (top 36%) — families likely to look elsewhere, expect single-tenant / working-renter base with shorter leases; 61% free/reduced lunch — lower-income household profile, screen leases tightly.
• Market conditions: 388 active listings in the ZIP; 374 units permitted in Whitfield County in 2024 (35 in 5+ unit buildings).
• At $2,386/mo this rent would consume 46% of the median local household income ($62k/yr) (locally 1156% 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 $2k of loan paydown is wiped out by about $7k of value loss. Plan a longer hold.
• Whitfield County population projected at +3% by 2050 — modest demand growth; plan on rents tracking national, not racing it.

Negotiation context

• It's been on market 185 days — a 12% lower offer ($194k) is reasonable based on typical stale-listing flexibility.

Risks & watch-outs

• Climate carrying-cost: moderate flood risk; major wildfire risk; extreme-heat days projected 7→19/yr by 2055 (HVAC capex compounding) — expect insurance premiums to compound above CPI over the hold.

Recommended offer $193,600 (12.0% below list)

Questions for the listing agent

1. It's been on market 185 days. Have you received any prior offers? Is the seller open to a 12% 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. Have any recent inspections been done? Can we get a copy of the seller's disclosures and any deferred-maintenance estimates?
5. Built in 1960 — when were the roof, HVAC, electrical panel, plumbing, and water heater last replaced?
6. Why hasn't it sold? Are there any deal-killer items the seller is aware of (foundation, flood, title, zoning, code violations)?
7. Is there a deadline driving the sale (1031 exchange, divorce, estate, relocation)? That informs how much negotiation room exists.
8. Schools are F-rated, which usually means shorter tenancies and higher turnover. Who's the typical renter profile here, and what's been the actual vacancy rate?
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: 1.08% ✓
• Cap rate: 8.28%
• Cash-on-cash: 7.10%
• DSCR: 1.32
• GRM: 7.7

CMA / ARV

No comps found within radius.

Projected returns pro-forma

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

5-year hold

• IRR: -5.4%
• Equity multiple: 0.80×
• Total profit: $-12,394
• Equity at exit: $32,803

10-year hold

• IRR: 4.3%
• Equity multiple: 1.31×
• Total profit: $19,253
• Equity at exit: $19,022

Cash invested: $61,600 (down + closing). Projections, not guarantees.

Landlord ↔ Tenant lean methodology

• Overall (STATE): 90 Strongly Landlord-Friendly
• State Georgia: 90 Strongly Landlord-Friendly · R+3
• County: — inherits STATE
• City: — inherits STATE

Magistrate court evictions in 10-30 days; no rent control; preempted; few tenant protections.

Methodology + full state rankings →

ZIP-level market 30721

• Active inventory: 388
• Price-to-rent: 15.4×

Monthly cashflow live

• Estimated rent: $2,386 medium
• Mortgage (P&I): −$1,154
• Tax est. 1.5%: −$275 /mo · $3,300/yr
• Insurance: −$92
• HOA: −$0
• Vacancy / Maint / Mgmt: −$501
• Net cashflow: $365

Break-even live

Break-even rent $1,925

Max offer price $220,000

Occupancy floor 80%

Sensitivity live

Price	-10% $517	-5% $441	+0% $365	+5% $289	+10% $213
Rent	-10% $176	-5% $270	+0% $365	+5% $459	+10% $553
Rate	-1.0pp $475	-0.5pp $421	base $365	+0.5pp $308	+1.0pp $250

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

Units	Beds	Baths	Est. rent
▸ 2× units	2	1	$2,386
Total (2 units)			$2,386

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: $55,000
• Closing costs: $6,600
• Reserves months: —
• Total cash needed: —

Listing history 19 events

1. 2026-06-21
   days on market $220,000 Active 185 DOM
2. 2026-06-19
   days on market $220,000 Active 183 DOM
3. 2026-06-18
   days on market $220,000 Active 182 DOM
4. 2026-06-17
   days on market $220,000 Active 181 DOM
5. 2026-06-16
   days on market $220,000 Active 180 DOM
6. 2026-06-15
   days on market $220,000 Active 179 DOM
7. 2026-06-14
   days on market $220,000 Active 177 DOM
8. 2026-06-13
   days on market $220,000 Active 176 DOM
9. 2026-06-10
   days on market $220,000 Active 174 DOM
10. 2026-06-09
    days on market $220,000 Active 173 DOM
11. 2026-06-08
    days on market $220,000 Active 172 DOM
12. 2026-06-07
    days on market $220,000 Active 171 DOM
13. 2026-06-05
    days on market $220,000 Active 168 DOM
14. 2026-06-03
    days on market $220,000 Active 167 DOM
15. 2026-06-02
    days on market $220,000 Active 166 DOM
16. 2026-06-01
    days on market $220,000 Active 165 DOM
17. 2026-05-31
    days on market $220,000 Active 164 DOM
18. 2026-05-30
    days on market $220,000 Active 163 DOM
19. 2025-12-18
    listed $220,000 Active 651-char remark

    Show marketing remark (651 chars)

    Excellent investment opportunity with this income-producing duplex in Dalton. Each unit offers a functional 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom layout, providing comfortable living spaces that appeal to long-term tenants. Both sides are currently tenant-occupied, creating immediate rental income from day one. Situated in a convenient location with easy access to local amenities, employment centers, and major roadways, this property is well-positioned for steady demand. Ideal for investors seeking a low-maintenance addition to their portfolio or those looking to secure consistent cash flow in a growing area. * Owner is Licensed Agent in the State of Georgia.

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

Climate risk First Street

• 🌊 Flood 5/10 Major FEMA zone X (unshaded) · 65% chance over 30 yrs
• 🔥 Wildfire 6/10 Major
• 🌡 Heat 6/10 Major 7 d/yr ≥106°F today · 19 d/yr by 30 yrs out
• 💨 Wind 4/10 Moderate 9% chance of damaging wind over 30 yrs
• 🫁 Air quality 3/10 Moderate 2 unhealthy d/yr today · 3 by 30 yrs out

Taxation est. · year 1

• Rental income: $28,632
• − Mortgage interest: −$12,323
• − Property taxes: −$3,300
• − Insurance: −$1,100
• − Repairs & maintenance: −$2,291
• − Management: −$2,291
• − Depreciation: −$6,400
• Taxable income: $927
• Est. tax owed @ 24.0%: −$223
• After-tax cash flow: $4,152/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 · 8 photos

Fair 45/100 Moderate rehab

This multi-family property requires moderate renovations to improve its condition and increase its value. Exterior painting, HVAC replacement, and landscaping are key updates that would significantly enhance its appeal and value.

Repairs flagged

• Major exterior siding — Significant wear and tear
• Major interior walls — Peeling paint
• Major flooring — Worn-out carpet

Value-add opportunities

• Both exterior painting — Enhances curb appeal and property value
• Both HVAC replacement — Improves comfort and energy efficiency
• Both landscaping — Enhances curb appeal and property value

Renovation cost estimate screening

Repair item	Severity	Est. cost
exterior siding · Significant wear and tear	Major	$15,000–50,000
interior walls · Peeling paint	Major	$15,000–50,000
flooring · Worn-out carpet	Major	$15,000–50,000
Total estimated repair cost · 3 items		$45,000–150,000

Value-add ROI direction

• Both exterior painting — Enhances curb appeal and property value ↑
• Both HVAC replacement — Improves comfort and energy efficiency ↑
• Both landscaping — Enhances curb appeal and property value ↑

ⓘ 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: Whitfield County
• NCES district ID: 1305700
• Math proficiency: 37% ▼ -6.00%
• Reading proficiency: 34% ▼ -9.00%
• Median HH income: $44,296
• Composite: 30.24/100
• National rank: #6290
• State rank: #62 of 174 in GA

Livability — Varnell

• Score: 64/100
• State rank: #276
• US rank: #14823

Category grades

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

Schools grade is shown separately in the Schools card above.

Census & demographics

• County: Whitfield County · 80,309 people
• City population: 3
• Metro: Dalton, GA
• Population (ZIP): 53,060
• Household income: $62,094
• Rent vs Own: 34.7% rent · 65.3% own
• Severe rent burden: 1156.0

Population outlook (Whitfield County) Hauer SSP2

• Today (2025): 107,770 people
• By 2030: 108,737 · +0.9%
• By 2040: 110,260 · +2.3%
• By 2050: 111,205 · +3.2%
• By 2075: 113,014 · +4.9%
• By 2100: 112,775 · +4.6%

Race, ethnicity, and origin ACS 2023

• Neighborhood character: Diverse neighborhood (Simpson 0.55)
• Race & ethnicity: White 48% Hispanic / Latino 47% Two or more races 10% Black 4% Native American 1%
• Hispanic origin (detail): Mexican 35% Cuban 1%
• Common ancestry: Slovak 1% Italian 1%
• Foreign-born: 24% · Canada, Jamaica
• Languages at home: 62% English-only · Spanish 37%

Political lean MEDSL · Whitfield

• 2024 margin: Solid R (+44.5) · D 27.5% · R 72.0%
• 2008→2024 swing: -4.5pp toward R · 2008: -40.0pp · 2024: -44.5pp
• All cycles: 2024: R+44.5 2020: R+40.7 2016: R+44.8 2012: R+45.1 2008: R+40.0

Not yet ingested

• Civics: —

Market trends

• HPI YoY: ▼ -220.10%
• Current HPI: 314.9341
• Rent YoY: —
• Metro: Dalton, GA
• State GDP YoY: ▲ 2.66%
• F500 in state: 28

Industry mix (Fortune 500 HQ in GA)

Industry	F500 HQs	Revenue
▸Paper / Packaging	2	$29B
▸Retail	1	$160B
▸Transportation / Logistics	1	$91B
▸Airlines	1	$62B
▸Consumer Goods	1	$47B
▸Utilities	1	$25B

Price history

1 event — show timeline

• 2025-12-18 Listed $220,000 CCARMLS