Question 1

How do I use the Market Explorer?

Accepted Answer

Use the Market Explorer to browse and filter Section 8 housing markets by geographic level (states, counties, cities, or ZIP codes). You can filter by affordability tier, yield range, minimum investment score, and bedroom count. Sort by investment score, yield, cash flow, affordability, or FMR to find the best markets for your investment goals.

Question 2

What is Investment Score?

Accepted Answer

Investment Score uses effective rent (min of FMR and market rent per HUD rent reasonableness), net yield (annual rent minus taxes divided by property value), rental demand, and a confidence score (0–100) reflecting data completeness. Scores below 90% confidence are capped at 129. Higher scores indicate better investment opportunities with stronger cash flow potential.

Question 3

What filters should I use to find the best markets?

Accepted Answer

Start by selecting your target geographic level (ZIP codes offer the most granular data). Filter by affordability tier based on your budget, yield range for desired returns (7%+ for high yield), and set a minimum investment score threshold. Consider filtering by bedroom count if you have a specific property type in mind.

Question 4

How is cash flow estimated?

Accepted Answer

Cash flow estimates are based on Fair Market Rent (FMR) data, current mortgage rates, property tax rates, and standard expense assumptions (8% vacancy/maintenance allowance, property management fees). Estimates assume a 20% down payment and 30-year fixed mortgage.

Question 5

Can I export the explorer data?

Accepted Answer

Yes, registered users can export explorer data to Excel. Click the export button after applying your desired filters. Export includes all visible metrics including investment scores, yields, FMR values, property values, and cash flow estimates.

fmr.fyi

Market Overview

Highest Score

Highest Yield

Highest Cash Flow

Most Efficient

Market Explorer