BRRRR Investing in Seattle, WA

BRRRR Score: 1.7/10Ranked #47 of 52 markets

Data-driven brrrr analysis for Seattle, WA — score breakdown, key investment metrics, and how it compares to other markets.

Last updated: May 2026

Score Breakdown

BRRRR Score:1.7
Cap Rate(30%)
3.8%1.4
Affordable Entry Price(25%)
$720,0001.1
Rent-to-Price Ratio(25%)
0.31%0.6
Population Growth(20%)
+5.0%4.5

Key Metrics for BRRRR

Median Price

$720,000

Higher entry

Cap Rate

3.8%

Moderate

Rent-to-Price

0.31%

Post-refi cash flow indicator

Pop. Growth

+5.0%

5-year trend

BRRRR Investment Thesis

Seattle offers premium tenant quality with some of the highest incomes in the US. No state income tax benefits investors, but the high entry price and tenant-friendly laws limit cash-flow potential.

How Seattle Compares

RankCityBRRRR ScoreCap RateMedian Price
#44Sacramento, CA3.24.7%$450,000
#45Denver, CO2.84.4%$525,000
#46Portland, OR2.54.2%$480,000
#47Seattle, WA1.73.8%$720,000
#48San Diego, CA1.23.5%$820,000
#49Los Angeles, CA0.63.2%$900,000
#50San Francisco, CA0.32.8%$1,200,000

Showing markets ranked near Seattle for this strategy.

Quick Math: Estimated Annual Return

Annual Gross Rent ($2,200/mo)$26,400
Less: Vacancy (6.1%)-$1,610
Less: Property Tax (0.92%)-$6,624
Less: Insurance (~0.5%)-$3,600
Less: Maintenance (~1.5%)-$10,800
Estimated NOI$3,766
Implied Cap Rate0.5%

Based on median market data. Your actual returns will vary based on specific property, financing, and management costs. Always run your own analysis before investing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the brrrr score for Seattle, WA?

Seattle, WA scores 1.7 out of 10 on our brrrr score, ranking #47 out of 52 markets we track. Weighted composite: cap rate (30%), affordable entry price (25%), rent-to-price ratio (25%), population growth (20%). Scale 0–10.

Is Seattle a good city for brrrr investing?

Seattle, WA ranks #47 for brrrr investing with a score of 1.7/10. While not a top-ranked market for this strategy, it may have strengths in other investing approaches.

What is the average cap rate in Seattle?

The average cap rate in Seattle, WA is 3.8%. The median home price is $720,000 with a median monthly rent of $2,200, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of 0.31%.

What are the property taxes in Seattle?

The effective property tax rate in Seattle, WA is 0.92%. On a $720,000 property, that translates to approximately $6,624 per year in property taxes.

How does Seattle compare to other brrrr markets?

Among our 52 tracked markets, Seattle, WA ranks #47 for brrrr investing. Other markets may be stronger for this particular strategy, though it may excel in different approaches.

What is the typical entry price for BRRRR deals in Seattle?

The median home price in Seattle, WA is $720,000. Distressed BRRRR-eligible properties typically sell for 60-70% of median value, putting estimated acquisition costs around $468,000. After rehab, the goal is to refinance at or near the full $720,000 after-repair value.

Run Your Own Numbers for Seattle

Use our free calculators pre-filled with Seattle, WA market data, or adjust the numbers for your specific deal.

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