A real estate investor who used the 1% rule to buy cash-flowing rentals says it has now 'vanished,' but he's sticking to his strategy

• Atif Afzal started investing in real estate to supplement his freelance income.
• The New York-based investor follows the 1% rule to ensure positive cash flow from his rentals.
• Market dynamics have made it harder to adhere to the 1% rule, affecting new investors.

Atif Afzal got into real estate to create cash flow.

As a freelance film composer and singer-songwriter, his monthly income has always fluctuated. He wanted a second income stream to create more financial stability in his life.