What does net operating income refer to?

Net operating income (NOI) is a key financial metric used in real estate to assess the profitability of a property. It specifically refers to the income generated from a property after subtracting operating expenses from gross income. This means that net operating income takes into account only those costs that are necessary to maintain and operate the property, such as property management fees, maintenance, utilities, and property taxes, while excluding financing costs, depreciation, and income taxes.

Understanding NOI is crucial for investors as it helps them evaluate the performance of a property and its ability to generate cash flow. A higher NOI indicates a more profitable property, making it an essential figure for assessing investment viability.

The other options do not correctly define net operating income. Total income from all properties owned does not account for the expenses involved in running those properties. Projected earnings from prospective tenants are speculative and do not reflect actual cash flow. Gross income before any deductions is simply the total income collected, without considering the necessary operating costs that impact the property's profitability. Thus, the correct choice clearly identifies the heart of what net operating income represents.