Is Buying the Block Worth It?

[Nyle Emerson]

Hi guys, I'm a longtime BP fan and newbie investor wondering about the feasibility and profitability of buying a row of properties surrounded by land lots. I'm gearing up to buy my first MFH home in Philadelphia, where there are lots of twin and row homes that may be the only remaining property on their street. 

I recently came across a listing for three twin (semi-detached) homes surrounded by land lots; not quite a city block but a sizeable amount of space. All three were being sold together. So my question is, would there be any advantages around buying these three SFH instead of a triplex or quadplex of comparable size?

I can think of mostly downsides; three mortgages instead of one, 3x the CapEx, and the task of buying up the surrounding lots.

However, I'm wondering if owning half of a city block would come with its advantages? Would it affect comps? Would it open you up to large development opportunities in the future? Could you have the most epic block parties ever?