Warehouse space??? How does commercial differ??

[Llewellyn Milliner]

Hear me out.

I’m looking for a warehouse with high ceilings and 1-2 separate office rooms in the Gainesville, FL area. The Warehouse section would be used for an aerial dance studio. Ceilings need to be at least 20 ft high. Supportive beams would be a bonus but not completely necessary because we already own free standing aerial rigs. I plan on doing the purchasing and becoming the landlord. The aerial studio section would be rented out. The offices would be rented out separately for massage and other types of therapy.

I’m a newbie investor who hasn’t done my first deal yet. Initially, I was planning on starting with single family homes because that’s what seemed easiest based on the information that I’ve accumulated over the last couple of years. I have experience opening and managing aerial/dance/&yoga studios and there is a local teacher who is looking to grow her business who I want to support and see succeed. I also have previously rented and managed a massage office. I see buying this type of real estate beneficial; perhaps more beneficial compared to SFHs because of the multiple streams of income I can potentially gather off of the one property. I already have two massage therapists lined up who would want to rent the offices. I also selfishly want use of the indoor aerial space for my own leisure and training.

How does applying and receiving financing for a commercial property differ from buying residential? Is it harder or easier? What is typical of the amount needed for a down payment on a commercial property? Obviously, I’d have the leases written up and signed before applying with a loan officer.

And lastly, I’m having a hell of a time finding listings online for the type of space that I’m seeking. I’ve been actively looking on LoopNet and Craigslist but hardly anything stands out. I’ve started asking around word of mouth but if anybody has any insight into how to find warehouse spaces, it’d be greatly appreciated. Does Propstream’s driving for dollars app skip trace for commercial properties as well?

Thanks in advance.