4 plex with Flat roof.

[Mark Bushong]

I have been searching for deals on small multi family units in my area (Tri cities, MI) I recently found a 4 plex that is listed rather cheap and has a flat roof. I'm thinking this is part of the reason for the low price and long time sitting on the market. Before I spend a lot of time and effort performing more due diligence on this property, has anyone else dealt with a flat roof before? I am wondering if it would be cheaper long term to have it converted to a normal roof or if a typical flat roof replacement would be better. I am betting based on google earth images that the roof is in need of replacement soon. (Although that is not for certain) Anyone with any experience in this area?

[Nik Moushon]

I went to high school and college in Michigan on the West side near the lake...so LOTS of lake effect snow. Yes, a sloped roof is better but a flat roof is not a deal killer. A large percentage of buildings that are not residential have flat roofs, especially when they get past a certain size it just gets impossible to have sloped roofs. And its not really the snow that causes problems its the water from the snow melting and ice from that snow melt then re-freezing that is the biggest issue. 

The biggest thing is to make sure that it is sloped properly and all the flashing and roof membrane is in good condition. Most flat roof leaking problems occur by improper installation or lack of proper maintenance. Not because they are "flat". 

Do some due diligence and see if you can get in the "attic" and get on the roof. Yes, flat roofs should have an access to the "attic" space. This way you can inspect for water damage, if its not visible in any of the units. Don't turn away from this one JUST because of a flat roof.