To buy a 3plex or nah?

[Richard Xiong]

Hello BP members! I need your advice. I am a home owner and trying to transition into part time investor. I am thinking of purchasing a 3plex for $300k (market value $380k) in the Central Valley in California. 2 units are 3 bd/2ba and 1 unit is a 2bd/2ba. The current total monthly rents are $2950 which is low for the area and can be increased to $3200-3400. 

I plan to use a traditional 30yr fixed owner occupant loan. If I can go in at 5% down my COC return will be 17.3% (if self managed).

My current home has $50-60k in equity that’s not doing anything. I’m considering selling my home to fund the deal.

With just the info provided does this sound like a good investment? 

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[Nathan DeJonge]

Personally, I would look into two different routes.

1. Consider seller finances. This way you do not need the 20% down ($3000,000 x .2 = $60,000) in order to purchase a non-owner-occupied triplex. 

2. Don't sell your home, just get a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). If you really have $60,000 in equity then you may be able to get a HELOC to cover a dow payment for the proper. This would come at 5-6% and only cost you the price of an appraisal (far better than paying real estate agents to sell/but your current home. Not to mention moving costs).

Hope this helps.