First time builder and landlord

[Grady Wright]

Looking for any direction or advice from anyone who's been through a similar situation.

I'm buying land from family in southern middle Tennessee (approximately 2 acres) and planning on building a new construction quad plex with four units approximately 1750 square feet each. I'm planning on using private financing to get my foot in the door with these first four units of my portfolio, and then to scale up and build more units on site as they're paid off. 

I'm looking for any and all advice about anything from 1 story versus 2 story builds, floor plans, how many units I can fit on 2 acres, land lord tips or tricks, and any software or technology that's been helpful in tracking or managing your properties. I'm a newbie looking to soak up as much as possible before I start the build. 

Thanks in advance for your help!

[Tenzapa Wakombe]

Hey Grady!

That sounds like an exciting project! Since you’re buying land from family, that’s a great advantage—especially if you’re getting it at a favorable price.

A few things to consider:

• 1 Story vs. 2 Story: A single-story build is often easier for maintenance and accessibility, but a two-story might help maximize your unit count while preserving green space or parking.
• Unit Density: On 2 acres, zoning laws will be the big factor in determining how many total units you can build. You might want to check with local planning and zoning offices to see what’s allowed (or if you need variances).
• Floor Plans: Open floor plans with 3-bed/2-bath layouts (or even 2-bed/2-bath) tend to attract long-term renters and small families. Efficient layouts can help reduce construction costs.
• Landlord Tips: Tenant screening is everything. Setting clear policies from the start will save you headaches later. Also, consider whether you want to self-manage or hire a property manager as you scale.
• Software/Tech: Buildium, AppFolio, RentRedi, even my buddy@Andrew Kubik are great for property management. For accounting, QuickBooks, Stessa, and also my buddy@William Whitley are solid choices. Smart locks and security cameras can also help with tenant management and property safety.

Would love to hear more about your build process as you get started! What stage are you at with the financing and permits?