Finding MFH Locations or Zoning

[Jeffrey Mayer]

Hey BPer's

I am learning the process of investing in MFH with a buy and hold strategy. I have noticed that they are obviously a bit more difficult to find in my market (Metro Atlanta) than SFH. When driving for dollars I have begun to realize that certain areas seem to "attract" housing vs commercial/industrial and this obviously has to do with zoning. So my question is as follows.

Is there any state/county code that will help me to filter my map when driving for dollars to put me into areas that are primarily used for MFH or will I have to drive the areas and just take note of where the MFH units are located. AND does anyone have any tips in regards to making best use of their time while Driving for Dollars for MFH?

Thanks everyone!

[Andrew Kazakoff]

With my limited experience, I have yet to find a non MFH on a parcel that is zoned for MFH, but thr map gives you a good idea of the zoning restrictions, areas. As you observed, usually areas are homogenous, but part of the business is taking a parcel zoned for x and then adding value by getting it rezoned for x+10. 

For example, I just had a deal on a street with 5 buildings, 3 were MFH and two were single family homes. ..the single family homes looked out of place, but the lots were only zoned for single family homes, now a developer bought the two single family homes plans to get a varicella to combine the two lots and build one 3 unit structure with parking. Total purchase price 1.1 million, est cost 1.1 million, ARV 3.3 million. Now if he doesn't get the variance this is a big loss, but other developers have used the same strategy in the area, successfully, and the single family homes look out of place, so even though it is zoned for single family, the block will unobjectedly look more homogeneous with one 3 unite structure than 2 single family homes.

Gotta be creative, thoughtful, realistic and considerate to the area. If it looks out of place, then it probably is out of place!