Valuing a Five Unit Noncomforming Building

[Natalie Kraft]

I am looking at purchasing a building with five units that is currently owned by a “permissive” landlord. The units are renting out at slightly below market (maybe $100-200 per unit), but they are in significantly worse shape than other units on the market. The rooms definitely need a facelift (paint/floor refinishing) but may need more work (I have not yet gotten to the inspection phase). I tend to think that they are renting out close to market because the landlord turns a blind eye to the fact that there are 7+ people living in units suited for 2-4 people. I wouldn’t permit this to continue if I owned the building, so I’m having a hard time determining how to value the place. Can anyone offer any advice on this topic?

[Brandon Abbott]

@Natalie Kraft this is the exciting part about real estate investing, the investigation and data gathering. I love it! 

the answer initially appears to be in your statement "The units are renting out at slightly below market (maybe $100-200 per unit), but they are in significantly worse shape than other units on the market." This sounds, at first reading, like a big investment for little return. That being said the $100 to $200 under market is not really what I would call "slightly" under market. The gap between the two numbers is significant and is the difference of $6k-12k in gross rent revenue. Whenever @Dan Handford and I are looking at a deal, we shop all local competition as if we were going to rent from them. We look to see what others are offering in terms of amenities and upgrades and what they are getting in return for their efforts in rent revenue. put yourself in the mind of your potential customers. This is a crucial part of purchasing any value add deal in my opinion. I hope this helps. Let us know what you find when you tour the property.