New to Apartments... Where to Start?

[Joel C.]

So I'm looking to sell one of my investment properties that has about $200k in equity in it and roll that into an apartment building. I've never invested in apartments (I've been doing SFH and duplexes for years) so I don't know where to begin. Here are a few questions I'd love some input on.

1. Should I look at partnering with someone first or go ahead and buy my first apartment?

2. I typically like to buy/hold to maximize cashflow over time, while at the same time adding value/equity to the property so i increase overall value. Is it possible to hold an apartment complex like a SFH for 20+ years for cashflow?

3. Are there any good syndicators I could partner with to gain experience?

4. How would I go about financing the purchase? Is it similar in the sense that I put up 25% and get a loan for the remaining 75%. I've heard about 5/1 ARM and other types of loans, would these be the best loans for a long-term buy/hold strategy.

5. Is a buy/hold long-term strategy the best for apartment buildings?

Thanks for y'alls help.

Joel