Tips for building multi-family units

[John Vietmeyer]

In Charleston SC we have a limited supply of multi-family units.  Does anyone have recommendations on how best to find land, approve zoning and build multi family units? Particularly duplexes, triplexes and quadplexes.

Are there any books or other resources I can use to get smart?  

[Jason Mak]

Hi John!

I'm a long time BP user and multifamily investor.  I'm currently building my first project in the Los Angeles area (37 units).  

Personally, my experience with BP is that the forum is great for those looking to invest and flip single family homes or small to mid size apartment complex.  It hasn't been as good of a resource for land developers. 

I asked the same questions you are asking several years ago.  You can get many tidbits of information from the web but land development is so vast and non-formulaic that everything on the web was either contradicting or "to general".

Cliche to say but the best way would really be to get to know some local developers and ask to buy them lunch or a coffee to pick their brain.  Be up front with them and say that you want to learn from them and don't turn around and try to pitch them a deal or ask them to spend too much time looking at deals that you aren't too serious about.