How to find a partner in a 16 unit apartment building

How to find a partner in a 16 unit apartment building

Member since 2024 · 19 posts · 11 votes

Hi everyone, I'm looking at investing in a deal in Indiana. It is a 16 unit apartment building not too far from Indianapolis. My question is, when you are looking to partner with someone to fund the down payment, what is the best way to find a partner without going to family/friends? Thanks!

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Jaycee GreenePro Member
Real Estate Consultant · St. Louis MSA · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 727 votes
1y

@Matt Smith No, it doesn't. The cap rate is not equal to the return for the investor (or the GP either). The return is generally presented as either the IRR, Equity Multiple, or Cash on Cash Return.

Based on your numbers above, is the seller asking $859k for the property?

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  • Jaycee GreenePro Member
    Real Estate Consultant · St. Louis MSA · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 727 votes
    1y
    Quote from @Matt Smith:

    Hi everyone, I'm looking at investing in a deal in Indiana. It is a 16 unit apartment building not too far from Indianapolis. My question is, when you are looking to partner with someone to fund the down payment, what is the best way to find a partner without going to family/friends? Thanks!

    Hey @Matt Smith. What type of investment return are you expecting from the property?

  • Member since 2024 · 19 posts · 11 votes
    1y

    HI @Jaycee Greene, the current cap rate is 6.79%. However, current rents are on average $440 per unit, market rent is $600 per unit. So pro-forma cap rate is 10.28% with upside being the rent raises with no big capex needed. Hopefully that answers your question. Thanks!

  • Jaycee GreenePro Member
    Real Estate Consultant · St. Louis MSA · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 727 votes
    1y

    @Matt Smith No, it doesn't. The cap rate is not equal to the return for the investor (or the GP either). The return is generally presented as either the IRR, Equity Multiple, or Cash on Cash Return.

    Based on your numbers above, is the seller asking $859k for the property?

  • Member since 2024 · 19 posts · 11 votes
    1y

    Hi Jaycee,

    Understood, my apologies. I will calculate those numbers. No, the seller is asking $725k which is the main opportunity I see to value add. Raising rents to $600 per unit would increase the value of the property approx. $200k. 

  • Jaycee GreenePro Member
    Real Estate Consultant · St. Louis MSA · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 727 votes
    1y
    Quote from @Matt Smith:

    Hi Jaycee,

    Understood, my apologies. I will calculate those numbers. No, the seller is asking $725k which is the main opportunity I see to value add. Raising rents to $600 per unit would increase the value of the property approx. $200k. 

    @Matt Smith Does the property need any rehab done to it?

  • Member since 2024 · 19 posts · 11 votes
    1y
    Quote from @Jaycee Greene:
    Quote from @Matt Smith:

    Hi Jaycee,

    Understood, my apologies. I will calculate those numbers. No, the seller is asking $725k which is the main opportunity I see to value add. Raising rents to $600 per unit would increase the value of the property approx. $200k. 

    @Matt Smith Does the property need any rehab done to it?

    No. New roof and gutters, updated vinyl double pane windows, resurfaced parking lot, and upgraded main water line. 
  • Jaycee GreenePro Member
    Real Estate Consultant · St. Louis MSA · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 727 votes
    1y
    Quote from @Matt Smith:
    Quote from @Jaycee Greene:
    Quote from @Matt Smith:

    Hi Jaycee,

    Understood, my apologies. I will calculate those numbers. No, the seller is asking $725k which is the main opportunity I see to value add. Raising rents to $600 per unit would increase the value of the property approx. $200k. 

    @Matt Smith Does the property need any rehab done to it?

    No. New roof and gutters, updated vinyl double pane windows, resurfaced parking lot, and upgraded main water line. 

    @Matt Smith If you can raise rents like that, you've got quite the opportunity for you. Now, the trick is to get an investor that believes you can raise the rents like that so easily and quickly. If you can, you can triple your investor's money in a year!

  • Austin, TX · Member since 2019 · 5k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    1y

    How are you coming up with that much larger market rent for all those units?

    Why is the rent so suppressed for all those units right now?

    How much will you have to spend to make those units worth more to the renter?

    Is this section 8-(or some kind of fixed income program) these units seem very low priced?

    Just my 2 cents.

  • Ty CouttsBusiness Member
    Lender · Denver, CO · Member since 2022 · 467 posts · 230 votes
    1y

    Start by attending real estate meetups, BiggerPockets forums, and local investor groups to connect with potential partners. Consider reaching out to private lenders, accredited investors, or real estate crowdfunding platforms. Structuring a joint venture (JV) or equity partnership can make the deal appealing by offering a share of cash flow and appreciation.

    Have you considered reaching out to local real estate attorneys or CPAs for investor referrals?

    Ty Coutts - Aslan Home Lending 544 Reviews
  • Member since 2024 · 19 posts · 11 votes
    1y
    Quote from @Scott Mac:

    How are you coming up with that much larger market rent for all those units?

    Why is the rent so suppressed for all those units right now?

    How much will you have to spend to make those units worth more to the renter?

    Is this section 8-(or some kind of fixed income program) these units seem very low priced?

    Just my 2 cents.

    Hi Scott,

    - I utilized the brokers information and then did my own research in 1 bedroom comps around the area and the 2025 Small Area FMRs for the county which are $730 for 1 bedrooms. Even though the FMRs are $730, I was conservative and used $600 for my Pro Forma

    - The current owner hasn’t raised them at all because he didn’t want any turnover

    - outside of cleaning and painting, no big costs

    - Not Section 8
  • Lender · Nashville TN, USA · Member since 2024 · 142 posts · 30 votes
    1y

    Hi Matt,

    Here are a few ways to find a partner for your 16-unit deal without relying on family/friends:

    Real Estate Investment Groups (REIGs) – Join local or national groups where investors look for opportunities.

    Networking Events/Conferences – Attend real estate events or conferences to meet potential partners.

    Private Money Lenders & Syndicators – Look for investors or syndication groups willing to partner for funding.

    Real Estate Brokers/Agents – Brokers can connect you with investors seeking deals.

    Online Platforms – Use platforms like BiggerPockets, Fundrise, and CrowdStreet to find investors.

    Investment Clubs – Find local real estate investment clubs to meet interested partners.

    Crowdfunding Platforms – Consider platforms like RealtyMogul to raise capital.

    Accredited Investors – Reach out directly to investors through LinkedIn or your network.

    Be sure to choose a partner with complementary skills, financial stability, and experience in multifamily investing. Clear agreements are key!

    Let me know if you need more help!

  • Member since 2025 · 77 posts · 15 votes
    1y

    Finding the right partner for a 16-unit deal without family/friends? Best approach:

    1️⃣ Network – Attend real estate meetups, forums & investor groups.

    2️⃣ Private Lenders/Accredited Investors – Consider JVs or equity partnerships.

    3️⃣ Strong Deal Positioning – Highlight upside (cap rate, rent growth, minimal capex).

    4️⃣ Professional Referrals – CPAs, attorneys, and consultants can connect you with investors.

    • Wholesaler · Remote · Member since 2025 · 59 posts · 38 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Deven Ziertman:

      Finding the right partner for a 16-unit deal without family/friends? Best approach:

      1️⃣ Network – Attend real estate meetups, forums & investor groups.

      2️⃣ Private Lenders/Accredited Investors – Consider JVs or equity partnerships.

      3️⃣ Strong Deal Positioning – Highlight upside (cap rate, rent growth, minimal capex).

      4️⃣ Professional Referrals – CPAs, attorneys, and consultants can connect you with investors.


      Hi Deven,

      Just wanted to say I really appreciated your straightforward and practical advice on finding partners for 16-unit deals. Your breakdown of networking, private lenders, deal positioning, and professional referrals is spot-on.

      It's refreshing to see such clear and actionable steps. I especially like the emphasis on strong deal positioning – highlighting the upside is crucial.

      I was curious, have you personally partnered on a deal of this size using these strategies? If so, any insights or lessons learned you could share would be incredibly valuable.

      Thanks again for sharing your expertise!

      Best,

      Shaun

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