Flipping MFRs

[Manuel A.]

Is there any real difference when flipping muti-family units? I happened to come across a person selling 3 duplexes and I'm wondering, as I've never flipped or studied duplexes, if there's any special things to consider for duplexes? Especially if it relates to money!

Also, although I want to flip, if I wanted to rehab and hold these duplexes (if they generated cashflow), what financing options should I look at considering I'm currently getting funded through HML's for fix and flips. So you know... I don't have the credentials for a traditional loan for three (CHEAP) duplexes and I couldn't afford an HML loan on it as the terms are really short and the balloon payment at the end of 1 year, or even 5, would just result in a repossession of the duplexes...

Thanks for sharing you wisdom!

[Joe Bertolino]

I am not sure about smaller properties but I have several clients that are turn around experts for underperforming apartment complexes. They are problem solvers that will take a class C property in a good area with deferred maintenance, poor management and vacancy issues and they will upgrade the property and operations to significantly increase NOI and then sell. They turn a C class property with occupancy rates under 75% to a class B property with a low/mid 90's occupancy rate. I suspect the same would apply to smaller properties. Since they are not owner occupied it is not an emotional decision... you can either significantly improve the NOI or not.