First Commercial Property!

First Commercial Property!

Investor · Raleigh, NC · Member since 2020 · 24 posts · 5 votes

Hi everyone, 

Looking for some advice and opinions on a potential deal I have cooking. I have been strictly a residential house flipper for the last couple years; therefore, commercial is a whole new world for me so any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated. This is a 4,700 sqft single story commercial building right off main street in downtown of a very small town (less than 5,000 people in the town, around 30k in the county). Despite it being a small town I drove around this town quite a bit and for a tiny town it has a lot of activity. It seems that this small town services the greater region and most people that live in this county come to this town for their shopping needs. The building was built in 1900 (in the historical district) and renovated in 1970. It has street parking only and one roll up garage door. The building suffered hurricane damage and has structural issues and ceiling issues. New roof in 2021 and one bathroom. Needs a total gut job, new HVAC, upgraded plumbing and electrical, and an additional bathroom. The building falls in the social district of the town meaning this is a small area of the town where one can walk around with an open alcohol container as this is illegal elsewhere. I'm mentioning this just because it gives more options for tenants (bars, breweries, etc). Would love some advice on the pros and cons of this deal.

Purchase Price: $40,000

Rehab estimate: $100,000

Estimated rent: $8-$10 SF/YR

Thank you!

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  • AJ ExnerPro Member
    Lender · Springfield, MO · Member since 2023 · 656 posts · 318 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Christian Sidaros:

    Hi everyone, 

    Looking for some advice and opinions on a potential deal I have cooking. I have been strictly a residential house flipper for the last couple years; therefore, commercial is a whole new world for me so any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated. This is a 4,700 sqft single story commercial building right off main street in downtown of a very small town (less than 5,000 people in the town, around 30k in the county). Despite it being a small town I drove around this town quite a bit and for a tiny town it has a lot of activity. It seems that this small town services the greater region and most people that live in this county come to this town for their shopping needs. The building was built in 1900 (in the historical district) and renovated in 1970. It has street parking only and one roll up garage door. The building suffered hurricane damage and has structural issues and ceiling issues. New roof in 2021 and one bathroom. Needs a total gut job, new HVAC, upgraded plumbing and electrical, and an additional bathroom. The building falls in the social district of the town meaning this is a small area of the town where one can walk around with an open alcohol container as this is illegal elsewhere. I'm mentioning this just because it gives more options for tenants (bars, breweries, etc). Would love some advice on the pros and cons of this deal.

    Purchase Price: $40,000

    Rehab estimate: $100,000

    Estimated rent: $8-$10 SF/YR

    Thank you!


    Hey Christian,

    Sounds like a unique deal for sure, which inevitably creates a number of issues for lenders as 'unique' is not necessarily a good word. 

    When it comes from the difference, you will see a much smaller box/target for most commercial lenders as they have very specific types of deals that they would like to see. For the rehab, expect terms that are higher on average from what you are used to in the residential space. 

    I suspect that with it being a rural area, plus being a commercial gut rehab, that it is going to be pretty tricky to find lenders willing to take it on. I would put together a list of the rehabs that you have worked on up to this point in the residential space to show that you are capable of something like this, and potentially use that as leverage with any potential lenders.

    Good luck, feel free to reach out if you need any additional help.

  • Investor · Rochester, NY · Member since 2016 · 576 posts · 358 votes
    2y

    Building codes for commercial spaces tend to be very different than residential. Documentation, plans, proof that the plans comply with code, will require a licensed professional (architect or professional engineer.) Handicapped accessibility, exiting, fire protection (metal studs, other non-combustible materials) fire sprinklers, insulation, lighting, HVAC, all will be somewhat different for commercial spaces. Site planning might be important. If you rent to a business that is mostly offices or warehouse, you might need to park 6 cars on the street (probably acceptable to the town.) If its a bar, that might need 40 parking places. Does the town have a process to evaluate different uses and give approval?

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