All Forum Posts by: Vida Lolitaa

Highly recommend Shawn Cleary in Charleston. Hes a great agent, very well-versed in house hacking and investing. 

Hi Vida,

Based on your goals and budget, here are some suggestions for building a small home with a business space in the Atlanta, South Carolina, or North Carolina areas:

Building options:

1. Modular homes: These can be a cost-effective option, allowing for faster construction and potentially lower costs compared to traditional building. They offer flexibility in design and can be customized to include a business space.
2. Shipping container homes: While trendy, these can be challenging for mixed-use (residential/commercial) purposes due to zoning and building code issues in many areas. They may work better in more rural locations.
3. Prefab/kit homes: Similar to modular, these offer cost savings and faster construction times. Look for manufacturers that can customize designs to include commercial space.
4. Pole barn homes: Popular in rural areas, these can be an affordable option for a combined home/business structure.

Location considerations:

1. Zoning: Look for areas zoned for mixed-use or that allow home-based businesses. This may be easier to find in smaller towns or rural areas.
2. Growth potential: Research areas with growing populations or emerging business districts.
3. Tax incentives: Some localities offer incentives for small businesses or specific industries.
4. Infrastructure: Ensure reliable internet and necessary utilities for your business.

Potential locations to explore:

1. Atlanta suburbs: Consider areas like Decatur, Marietta, or Lawrenceville for a balance of affordability and proximity to the city.
2. South Carolina: Look into growing areas like Greenville, Rock Hill, or smaller towns in the Upstate region.
3. North Carolina: The Research Triangle area (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) offers opportunities, as do smaller cities like Asheville or Wilmington.

Remember to thoroughly research local building codes, zoning laws, and business regulations in any area you're considering. Your $300,000 budget is workable in many areas, especially if you're open to more rural or suburban locations. However, costs can vary significantly depending on the specific location and type of construction, so be prepared to be flexible with your plans.

Let me know if you have any further questions. Regards,

Jackson.

I've seen investors succeed in doing this in Hocking Hills Ohio. 

We looked into a shipping container building a couple of years ago. Beyond the novelty of it, the mechanics of getting it done were such that it made more sense to look at modular construction. There is actual potential to scale and develop a market position that beats stick built in modular, in my opinion this doesn't exist with container builds. You can absolutely do a container project for the marketing factor or just because you want to.

Here's a video showing the actual cost. Keep in mind he had the skills to make it happen, and he doesn't account for the cost of his time/skills. Most people would be better off buying a nice, used manufactured home for $50,000 - $100,000.