As for the dental, you can compare the market rate to other office in the area to access an economic value but having your own building and leasing it to your practice has other benefits ( taxes to name one).

When you have large cash flow (compared to your overall debt), rebuilding or fixing your credit becomes reasonably simple.

I would look at the dollar amount you'd be getting during this time and compare it with the work that you will need to do after they move-out.  

@Dean HulsingOnce you understand the environment in which the business operates (local tenant population, average rents, physical and economic vacancy rates, the growth / decline of the local economy, the risk of the local economy (i.e. does most of the tenant population work for a single (cyclical, declining, growing) employer)), then you can compare the business (property) to its peers and evaluate its shortcomings and potential.After the above, you should be able to put a value on the business and, if it looks to be a profitable, long term venture, issue a Letter of Intent (LOI) with your offer and deal framework,  If accepted, you then dig-in and conduct the formal diligence.

@Curt Davis Have to agree with @Ben Leybovich and @Steve Vaughan on comparing an investment to a car.  

Then, check them out for details that compare to yours, including age, condition and extra goodies, like shop buildings. 

Comparing apples to apples.

That way you search the area exactly and you can then figure out whether they are comparable by clicking on them individually.

@Dawn Oree If you approach insurance agents with the above statements, you will get all sorts of different policies and you will be comparing apples to oranges. 

Hey BP members,If you have read any of my other posts this week, you know that I am closing in on making my first real estate investment. It has ultimately come down to two different duplexes. Both have their ups and ...