How does this deal look? And a question for utilities...

How does this deal look? And a question for utilities...

Member since 2019 · 220 posts · 102 votes

I am a new investor who just got my offer accepted for my first deal! After weeks of searching through various cities, I found two fourplexes. After some research I found that they were the last 2 properties belonging to an landlord, and offered to buy both at a discount. He accepted.

I am looking for some help analyzing the deal. The numbers look solid, but there might be something missing! Here are the details:

1) Two fourplexes in a small town. Total price $99,000 for 8 units. 

2) Each unit rents for 400-550. Total rent is 3650 and fully occupied, but will be 7/8 when I purchase.

3) Low crime. Quiet, blue collar town. 1hr from big capital city, 25mins from big suburb.

4) Currently managed by PM for 10% + $50 per extra door. $665 total. I think I can find better.

5) Both were built around 1900, look solid. Seller isn't aware of any major issues, but I will be doing DD.

6) Here's the kicker. Owner pays ALL UTILITIES. They are ~$150/month per tenant, so about 1.2k per month, aka 1/3rd of my rent. I assume this is because meters are not split.

Anyway, I ran the numbers and even with the huge utilities costs I still turn a good profit. I assumed 15% vacancy, 10% maint, 5% capex $1500 insurance and used historical taxes. Ends up cashflowing. Are these numbers conservative enough, and can I expect returns from this deal?

However, if I can tackle the utilities I can improve the cashflow considerably. If I am able to split meters for gas and electricity and have tenants pay them, I will save $920 per month or $11,000 per year. For the two properties, what would be the expected cost to split them, and would it be a smart move long-term?

0Reply
31 views

2 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Member since 2019 · 220 posts · 102 votes
    7y
    Originally posted by @Account Closed:

    People would KILL for those numbers...............lol.   Me.......id be weary.  Rule of Thumb-low value properties with high rent ratios often turn out to be highly dis-appointing.

    It wouldnt be surprising if a 120 year old property needs a ton of updating.  

    Right. I'm also skeptical... hence why I'm posting here to ensure I don't walk into a trap.

    The fact that it is fully rented tells me that it's in good enough condition. I'm willing to put some money into it as well, so long as it doesn't break the bank. I'll be hiring a quality inspector so if there are any major issues I'll know beforehand.

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.