Multi family conundrum trying to draw an investor

Multi family conundrum trying to draw an investor

Rental Property Investor · Victoria, TX · Member since 2019 · 11 posts · 10 votes

Ok, so I have come across an issue that is most likely not unique but something that I am not sure what to do.

There is multifamily unit for sales in a smaller town fairly close to me that has really good potential. Currently the rents are 10-15% below where they could be and it stands at 30% vacancy but only because those units are being rehabbed. Historically it has been at near 100% occupancy for the last ten years.

Here are the problems. It is an 18 unit complex and has been run by an individual for quite some time and the bookwork has been less than stellar. There are no real financials to speak of other than an excel spread sheet which, as we all know, cannot be reliable without further backing. It is almost impossible to get an appraisal on it because it’s the only one in the town and there are no comparable. Plus, even if I did bring an appraiser from a bigger city it would cost $3200 for a restricted report and $6,000 for an unrestricted report that a bank would accept. The seller will not purchase one nor help to get one in any way (most likely because he knows it would hurt his cause not help it) therefore the only and best way to get this done is through the income approach. Having done my due diligence on the property I have almost doubled the owners “supposed” operating costs but even then the unit has really good potential for a nice return.

My usual private money investors are leery because they have nothing to compare it to and because it is a little high for their budgets. The property itself can most likely be purchased around the $650-$700k range.

Is there any private money lender or investor willing to partner on a multifamily like this who is confident enough in there due diligence and ability to properly forecast returns without the aide of outside financials and reports? Any leads or suggestions would be helpful, thanks.

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  • Rental Property Investor · RVA · Member since 2016 · 5k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    7y

    It's the only property in that size range in the town? Is there anything else there? I'd be leery of investing in such a small market, if an 18 unit building is on the bigger side

  • Rental Property Investor · Johnson City TN · Member since 2016 · 386 posts · 271 votes
    7y

    @Phillip Johns - Is the seller open to carrying the note? What about a master lease until you turn it around and can prove the business plan?  

  • Danny RandazzoPro Member
    Apartment Syndicator · Charleston, SC · Member since 2016 · 973 posts · 728 votes
    7y

    I second @Greg Scully ideas about a lease option to see how performance actually is. The other idea is to maybe partner with a local property manager that knows the market inside and out. If they are a part owner of the property and they know the area really well they you could be successful. 

  • Rental Property Investor · Braselton, GA · Member since 2013 · 119 posts · 36 votes
    7y

    It seems like your investors are a bit leery because they aren't confident in the financials of the property.  I agree that having a lease option could be beneficial in determining value. Another option is to get really confident with a conservative proforma. A general rule of thumb is to estimate 45-55% for expenses.   To determine more granular estimates  here are a few steps:

    1)  Call the utility company, tell them you are purchasing the building and want to get an estimate of what the utility cost will be (you can verify this once in contract)

    2)  Check with the local tax assessor to estimate taxes

    3) Get some insurance quotes

    4) Talk with a property management company determine management fees

    5) Ask a PM for rental comps and look for your own.  Call some comparable properties to see how much rents they are obtaining

    6)  Determine any deferred maintenance needed and get an estimate of cost

    7)  Determine how much income the property will produce at the average market vacancy rate.

    8)  Estimate how much time it will take to perform the necessary repairs

    You can use all this info to create a proforma to use for your bank financing and to your investors.  There is a certain amount of risk here but if you can get a good price on the deal and turn it around, it could be very profitable for you. 

  • Developer · Magnolia, DE · Member since 2017 · 75 posts · 28 votes
    7y

    @Phillip Johns after you do the proforma work on the property. If I were to invest my biggest concern would be turn over and neighborhood employment. Also what is the IRR, and exit plan?

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