3 Family With an Auto Body Shop

3 Family With an Auto Body Shop

Lender · Member since 2019 · 13 posts · 9 votes

So this is an interesting property I came across and I am looking to see what people's thoughts are on it.  Its been on the market for 80+ days in a hot market, which is probably do to the fact that people see a red flag when they see auto body shop.

I am waiting to hear back from the agent on some things that are unknown at  this point, but this is what I do know:

-Residential 3 family recently renovated and fully rented. 

-unit 1 is 2 beds 1 bath rents for $1300/month

-unit 2 is 1 bed 1 bath rents for $750/month

-unit 3 is 1 bed 1 bath rents for $725/month

-Gross opp income is $59,700 per year

-taxes $11,840

-3,527 SF

-however there is also an autobody shop on the same tax deed that is currently rented 

-i dont know for how much or anything other than that, this is all the listing says, "Here is the 10% return you’ve been looking for!! Walden 3 Family plus Auto Body shop. All units fully rented with very positive cash flow. Home is recently renovated and in turn key condition. Body shop includes DeVilbiss spray booth/bake booth, paint mixing system, high end air compressor, frame machine, and more. POSSIBLE PRIVATE FINANCING!"

As I wait to hear back from agent on some key facts that are missing, anyone have any thoughts?  Or any questions I should ask the agent? Any help would be appreciated.

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Rental Property Investor · San Ramon, CA · Member since 2017 · 350 posts · 611 votes
7y

I have a commercial property with tenants in the auto business - dealership, mechanics and auto body shop.  Not sure how things are in NY but here's my experience:

Residential is easy to get financing for acquisition. Auto related businesses, not so much. LTV's are in the 50-60% range. Make sure all permits and licenses are proper. All fire safety like fire extinguishers are current. Probably have to do a Phase 1 and possibly a Phase 2 Environmental reports. Can be costly. If first round of testing doesn't look good, they will bore into the ground to look for soil contamination. Make sure it's zoned for that business of course.

Is the auto body shop and residential on separate lots? probably not since it's on the same tax deed but can you do a lot split if they are separate buildings?  If so, you want to split them and sell off the residential and or commercial separately or keep and operate them...whatever works for you.  The body shop is a big pimple on the residential part of the deal.

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  • Rental Property Investor · Ithaca, NY · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    7y

    @Max Ozkural

    Check the zoning and see if the area permits an auto body shop. If it’s a variance, then you might have to convert it back to what the land use is permitted for, if you buy it.

  • Lender · Member since 2019 · 13 posts · 9 votes
    7y

    @Nick Rutkowski That is a good point, I appreciate you bringing that up

  • Rental Property Investor · San Ramon, CA · Member since 2017 · 350 posts · 611 votes
    7y

    I have a commercial property with tenants in the auto business - dealership, mechanics and auto body shop.  Not sure how things are in NY but here's my experience:

    Residential is easy to get financing for acquisition. Auto related businesses, not so much. LTV's are in the 50-60% range. Make sure all permits and licenses are proper. All fire safety like fire extinguishers are current. Probably have to do a Phase 1 and possibly a Phase 2 Environmental reports. Can be costly. If first round of testing doesn't look good, they will bore into the ground to look for soil contamination. Make sure it's zoned for that business of course.

    Is the auto body shop and residential on separate lots? probably not since it's on the same tax deed but can you do a lot split if they are separate buildings?  If so, you want to split them and sell off the residential and or commercial separately or keep and operate them...whatever works for you.  The body shop is a big pimple on the residential part of the deal.

  • Member since 2019 · 4 posts · 0 votes
    7y

    @Max Ozkural

    Hello:

    Where is this property located in? Are you looking to buy and hold? Or wholesale the deal?

    Thanks

  • Lender · Member since 2019 · 13 posts · 9 votes
    7y

    @Paul Choi they are on same lot

  • Rental Property Investor · San Ramon, CA · Member since 2017 · 350 posts · 611 votes
    7y
    Originally posted by @Max Ozkural:

    @Paul Choi they are on same lot

     but same building?  if not, try a lot split?

  • Lender · Member since 2019 · 13 posts · 9 votes
    7y

    @Peter Szpyt either buy and hold for myself or a client of mine that may be interested.  Property is in Walden, NY

  • Real Estate Appraiser · Isabella lake, CA · Member since 2018 · 628 posts · 491 votes
    7y

    Yes on the lot split if possible. Financing will be easier than with this unicorn.

  • Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2015 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    7y

    @Max Ozkural

    Could be a good commercial tenant. Find out their lease terms.

  • London · Member since 2019 · 722 posts · 386 votes
    7y

    Are the residential units and the auto body shop connected? If not, how far apart. In either case, check the insurance costs.

    What are the hours of operation for the business? Will that impact the tenant's attracted to the residential?

    Is there any possible contamination of the soil or ground water? How much risk are you taking with future contamination? Lenders avoid funding deals if they are going to get stuck with a contamination issue after a loan default.

    Lots of issues with this 'opportunity'. If someone does go for it, focus on how you can contain the liability, when the auto boy shop might move on and similar business issues. This is NOT a normal RE transaction.

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