Seasoned MFH Investors - I need your advice

Seasoned MFH Investors - I need your advice

Member since 2021 · 8 posts · 3 votes

Hello! I am actively looking to purchase my first investment property and multi-family homes interest me the most. I just uncovered a local opportunity that I'd like to run by you. We are in the process of selling our primary residence in Indiana. We need to stay in the area for another year for our son to graduate, so would like to purchase an investment property we can stay in until he graduates. I found a portfolio of 3 duplexes that were built in the late 90's, new a/c in 2017 and new roof in 2020. The properties appear to be very well taken care of. Am I able to get a conventional or FHA loan with there being a total of 6 doors with me living in one or is that considered commercial if I package it all together? Perhaps, to be creative, I take out 2 mortgages (1 with 2 duplexes and 1 with 1 duplex) to finance as a personal vs commercial loan. Thoughts?

Also, what is the best way to determine if the asking price is on point or if it's inflated?  Let me know if there is anything else I should consider.  I know these properties would be very easy to keep occupied as they are in a desireable area of town - bonus, it's a college town and next to a hospital that utilizes traveling nurses!

Thank you in advance for your thoughts, suggestions and advice!

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Real Estate Consultant · Denver, CO · Member since 2021 · 666 posts · 389 votes
5y

@Amber Titus This sounds like a very good opportunity! I would purchase one or more in an LLC as a commercial property. You will want to contact a good RE knowledgeable CPA to help you with this process. If you don't know one, I can refer one to you. Then, you can take cost segregation on them and get added cash-flow of between 6% and 10% of your purchase price(s) in after-tax cash-flow. I have a client who invests in multi-family rentals in a college town and is making out like a bandit! You will need to talk to a good lender to determine the best way to finance given your availability of capital. If you have additional questions, I would be happy to help.

@Amber Titus

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  • Cory LucasPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Brighton, IL · Member since 2019 · 431 posts · 139 votes
    5y

    Sounds like a good find! I'm not a guru by any means, but I'm pretty sure you can put up to 4 units under a personal loan. Personally I've done my deals under an LLC, so I haven't even ventured into the personal loan territory, but I'm sure other seasoned investors can steer you correctly with that matter.

    Best advice I could say is call your local banks and ask if they do portfolio loans and see what they say about your situation, it's amazing what can transpire information wise when you make those calls 

    Best of luck, happy investing

  • Real Estate Consultant · Denver, CO · Member since 2021 · 666 posts · 389 votes
    5y

    @Amber Titus This sounds like a very good opportunity! I would purchase one or more in an LLC as a commercial property. You will want to contact a good RE knowledgeable CPA to help you with this process. If you don't know one, I can refer one to you. Then, you can take cost segregation on them and get added cash-flow of between 6% and 10% of your purchase price(s) in after-tax cash-flow. I have a client who invests in multi-family rentals in a college town and is making out like a bandit! You will need to talk to a good lender to determine the best way to finance given your availability of capital. If you have additional questions, I would be happy to help.

    @Amber Titus

  • Investor · San Diego, CA · Member since 2019 · 326 posts · 266 votes
    5y

    They are duplexes so use the residential appraisal approach so see if they are priced reasonably 

    you can compare that to the income approach if you want 

    If a lender will let you, try package 2 in FHA for lower down, and conventional for the other


    you could also take a more creative approach and try seller finance if they 

  • Investor · Durham, NC · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 691 votes
    5y

    I agree with @Account Closed. Building good relationships with your local banks is the way to go, and I've heard they can offer you better opportunities than national banks. 

  • Member since 2021 · 17 posts · 14 votes
    5y

    @Amber Titus

    I guess knowing what we know now the approach I would take would be of an investor.

    I would package them into a commercial RE loan in an LLC to protect you for the future.

    The rates are pretty good out there now and selling a six unit in the future draws another level of investor.

    You can operate it more as a business.

  • Basit SiddiqiBusiness Member
    Accountant · New York, NY · Member since 2015 · 8k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    5y

    Also, what is the best way to determine if the asking price is on point or if it's inflated?

    Run comps on the properties

    Loan question?

    Look for the loan that will give you the best rate with the lowest costs. It will likely be a conventional loan - Sometimes it is better to keep it simple even if that means getting 3 different mortgages.
    You can still inquire about one blanket portfolio loan.
    Compare the total costs/rates when getting quotes.

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