First-Time Investor with a Flag Lot in Irving, TX – Seeking Guidance & Ideas!

[William Sanchez]

Hi everyone,

My name is William, and my wife and I are both teachers who are excited to begin our real estate journey. Recently, my dad gifted me a flag lot in Irving, TX (zoned R-6 Residential), originally with the intention of building a home for ourselves. However, after doing some thinking, we’d love to explore how to make this an investment opportunity.

Here are the lot details:

• Total size: 1.029 acres (approx. 44,839 sq ft)

• Frontage: 73 ft wide

• One side length: 434.61 ft

• Flag leg: 270 ft long

• Zoning: R-6 Residential

• City feedback: Because it’s a flag lot, the city mentioned it would be difficult to build multiple homes, even though the lot is large enough in terms of square footage.

We’re exploring possible options like:

• Building a single-family home and selling or renting it

• Applying for a variance or possibly rezoning

• Exploring any kind of ADU or duplex strategy (if viable)

• Partnering with someone more experienced to develop the land

I’m reaching out here because we’re hitting a few roadblocks trying to figure out what’s actually possible. We’d be so grateful for any advice from folks who’ve dealt with similar lots, flag lot challenges, or zoning in the Dallas/Irving area.

Any suggestions on:

• Who to talk to (land planners, local builders, zoning consultants)?

• How to approach the city with a strong proposal?

• Creative investment strategies for tricky lots?

Thanks in advance for reading and for any direction you can offer. We’re motivated, teachable, and hoping this lot can be our launch pad into real estate.

Warmly,
William & Laura