LTR investing advice on low market rents in NEPA

LTR investing advice on low market rents in NEPA

Jimmy AlexanderPro Member
Investor · Member since 2021 · 26 posts · 20 votes

Hey Biggerpockets family!

So I'm looking for some advice from investors. Im currently actively looking for LTRs in NEPA and I keep coming across the same setback that is making me second guess potential investments. Im finding multifamily properties that would cashflow great at fair market rents but the current rents from inherited tenants are very low. What's you're opinion on inheriting tenants with low rents? is there a sweet spot in raising rents to prevent tenants from not paying so I can avoid an eviction if possible? And do you think its worth it to purchase a LTR that produces a low ROI with the low rents for the potential of raising them to fair market rents to make the investment worth it. I do believe a lower rent for a good long-term tenant is worth it but not if the house barely produces cashflow. Here's my breakdown of the current prop im looking at:

Listing price: $130k

unit 1: 3BR/2bath 1329sqft $700monthly rent

unit 2: 2BR/2bath 1329sqft $700monthly rent

2 car garage used by both tenants

expenses: 239/month taxes, 200/month water bill, 100/month insurance + umbrella policy, 50/month garbage, 5%/5%/5% for repairs vacancy and capX

With the current rents of these long term tenants it makes $132/month cashflow with a 4.34%CoCROI. Obviously not a good investment when looking at these numbers

But with fair market rents of $950 and $900 for these units it would cashflow $518/month with a 16.58%CoCROI

this is the situation I've been seeing with almost every on market deal in the area so far, so my question is: is it worth it to try to raise these rents over time to make it a good deal? should I be looking for vacant units to update and rent at fair market values? should I try using some techniques to get these tenants out and avoid and eviction like cash for keys?

Any advice or guidance will be greatly appreciated! If investor would like to talk and network feel free to send me a message for my contact info.

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  • Real Estate Agent · Skagit Valley, WA · Member since 2021 · 257 posts · 283 votes
    4y

    @Jimmy Alexander Everything in your post and the answer to your questions depends on one thing: what's the rental market like in that community?  

    "But with fair market rents of $950 and $900 for these units it would cashflow $518/month with a 16.58%CoCROI" 

    Your use of the term "fair market rents" assumes that the market can handle those numbers.... if so, it sounds like a sound investment....  If the market is softer than that, then you're back to "finding sweet spots...." and "wondering how to keep your present tenants".... which one is it?

  • Jimmy AlexanderPro Member
    OP
    Investor · Member since 2021 · 26 posts · 20 votes
    4y

    @Tim johnson

    @Tim Johnson from my research over the last few month it shows that this market can handle those numbers (950 and 900 rents). I've even seen similar sized units go for $1000 a month for the 3BR unit. My hesitation comes from inheriting these tenants that are paying 700/month then trying to make drastic rent increases. And by sweet spot I mean the course of action I take to increase these rents. For example do I attempt to make a $50 rent increase every few months? Or do I try to get these tenants out, make updates and then bring in new tenants. I am assuming an immediate rent increase from 700 to 900 would cause the tenants to simply not pay it. 

  • Real Estate Agent · Skagit Valley, WA · Member since 2021 · 257 posts · 283 votes
    4y

    @Jimmy Alexander Fair enough... lots to consider. My point was simply that if the "fair market value" is really at the numbers you have stated, then it appears to be a sound investment, even if there is a bit of time... or a few "extra tasks" in getting to that great cash flow spot.

  • Jimmy AlexanderPro Member
    OP
    Investor · Member since 2021 · 26 posts · 20 votes
    4y

    @Tim Johnson thank you for your insight. Definitely appreciate it!

  • Rental Property Investor · Colorado Springs, CO · Member since 2020 · 433 posts · 284 votes
    4y

    Run you numbers two ways…as is, with below market rents, and as will be when you improve the place and raise the rents. This improved condition may take you some time and effort, but that is how forced appreciation works.

    Best of luck

  • Jimmy AlexanderPro Member
    OP
    Investor · Member since 2021 · 26 posts · 20 votes
    4y

    well said. thank you!

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