New Investor Seeking Guidance on Small Multi-Family in Orlando

[Yona Ganz]

Hi everyone,

I'm a new real estate investor looking to enter the market in the Orlando area. While I'm excited about the potential, I'm also unfamiliar with the specific dynamics of the Orlando market.

I'm particularly interested in finding a small multi-family property (duplex, triplex, or fourplex) that would be a good long-term hold. Ideally, the property would also have strong appreciation potential.

Since I'm new to the area, I'd greatly appreciate any guidance from experienced BiggerPockets members familiar with the Orlando market. Here are some specific questions I have:

1) Are there any particular sub-markets within Orlando that are well-suited for small multi-family investment opportunities?

2) Which areas within Orlando have a history of strong appreciation for small multi-family property?

3) Where can I find accurate market data such as school system ratings, population growth, median household income, and crime rates for specific neighborhoods in Orlando?

Thanks in advance for your insights!

[Shawn McCormick]

Hey @Yona Ganz I'm in Orlando and can help give you some guidance on multi family here. It's a very competative segment as it is highly sought after for the same reasons you are looking at it. Appreciation has been very strong due to that and often the ones that are on market don't meet the criteria for experienced investors looking for high returns. 

If you can afford to hang on to it, do some value add and be okay with less than ideal cash flow for the first few years, you should still do fine, but most people want that instant cash flow. So you may find some deals that others pass up. The bulk of what comes on market is well outside of Orlando. Most of the stuff closest to the city is just too pricey. 

Happy to jump on a call to dive a little deeper, you can also check out CFRI. net. It is the local REIA and there is a multi-family meet up once a month (in addition to other niche meetings). You'll meet up with other local investors and be able to get good info and network.

Best of luck