Why Build-to-rent can be such a good play!!

Why Build-to-rent can be such a good play!!

Seth WeaverBusiness Member
Member since 2022 · 7 posts · 2 votes

Investment Info:

Small multi-family (2-4 units) other investment.

Purchase price: $550,000
Cash invested: $55,000

These pair of new construction, build-to-rent duplexes were my first build-to-rent properties. And they wouldn't be my last...

How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

I'm from the area and saw it come through one of my saved searches that sends me emails each morning. They were asking $55k, which was already a good deal, so I gave them full price. I can't tell you how many times I have lost a good deal trying to be greedy over a few thousand dollars. When you see a good deal, just buy it as is. Don't risk losing it over little money.

How did you finance this deal?

I bought the land for $55K, then split the land into 2 separate lots which both appraised for $55K once we started the build ($110K total). Obtained a standard construction loan from a bank that funded 80% LTC (which the land equity covered) and started. Most banks only like to fund 70-75% but there are banks out there that will do more! Don't be afraid to try several different lenders!

How did you add value to the deal?

I am both the owner and the builder. This took me around 6 months to build. We pre-listed the units and had them all rented by the time we closed.

What was the outcome?

This is in a good area which brings good renters. Over the past 4 years, I've had 2 units sit vacant for around 3 months total. Since it is new construction, I have had ZERO maintenance costs. Another great benefit of new construction is the equity you get as soon as you are finished. This project cost me $550,000 to build but appraised for $850,000 when it was finished. That's $300,000 of INSTANT equity! Furthermore, I was able to use 100% cost depreciation to write $120,000 from my income.

Lessons learned? Challenges?

Investors: YOU can be part of a deal like this as well. You just need: 1) the right builder & 2)To know how to structure your partnership. Since this project, I have partnered with several investors and used those partnerships to grow both my wealth and theirs. I know the good and the bad. Let me show you how!

Builders: What are you doing with the money you make?!? Let me show you how to be smart with your profits and turn this into a volume based strategy!

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  • Lender · South Lake Tahoe, CA · Member since 2019 · 109 posts · 36 votes
    1y

    where are you located?

  • Seth WeaverBusiness Member
    OP
    Member since 2022 · 7 posts · 2 votes
    1y

    I'm located in Chattanooga, TN; however, I coach and consult builders & investors all over the country so that they can do the same.  

  • Seth WeaverBusiness Member
    OP
    Member since 2022 · 7 posts · 2 votes
    1y

    @Jeb Durgin Send me message if you'd like to know more. I'm always connecting lenders with my builders & investors to get them building up to 50 builds/year within a couple years. You may know some people I can get in touch with! 

  • Rik HunterBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Chattanooga, TN · Member since 2020 · 107 posts · 62 votes
    1y

    Great story! I'm also in Chattanooga and have been eyeing a lot next to me that I'd like to do this with, but the owner is elderly, and her children just won't sell it, even though they have to drive from Cleveland to mow it. 

  • V.G JasonPro Member
    Investor · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    1y

    Way to miss the forest for the trees.

    Also, you have something to sell so this just going to hoodwink a novice. I hope they do their diligence first. 

  • Michael K GallagherBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus OH · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    Great play, becoming a bigger and bigger fan of this considering the cost of old inventory.  Very much thinking about a build to house hack play.

  • Aaron ZimmermanBusiness Member
    Accountant · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    This is a phenomenal deal and speaks to knowing the market and utilizing your strategic advantage. Congrats!

  • Developer · Cleveland / Akron, OH · Member since 2008 · 922 posts · 399 votes
    1y

    @Seth Weaver How many square feet did you build for that price? And what did they rent for?

    I ask because I am working on an infill triplex design and we are trying to get it to pencil as a for sale product for investors, but also as build to rent buy and hold for ourselves. We would be the builder. 

    We are researching modular and SIP panel solutions to reduce psf cost. Currently building SFRs out of SIPs and working through approvals on Townhomes that will be SIPs or modular construction. 

  • Seth WeaverBusiness Member
    OP
    Member since 2022 · 7 posts · 2 votes
    1y

    @Ryan Arth 4,108 sqft and they're bringing in $6,500/month on average. 

    In my experience, your buyers are mostly going to be 1031 guys who need to move some cash around. They don't necessarily care about major cashflow, but they want to move their $$ into something that is a quality asset that cashflows a little rather than a 20yr old portfolio that cashflows a lot. Your selling point is going to be that they are brand new, maintenance cost will be nearly $0, and they'll be long-lasting. 

    As you know, single story, small homes will cost more to build from a PPSF perspective than a larger, 2 story home. However, your margin on your cashflow will be better on the smaller homes because you can charge a "premium" for a smaller unit that is brand new/much nicer than most and since its less $$, your rental market is much bigger. 

    On the flip side, if you build a bigger, 2 story set of townhomes, your PPSF build cost will be less; however, it will be more difficult to cashflow what you want because your rental market becomes smaller. So, if your goal is equity, build the bigger one. If your goal is better cashflow, build the smaller one. 

    I am 2 weeks out from finishing up 2 triplexes here in Chattanooga. Total cost on that project is going to be around $750,000 (Including land) and conservative rental comps will bring in $9600/month. Would be happy to share those plans with you if you'd like! Send me a PM

  • Developer · Cleveland / Akron, OH · Member since 2008 · 922 posts · 399 votes
    1y

    @Seth Weaver If the 4108sqft is the project total, it looks like that is $120/sqft for the build out? How are you achieving that? 

    I am definitely interested in building out rentals for ourselves, where I can get the numbers to work (and in areas I actually want to own in long term). We are building for others and for sale for ourselves, but I have a close friend who is building himself rentals.

    I have come across two different designs for infill stacked triplexes, but I need to really dial in costs to greenlight one. 

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