Anyone Actively Doing Build-to-Rent (BTR) in Secondary or Tertiary Markets?

Anyone Actively Doing Build-to-Rent (BTR) in Secondary or Tertiary Markets?

Robert EllisBusiness Member
Developer · Miami, FL · Member since 2014 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes

I’ve been looking more seriously at Build-to-Rent (BTR) lately — especially in places where buying existing rentals just doesn’t pencil anymore.

Instead of competing for older duplexes or small multis, I’m seeing potential in just building new rental product — especially in secondary or tertiary markets where land is still cheap and zoning is flexible. Think small subdivisions of single-family or townhomes, purpose-built as rentals.

I’m curious if anyone here is actually doing this on the ground:

  • Are you going horizontal (SFRs or townhomes) or vertical multifamily?

  • What kind of financing are you using — construction debt, private equity, funds?

  • Are you holding long-term or planning to sell to institutional buyers?

Also wondering if anyone’s stacking incentives — like CRA, LIHTC, or even local housing grants — to make the numbers work better.

Would love to hear what you’ve tried, what’s worked, or even what to avoid. This seems like a big opportunity, but not a lot of people are talking about it (yet).

0Reply
13 views

No replies yet. Be the first to reply to this discussion.

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.