Want to invest in multi-family in Tallahassee area, want to make connections
Santosh HariPro Member
Investor · Tallahassee, FL · Member since 2026 · 4 posts · 1 voteI work in tech with no previous experience or connections in real estate. I did couple of SFH rentals which are actually doing well. But my goal is to get into multi-family in the Tallahassee FL area particularly around the colleges/downtown area.
Problem is there are no real estate related meetups in the area and I have no previous connections in the industry. So organically building connections with fellow investors, lenders, brokers/agents is an uphill battle.
Any suggestions on how to go about making local connections? Looking at multi-family, a 1-man show is clearly not going to work.
Santosh, having two operating single-family rentals gives you a useful starting point. I would build the Tallahassee network around specific underwriting questions rather than general introductions. Choose a narrow initial buy box, analyze several recent multifamily listings, and then ask local brokers, property managers, lenders, inspectors, and contractors to challenge the assumptions. Even without a formal meetup, recurring conversations with people who work on these properties every week can become a strong local network. Around colleges, pay special attention to tenant turnover, leasing season, utility responsibility, deferred maintenance, and whether rents depend on student-by-the-bedroom operations. A few property tours and property-manager interviews will probably teach you more than a large networking event.
Santosh, having two operating single-family rentals gives you a useful starting point. I would build the Tallahassee network around specific underwriting questions rather than general introductions. Choose a narrow initial buy box, analyze several recent multifamily listings, and then ask local brokers, property managers, lenders, inspectors, and contractors to challenge the assumptions. Even without a formal meetup, recurring conversations with people who work on these properties every week can become a strong local network. Around colleges, pay special attention to tenant turnover, leasing season, utility responsibility, deferred maintenance, and whether rents depend on student-by-the-bedroom operations. A few property tours and property-manager interviews will probably teach you more than a large networking event.
Santosh, having two operating single-family rentals gives you a useful starting point. I would build the Tallahassee network around specific underwriting questions rather than general introductions. Choose a narrow initial buy box, analyze several recent multifamily listings, and then ask local brokers, property managers, lenders, inspectors, and contractors to challenge the assumptions. Even without a formal meetup, recurring conversations with people who work on these properties every week can become a strong local network. Around colleges, pay special attention to tenant turnover, leasing season, utility responsibility, deferred maintenance, and whether rents depend on student-by-the-bedroom operations. A few property tours and property-manager interviews will probably teach you more than a large networking event.
I work in tech with no previous experience or connections in real estate. I did couple of SFH rentals which are actually doing well. But my goal is to get into multi-family in the Tallahassee FL area particularly around the colleges/downtown area.
Problem is there are no real estate related meetups in the area and I have no previous connections in the industry. So organically building connections with fellow investors, lenders, brokers/agents is an uphill battle.
Any suggestions on how to go about making local connections? Looking at multi-family, a 1-man show is clearly not going to work.
Hey Santosh, once you get into multifamily, having the right local people around you becomes just as important as finding the deal. Tallahassee can work, but I’d also keep Midwest markets on your radar.
Hey Santosh, I hope you are doing well!
I actually invested in Tallahassee as well. Had some single family properties close to FSU campus that I would utilize as student rentals. Its definitely a competitive strategy, being that there are so many new lease only apartment buildings with amenities. With that being said, there is still loads of opportunity especially with the right property/location at the right price point. The properties I owned were located right out side of the College Town district and I never seemed to have issues getting renters. Being single family homes I utilized more of a rent by the room strategy which can require a more active management. I think looking for multi-family would prove to be a much better strategy.
I sold those properties early this year. Now looking for small multi-family in Southwest Florida, particularly in Lehigh Acres. Have one more small single family in Tallahassee I plan on selling next year. It is not very feasible for student rentals, have a long term tenant in place currently. I have a great realtor in that area, very investor friendly if you are interested I could give you her contact information. I live in South Florida she helped me tremendously as it was a bit long distance for me. Feel free to reach out.
I wish you the best, good luck on your journey!
Hey Santosh, I hope you are doing well!
I actually invested in Tallahassee as well. Had some single family properties close to FSU campus that I would utilize as student rentals. Its definitely a competitive strategy, being that there are so many new lease only apartment buildings with amenities. With that being said, there is still loads of opportunity especially with the right property/location at the right price point. The properties I owned were located right out side of the College Town district and I never seemed to have issues getting renters. Being single family homes I utilized more of a rent by the room strategy which can require a more active management. I think looking for multi-family would prove to be a much better strategy.
I sold those properties early this year. Now looking for small multi-family in Southwest Florida, particularly in Lehigh Acres. Have one more small single family in Tallahassee I plan on selling next year. It is not very feasible for student rentals, have a long term tenant in place currently. I have a great realtor in that area, very investor friendly if you are interested I could give you her contact information. I live in South Florida she helped me tremendously as it was a bit long distance for me. Feel free to reach out.
I wish you the best, good luck on your journey!
I wouldn’t start by trying to “network” broadly. I’d build a very specific Tallahassee multifamily map and let that create the relationships for you.
Around the colleges/downtown, I’d get very clear on student housing vs conventional multifamily, zoning, parking requirements, flood/drainage, insurance, property taxes, deferred maintenance, utility setup, management intensity, and how seasonal leasing actually behaves. Those details can completely change the economics.
Then build a short list of the people who repeatedly touch those properties: multifamily brokers, local lenders, property managers, insurance agents, contractors, attorneys, and owners. Don’t lead with “I’m new and want to connect.” Lead with something specific you’re studying or a deal you’re underwriting and ask one intelligent question. That gives people a reason to engage.
I would not spend much time chasing generic meetups, “mentor” groups, or people whose main business is selling education. You need local operating knowledge, not a bigger contact list.
Your tech background can actually help. Treat the market like a system: map the properties, owners, lenders, sales, rents, permits, and recurring operators. After a few months, you’ll know who matters without needing a meetup to tell you.
And for multifamily, I’d be especially careful with anything that only works because of aggressive rent growth, perfect occupancy, or underestimated insurance/maintenance. The first deal should be resilient, not impressive.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.