Investing: How to Buy Your First Apartment Complex

  1. Clarity
    • Get clear on your goal to buy your first apartment complex.
    • Set a realistic date and commit.
  2. Focus
    • Decide on the market where you want to invest in.
    • Decide on an asset class. Vintage or new construction. Class A, B, C or D.
    • Decide on your desired median income and population growth.
    • Learn and master your market. Know the available inventory.
    • Connect with brokers so they keep sending you on/off market properties.
    • Tour available properties.
  3. Underwrite
    • Understand numbers and learn how to underwrite.
    • Ask the seller’s broker to provide you with a profit and loss statement (P&L), available rent roll and a copy of all expenses.
    • Get an estimate of insurance and annual tax.
  4. Criteria
    • Determine if you can add amenities such as washers and dryers
    • Which expenses can be cut?
    • Can you increase your net operating income?
  5. Close
    • Be prepared to close. Do not waste the broker’s time if you are not.
    • Have your credibility book and financing lined up.
    • If you have never done a deal, partner with an investor that has.

Photo: Credit

Source: Jake & Gino