Investing in Commercial Real Estate: Benefits & Guide

Commercial real estate is gaining traction as an alternative investment, known for its steady returns, passive income, and growth prospects. In today’s ever-evolving financial landscape, where traditional investment avenues may not always guarantee the stability and profitability we desire, commercial real estate investing emerges as a beacon of opportunity. 

However, it’s important to remember that not all commercial investments are created equal, and navigating this dynamic sector requires a strategic approach. Understanding when, what, and how to invest is crucial, as it can be the difference between resounding success and potential pitfalls. 

Point Acquisitions is here to guide you through this exciting but complex realm, providing insights, strategies, and expert advice to help you unlock the immense potential of commercial real estate. Welcome to your comprehensive guide to investing in commercial real estate – where opportunities are vast, but informed decisions are the key to your financial prosperity.

What are the benefits of investing in commercial real estate?

There are many benefits of investing in commercial real estate that can diversify and strengthen your investment portfolio. Here, we’ll explore these advantages in detail:

Higher Revenue

One of the standout advantages of investing in commercial real estate is the potential for higher income. Commercial properties often command higher rent per square foot and allow for multiple tenants, all contributing to the rental income. Combined with maintenance costs often spread across multiple leases, it results in a more lucrative investment.

This steady and potentially growing stream of income can provide investors with financial stability and a reliable source of cash flow, making commercial real estate an excellent choice for those seeking robust returns.

Various Income Streams

Investing in commercial properties brings the benefit of diverse income streams. Beyond lease income, you can generate revenue by separately charging for amenities such as parking spaces, vending machines, or workout rooms. 

Moreover, many commercial leases are triple net, meaning tenants are responsible for operating expenses, taxes, and insurance. This adds another layer of income, enhancing the overall profitability of your investment. 

These multiple income avenues make commercial properties attractive for investors seeking a robust and varied cash flow.

Lower Competition

Investing in commercial office real estate presents the advantage of lower competition than residential real estate. The complexity and scale of commercial investments often deter many investors, reducing the likelihood of bidding wars and inflated prices. 

With a more manageable level of competition, investors can secure properties at reasonable prices, enhancing the potential for long-term value appreciation and profitability in the commercial real estate market. This lower competition can be a strategic advantage for those seeking stable and lucrative investments.

Less Risk

Commercial real estate investment offers reduced risk, particularly regarding leases, compared to residential properties. Commercial leases typically have longer durations, ranging from 24 to 36 months, with extended vacation notice periods, usually exceeding 30 days.

These longer lease terms provide a more stable cash flow and lower vacancy risk. Owning multi-tenant commercial properties, like apartment buildings, allows for risk diversification. Losing one tenant among several has less impact on income than a single-family property, where tenant turnover could result in complete income loss, emphasizing the benefits of commercial real estate investments.

How do I get started In commercial real estate investing?

Due diligence is the linchpin of successfully investing in commercial real estate across all niches in the market. Whether you’re eyeing office spaces, retail properties, or industrial warehouses, thorough research and assessment are essential before making any commitments. 

By delving into the following aspects, you can mitigate risks and make informed decisions, setting the stage for a prosperous investment venture.

Understand what makes commercial real estate different

How to evaluate a commercial real estate investment requires a nuanced understanding of its unique dynamics, especially if you’re transitioning from residential investments. 

Commercial property valuation differs, often tied to usable square footage and longer lease terms, promising higher income potential. Location remains paramount, but you must also consider the target tenant type; their preferences can significantly impact demand. 

For example, a property intended for corporate offices thrives in a city center, while a residential area may attract a different clientele. 

The intersection of location and tenant type should guide your decision-making, ensuring an informed and strategic investment choice.

Consider the different commercial real estate types

Recognizing the types of commercial real estate which extend beyond the main sectors is invaluable. Options like self-storage, medical facilities, and hotels offer distinct opportunities and challenges. 

Performance varies significantly depending on location and economic trends. Some sectors, like industrial warehouses or single-office spaces, may carry higher vacancy risks due to single tenancy, prompting investors to favor multi-tenant properties like multifamily apartments. 

Assessing the current economic landscape for each asset class helps align investments with goals, ensuring a well-informed choice in the dynamic world of commercial real estate.

Analyze comparables and research upcoming developments

The next critical step is analyzing the area’s comparables or “comps” and researching upcoming developments. This process provides invaluable insights into a potential investment property’s current market value and performance expectations. 

Commercial real estate comps are recently sold properties similar in location, size, and style to your target property. A useful guideline is to focus on properties with square footage that varies no more than 10% from your evaluation property, ensuring a more accurate comparison and aiding in informed decision-making within the dynamic CRE market.

Learn about real estate finance

Mastering the intricacies of finance is paramount when delving into commercial real estate investment. Success in this field requires a solid understanding of calculations and real estate finance. To navigate the complexities, investors should familiarize themselves with key formulas.

• Net Operating Income: This metric sums up a specific property’s revenue and expenses. Calculated before taxes, it offers investors a snapshot of the potential earnings after accounting for essential operating costs like insurance, property management fees, utilities, repairs, janitorial services, and property taxes.

• Cap Rate: Short for “capitalization rate,” this formula assesses the value of properties that generate income. It gives investors an estimated look at future profits or cash flow by comparing the net operating income to the property’s overall value.

• Cash On Cash: This measure is primarily used by investors who depend on financing their property purchases. It calculates the return on the actual cash invested in relation to the amount financed, offering a precise evaluation of an investment’s performance.

These formulas are just a starting point and complement our comprehensive guide to essential real estate calculators that every investor should know.

Do your due diligence

Conducting due diligence before finalizing any decision is essential when considering commercial real estate investment. The due diligence period offers a critical window for prospective buyers to delve into comprehensive research, analyzing financial statements, tax records, and profit and loss statements from previous owners.

New investors often succumb to the excitement of their first purchase, potentially overlooking vital details. A tailored due diligence checklist ensures all critical aspects are noticed. Even for passive options like REITs or crowdfunding, due diligence extends to thoroughly vetting the managing entity and checking its track record through conversations with past investors and referrals. 

This meticulous approach is the linchpin to informed, successful investment decisions.

Account for cost contingencies

Commercial real estate investments inherently come with uncertainties, even with thorough preparation. To mitigate this risk, it’s vital to account for cost contingencies in your initial budget.

These funds cover unexpected expenses that may arise during the early stages, such as leasing costs, management changes, renovations, or rezoning. Additionally, they can support debt service payments until stable cash flow is achieved.

Typically ranging from 5% to 15% of initial acquisition costs, cost contingencies and a capital reserve fund (usually 3%-5% of gross rents) enhance profitability and financial readiness for unforeseen events, ensuring a resilient investment approach.

Be prepared for setbacks and delays

Being prepared for setbacks and delays is paramount in commercial real estate investments. Unrealistic timelines, often underestimated in construction, renovations, rent increases, and management changes, can lead to disappointments due to unexpected challenges.

During due diligence, identifying potential obstacles and having contingency funds or action plans ready is wise. For passive investments like commercial property REITs or crowdfunding, flexibility in return expectations and timelines is crucial due to economic conditions, market cycles, and post-acquisition challenges.

While fund managers should communicate risks, being aware and prepared independently enhances one’s ability to navigate uncertainties effectively.

How do I get a commercial real estate loan?

Securing financing for commercial real estate may seem daunting initially, but it’s entirely achievable with a grasp of the loan process and various loan types. 

The key steps in obtaining a commercial real estate loan involve deciding whether to finance as an individual or entity, as lenders focus on your repayment capacity and may require financial history or guarantees. 

Understanding the differences between commercial and residential loans is vital; commercial loans, with terms usually spanning 5-20 years, lack government backing and depend heavily on your financial and credit history. 

Lenders also scrutinize the Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV), typically ranging from 65% to 80%, and the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR), preferring a DSCR of at least 1.25 for sound cash flow.

What are the different types of commercial real estate loans?

There are many types of commercial real estate loans to suit different investment needs. The type of loan you choose depends on factors like your investment strategy, property type, and financial goals, allowing investors to tailor their financing to match the specifics of their commercial real estate investment. Here are a few examples of commercial real estate loans available today:

• Conventional Loan: This standard commercial loan is not backed by any government agency and is often the go-to for many investors.

• SBA 7(a) Loan: Backed by the Small Business Administration, this loan is popular for various business purposes, including real estate.

• CDC/SBA 504 Loan: Another SBA-backed option, typically used for purchasing major fixed assets like property or equipment.

• Commercial Bridge Loan: A short-term loan generally used to bridge financing gaps, more specialized in nature.

• Hard Money Loan: Due to higher interest rates, these loans are often a last resort based on the property’s value.

• Conduit Loan: This commercial mortgage-backed securities loan is less common and usually reserved for large commercial projects.

How else can I finance a commercial real estate investment?

If you’re interested in diving into commercial real estate but want to explore options beyond conventional loans, here are some well-known methods for getting the funds to invest in commercial real estate:

• Equity Partnerships: Collaborating with fellow investors or groups offers the advantage of pooling financial resources. This collective effort not only spreads the financial burden but also distributes the eventual profits among partners, fostering mutual benefits.

• Seller Financing: In this arrangement, the property owner assumes the role of the lender. This direct agreement between buyer and seller often provides more flexibility than conventional financial institutions, allowing for tailored terms and agreements.

• Crowdfunding: Utilizing contemporary online platforms, crowdfunding gathers modest contributions from a sizable pool of individuals. This approach enables engagement with numerous investors, facilitating risk diversification and broadening participation in commercial real estate ventures.

• Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): REITs aggregate capital for commercial real estate investments. By purchasing shares in a REIT, investors can access larger-scale commercial projects while sidestepping the need for hands-on management, making it a passive investment avenue.

What are some common commercial real estate investing mistakes I should avoid?

Enthusiastic investors often make avoidable and common investing mistakes. A lack of planning and research can lead to poor investment choices. Defining your goals, understanding the property, and being aware of market trends is crucial before taking action.

Going solo and trying to handle everything independently is another pitfall. Rely on a team of experts, including real estate agents and attorneys, to navigate the complex process.

Financial missteps, such as overpaying for a property or underestimating expenses, can significantly affect profitability and the investment’s long-term sustainability.

How do I know if I’m ready to be a commercial real estate investor? 

Recognizing your readiness to invest in commercial real estate involves several key indicators.  

Firstly, comfort with thinking on a larger scale and envisioning project outcomes in the early stages is crucial. Commercial real estate often involves larger properties and more complex transactions than residential real estate, so thinking big is a positive sign.

 Secondly, proficiency in networking and cultivating strong professional relationships is vital, as your network is instrumental in securing financing for significant properties.

Additionally, a willingness and ability to conduct thorough due diligence, including extensive research and expert consultation, indicates readiness to tackle the challenges of commercial real estate investing.

Investing in commercial real estate becomes progressively more intuitive with experience. Still, there should always be space for accepting advice, different perspectives, and being humble enough to accept commercial real estate investment tips when proffered.