Investing in rental properties can be a lucrative way to create wealth, by not only providing an income stream, but also by creating an opportunity for capital growth – AKA -- an increase in the property’s value during your period of ownership. Types of properties can include – residential (single unit & multi-family), retail/commercial buildings (single unit & strip centres), office buildings (single unit & multi-complex), mixed use (ground floor commercial & above ground residential), industrial buildings (single unit & multi tenant complexes), and even raw land that generates some level of income.
After assessing the various property categories, determine the type that best fits with your objectives and will best meet your criteria. It isn’t one-size-fits-all in considering rental property investments and you need to do some necessary due diligence on yourself before moving forward – due diligence on the properties/market will follow later. Markets throughout
Some key questions to ask yourself:
- Am I more interested in residential or commercial/industrial properties?
- What locations/neighbourhoods are of interest?
- Am I hands on, or will I require a property manager?
- What are my cash flow/return on investment objectives?
- What type of financing is required and what % downpayment can I put up?
- What sort of financial implications can I expect due to vacancies?
- What sort of maintenance & capital improvement costs am I willing to accept?
- Will I incorporate? How can I best limit any liability?
- What sort of market am I comfortable buying in?
- Is liquidity an issue if I need to sell (quickly)?
Any investment comes with its share of risk and rental (investment) properties are no different. Good preliminary planning, starts with an honest self-assessment of YOU, your objectives, capabilities, comfort zone and so on. Once you’ve figured that out, it’s time to move on to the market in whatever direction best suits you.
