Commercial Real Estate Investing: Five Ways to Make Money

Fundamentally, there are about five different ways to make money investing in commercial real estate. Each one should be considered a tool in every investor?s commercial real estate investment toolbox:

Strategy #1?Equity Buildup: Most people are familiar with the concept of increasing the equity in a property. Equity build-up is one of the key ways to make money in commercial real estate. It can be done four ways:

One is to initially buy the property below market value. This gives you immediate equity buildup. To do this successfully, it?s important to have done your ?due diligence? on your property, understand your buyer?s needs, as well be a skilled at negotiating.

The next way to build up equity is through appreciation of the property. This can easily be done if you are keeping the property in good repair and making sure that when you purchase the property, it is in an area that is growing. It?s value is bound to appreciate over time.

The third way to buildup equity is by paying down debt. The key to this strategy is to always strive to get the lowest interest rate possible on your mortgage or other debt instrument.

The fourth way to create equity is when it?s time to sell, invest the effort to sell at above market value. Again, knowing your prospective buyer, having access to critical information, and being skilled at negotiating can give you an immediate boost in equity.

Strategy #2?Depreciation: At tax time every year, you can receive an after-tax profit boost because the calculated depreciation is taken is taken as operational expense directly against your profits. There is one caveat however: You can depreciate the cost of the buildings, but not the cost of the land.

Strategy #3?Collect Rents: Getting the property to carry itself is the goal. But don?t stop there. You want the rents to not only cover the mortgage and ongoing maintenance and any major repairs - you also want the extra cashflow to perhaps pay down the debt to increase equity or fund another investment.

Strategy #4?Offer Attractive Financing: When it is time to sell the property, you can often negotiate a better deal for yourself when you offer attractive financing or more convenient terms to the potential buyer. For instance, a prospective buyer may be willing to pay a higher overall price if they don?t have to pay as much cash upfront.

Strategy #5?Add Significant Value to the Property: This is one of the most valuable ways to make money. When you add significant value to a property, you can often get a big boost in profits. Adding value can be done several different ways:

First, look at making strategic improvements. Making repairs is obvious, but also look for strategic improvements to make in the property. By strategic, we mean to concentrate only on those items that will raise the value by multiples of what they cost you.

Then, analyze whether there?s an opportunity to convert a higher and better use. When there is a higher and better use for the property, it can be worth substantially more. For instance, if you own raw land in the path of progress, you could get it converted to commercial zoning.

There is an old saying ?Buy by the yard, sell by the inch.? Applied to commercial real estate, it means breaking up a property can often increase the value. For example, you can buy raw land, turn it into a subdivision, and sell off the lots to independent developers to build on.

In summary, use this quick ?checklist? as a way to jumpstart your commercial real estate money-making creativity. It will give you some additional ways to make money you may not have thought of before.

Here?s the key takeaway: When investing in commercial property, a savvy investor will always factor in as many possible ways to make money into the investment as possible. Because that?s the name of the game?to make as much money in as many ways as you can, with the least out-of-pocket investment.

Real Estate Investing- Save Money on Taxes

One of the most reliable and profitable investments you can make is to buy real estate. Whether you purchase commercial buildings, residential homes, or so-called “mixed use” property that can function as both a residence and a business location, there are many options and opportunities for a return on your capital.

And there are special government programs designed to facilitate your venture - grant programs for helping fund affordable houses, small business loans for minorities, low down payment options for veterans or active members of the military, and tax breaks for those who renovate and restore historical buildings, to name a few. Just by owning your own home, for example, you are guaranteed certain tax advantages in the form of deductions and exemptions. And those perks perform as “passive” investments, by saving you dollars that you would otherwise automatically part with each year at tax time.

Here are three of the most popular tax benefits enjoyed by homeowners:

Tax-free Capital Gains

If you have lived in your home for two years or more prior to selling it, you can qualify for a 100% exception on the profit you make at closing on your investment, thanks to legislation enacted in recent years. And you can do it as many times as you want - banking tax exempt profits on your home as often as five times a decade.

Mortgage Interest and Property Taxes Many loans taken out to help pay for a home come with tax deductible interest payments. Yes, consumers would like to see interest rates stay low, because this helps them leverage the loan into equity. But many borrowers fail to realize that as rates rise, so do deductions that are tied to those interest rates. So in times of rising rates, tax deductions related to home ownership help to offset those costs.

Home Improvement Expenses

If you buy a home as a fixer-upper, you may be able to deduct the cost of repairs at tax time. And if you decide to sell the home you’re living in, you may be eligible for deductions for things like landscaping, painting, wallpaper, and carpet purchased within a few months of the sale.

And if you want to expand your real estate investment beyond simple home ownership, you can do what many first-time investors do, which is to purchase a home that also doubles as an income-producing property. You can, for instance, buy a duplex and rent half of it while you live in the other half or create an office space in your garage and deduct it as your home office. If you purchase two houses you can live in one while leasing the other one to help pay both mortgages. Or you can simply buy a residence that doubles as a business, as many Bed & Breakfast proprietors have chosen to do. Ask your tax planner to explain the benefits of owning your home or purchasing property for investment income. You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that the benefits are some of the best in the entire tax code.

But keep in mind that investments in real estate are not as limited as they used to be. The traditional options of buying property to live in, lease to others, or barter as a time-share are still viable and practical ways to help grow a nest egg. But there are also numerous other methods for leveraging investments in real estate, and many of them don’t even require an actual acquisition of real estate property.

You can, for instance, purchase a mutual fund that invests specifically in real estate assets, and in that way participate indirectly in the real estate market through shareholder ownership of stock. Or you can trade various real estate related options, trusts, and funds, and reap benefits from property equity without ever actually owning any buildings or land.

Whatever investment approach you choose, it is wise to take help from professionals who can assist you along the way. Attorneys who specialize in real estate, tax planners, Realtors, insurance brokers, and building appraisers and inspectors are among those experts who can offer guidance and insight to investors, to help them avoid risks while capitalizing on the potential that real estate offers to both experienced and first time investors.

About the Author

Troy Fullwood, self made millionaire, nationally known investor, real estate guru, speaker and coach; would like to share with you creative ways to building your own “Money Tree.” In 1997, Troy founded a company called Pinnacle Investments. The main focus is buying first lien performing and non-performing commercial and residential real estate notes.

Real Estate Investing- Save Money on Taxes

One of the most reliable and profitable investments you can make is to buy real estate. Whether you purchase commercial buildings, residential homes, or so-called “mixed use” property that can function as both a residence and a business location, there are many options and opportunities for a return on your capital.

And there are special government programs designed to facilitate your venture - grant programs for helping fund affordable houses, small business loans for minorities, low down payment options for veterans or active members of the military, and tax breaks for those who renovate and restore historical buildings, to name a few. Just by owning your own home, for example, you are guaranteed certain tax advantages in the form of deductions and exemptions. And those perks perform as “passive” investments, by saving you dollars that you would otherwise automatically part with each year at tax time.

Here are three of the most popular tax benefits enjoyed by homeowners:

Tax-free Capital Gains

If you have lived in your home for two years or more prior to selling it, you can qualify for a 100% exception on the profit you make at closing on your investment, thanks to legislation enacted in recent years. And you can do it as many times as you want - banking tax exempt profits on your home as often as five times a decade.

Mortgage Interest and Property Taxes Many loans taken out to help pay for a home come with tax deductible interest payments. Yes, consumers would like to see interest rates stay low, because this helps them leverage the loan into equity. But many borrowers fail to realize that as rates rise, so do deductions that are tied to those interest rates. So in times of rising rates, tax deductions related to home ownership help to offset those costs.

Home Improvement Expenses

If you buy a home as a fixer-upper, you may be able to deduct the cost of repairs at tax time. And if you decide to sell the home you’re living in, you may be eligible for deductions for things like landscaping, painting, wallpaper, and carpet purchased within a few months of the sale.

And if you want to expand your real estate investment beyond simple home ownership, you can do what many first-time investors do, which is to purchase a home that also doubles as an income-producing property. You can, for instance, buy a duplex and rent half of it while you live in the other half or create an office space in your garage and deduct it as your home office. If you purchase two houses you can live in one while leasing the other one to help pay both mortgages. Or you can simply buy a residence that doubles as a business, as many Bed & Breakfast proprietors have chosen to do. Ask your tax planner to explain the benefits of owning your home or purchasing property for investment income. You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that the benefits are some of the best in the entire tax code.

But keep in mind that investments in real estate are not as limited as they used to be. The traditional options of buying property to live in, lease to others, or barter as a time-share are still viable and practical ways to help grow a nest egg. But there are also numerous other methods for leveraging investments in real estate, and many of them don’t even require an actual acquisition of real estate property.

You can, for instance, purchase a mutual fund that invests specifically in real estate assets, and in that way participate indirectly in the real estate market through shareholder ownership of stock. Or you can trade various real estate related options, trusts, and funds, and reap benefits from property equity without ever actually owning any buildings or land.

Whatever investment approach you choose, it is wise to take help from professionals who can assist you along the way. Attorneys who specialize in real estate, tax planners, Realtors, insurance brokers, and building appraisers and inspectors are among those experts who can offer guidance and insight to investors, to help them avoid risks while capitalizing on the potential that real estate offers to both experienced and first time investors.

About the Author

Troy Fullwood, self made millionaire, nationally known investor, real estate guru, speaker and coach; would like to share with you creative ways to building your own “Money Tree.” In 1997, Troy founded a company called Pinnacle Investments. The main focus is buying first lien performing and non-performing commercial and residential real estate notes.

Real Estate Investing- Save Money on Taxes

One of the most reliable and profitable investments you can make is to buy real estate. Whether you purchase commercial buildings, residential homes, or so-called “mixed use” property that can function as both a residence and a business location, there are many options and opportunities for a return on your capital.

And there are special government programs designed to facilitate your venture - grant programs for helping fund affordable houses, small business loans for minorities, low down payment options for veterans or active members of the military, and tax breaks for those who renovate and restore historical buildings, to name a few. Just by owning your own home, for example, you are guaranteed certain tax advantages in the form of deductions and exemptions. And those perks perform as “passive” investments, by saving you dollars that you would otherwise automatically part with each year at tax time.

Here are three of the most popular tax benefits enjoyed by homeowners:

Tax-free Capital Gains

If you have lived in your home for two years or more prior to selling it, you can qualify for a 100% exception on the profit you make at closing on your investment, thanks to legislation enacted in recent years. And you can do it as many times as you want - banking tax exempt profits on your home as often as five times a decade.

Mortgage Interest and Property Taxes Many loans taken out to help pay for a home come with tax deductible interest payments. Yes, consumers would like to see interest rates stay low, because this helps them leverage the loan into equity. But many borrowers fail to realize that as rates rise, so do deductions that are tied to those interest rates. So in times of rising rates, tax deductions related to home ownership help to offset those costs.

Home Improvement Expenses

If you buy a home as a fixer-upper, you may be able to deduct the cost of repairs at tax time. And if you decide to sell the home you’re living in, you may be eligible for deductions for things like landscaping, painting, wallpaper, and carpet purchased within a few months of the sale.

And if you want to expand your real estate investment beyond simple home ownership, you can do what many first-time investors do, which is to purchase a home that also doubles as an income-producing property. You can, for instance, buy a duplex and rent half of it while you live in the other half or create an office space in your garage and deduct it as your home office. If you purchase two houses you can live in one while leasing the other one to help pay both mortgages. Or you can simply buy a residence that doubles as a business, as many Bed & Breakfast proprietors have chosen to do. Ask your tax planner to explain the benefits of owning your home or purchasing property for investment income. You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that the benefits are some of the best in the entire tax code.

But keep in mind that investments in real estate are not as limited as they used to be. The traditional options of buying property to live in, lease to others, or barter as a time-share are still viable and practical ways to help grow a nest egg. But there are also numerous other methods for leveraging investments in real estate, and many of them don’t even require an actual acquisition of real estate property.

You can, for instance, purchase a mutual fund that invests specifically in real estate assets, and in that way participate indirectly in the real estate market through shareholder ownership of stock. Or you can trade various real estate related options, trusts, and funds, and reap benefits from property equity without ever actually owning any buildings or land.

Whatever investment approach you choose, it is wise to take help from professionals who can assist you along the way. Attorneys who specialize in real estate, tax planners, Realtors, insurance brokers, and building appraisers and inspectors are among those experts who can offer guidance and insight to investors, to help them avoid risks while capitalizing on the potential that real estate offers to both experienced and first time investors.

About the Author

Troy Fullwood, self made millionaire, nationally known investor, real estate guru, speaker and coach; would like to share with you creative ways to building your own “Money Tree.” In 1997, Troy founded a company called Pinnacle Investments. The main focus is buying first lien performing and non-performing commercial and residential real estate notes.

Commercial Real Estate Investing: Five Ways to Make Money

Fundamentally, there are about five different ways to make money investing in commercial real estate. Each one should be considered a tool in every investor?s commercial real estate investment toolbox:

Strategy #1?Equity Buildup: Most people are familiar with the concept of increasing the equity in a property. Equity build-up is one of the key ways to make money in commercial real estate. It can be done four ways:

One is to initially buy the property below market value. This gives you immediate equity buildup. To do this successfully, it?s important to have done your ?due diligence? on your property, understand your buyer?s needs, as well be a skilled at negotiating.

The next way to build up equity is through appreciation of the property. This can easily be done if you are keeping the property in good repair and making sure that when you purchase the property, it is in an area that is growing. It?s value is bound to appreciate over time.

The third way to buildup equity is by paying down debt. The key to this strategy is to always strive to get the lowest interest rate possible on your mortgage or other debt instrument.

The fourth way to create equity is when it?s time to sell, invest the effort to sell at above market value. Again, knowing your prospective buyer, having access to critical information, and being skilled at negotiating can give you an immediate boost in equity.

Strategy #2?Depreciation: At tax time every year, you can receive an after-tax profit boost because the calculated depreciation is taken is taken as operational expense directly against your profits. There is one caveat however: You can depreciate the cost of the buildings, but not the cost of the land.

Strategy #3?Collect Rents: Getting the property to carry itself is the goal. But don?t stop there. You want the rents to not only cover the mortgage and ongoing maintenance and any major repairs - you also want the extra cashflow to perhaps pay down the debt to increase equity or fund another investment.

Strategy #4?Offer Attractive Financing: When it is time to sell the property, you can often negotiate a better deal for yourself when you offer attractive financing or more convenient terms to the potential buyer. For instance, a prospective buyer may be willing to pay a higher overall price if they don?t have to pay as much cash upfront.

Strategy #5?Add Significant Value to the Property: This is one of the most valuable ways to make money. When you add significant value to a property, you can often get a big boost in profits. Adding value can be done several different ways:

First, look at making strategic improvements. Making repairs is obvious, but also look for strategic improvements to make in the property. By strategic, we mean to concentrate only on those items that will raise the value by multiples of what they cost you.

Then, analyze whether there?s an opportunity to convert a higher and better use. When there is a higher and better use for the property, it can be worth substantially more. For instance, if you own raw land in the path of progress, you could get it converted to commercial zoning.

There is an old saying ?Buy by the yard, sell by the inch.? Applied to commercial real estate, it means breaking up a property can often increase the value. For example, you can buy raw land, turn it into a subdivision, and sell off the lots to independent developers to build on.

In summary, use this quick ?checklist? as a way to jumpstart your commercial real estate money-making creativity. It will give you some additional ways to make money you may not have thought of before.

Here?s the key takeaway: When investing in commercial property, a savvy investor will always factor in as many possible ways to make money into the investment as possible. Because that?s the name of the game?to make as much money in as many ways as you can, with the least out-of-pocket investment.