Posted by ray@lcorn on November 19, 2002 at 17:09:34:
Ann,
First, please turn off your caps lock. Messages with all capital letters is considered screaming on the internet.
To answer you question, the principles of investing in real estate is the same in commercial as in residential only in that they are both real estate. The size and scope of commercial properties brings a different dynamic to the game from residential, not the least of which is the scrutiny from lenders in financing commercial income properties.
Lenders look for three things in a borrower; capacity (cash and net worth), character (credit), and experience (track record). In my experience you need at least two of the three in sufficient quantity and quality to make up for any deficit in the third.
That said, there are ways to control and “middle” real estate deals without involving lenders. Options, assignments, contingent contracts and master leasing are a few of the ways real estate of all types can be a source of profit. But to use these techniques requires knowledge of property, deal structure and transaction management.
My advice to you would be to read the posts in the archives of this forum regarding the property types that you are interested in. To get a feel for how to evaluate income properties see my article on performing commercial property due diligence in the How-To Articles section of this website (see menu at the top left of the newsgroup page). The direct url is http://www.creonline.com/articles/art-148.html
ray