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Multifamily Property Investing

What Is a Multifamily Property Investing?

Multifamily property investing involves buying residential buildings with multiple rentable units, such as duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and apartment buildings, to generate income and build equity. It allows investors to earn from several tenants under one roof, spreading risk and increasing cash flow stability. For many, it's a proven strategy to scale faster, improve financing leverage, and achieve long-term appreciation that single-family properties rarely deliver.

Why Choose Multifamily Over Single-Family Rentals?

Multifamily real estate offers scale and stability. With several units, one vacancy doesn't disrupt income, and shared operating costs improve efficiency. Lenders often evaluate the property's income rather than your personal earnings, making financing more accessible.

For first-time investors, multifamily is an attainable entry point to passive income. For those nearing retirement, it offers predictable returns with low management demands. And for experienced owners, it's a proven way to scale portfolios and enhance overall returns.

How Does Multifamily Property Investing Build Wealth Over Time?

Multifamily property investing builds wealth by combining consistent rental income with appreciation and loan paydown. Each tenant contributes to the property's net operating income (NOI), which directly increases its market value. Over time, rent growth, refinancing, and portfolio leverage compound those gains, turning steady cash flow into long-term equity.

How you approach multifamily investing shifts depending on your unique goals:

  • Learn the fundamentals: Start with a duplex or triplex. Run NOI and cash-on-cash return projections before buying, and choose areas with stable rental demand.
  • Diversify income with limited time: Use multifamily income to balance business volatility. Prioritize properties with financing flexibility and strong rent coverage ratios.
  • Generate low-risk, steady returns: Focus on low-maintenance, stabilized assets with professional management to ensure consistent income and minimal oversight.
  • Grow an established individual portfolio: Target value-add opportunities, renovations, rent optimization, or refinancing, to increase NOI and expand long-term portfolio returns.
  • Source deals for institutional portfolios: Target stabilized or value-add multifamily assets in high-growth markets.
Modern multifamily townhomes in the Victory Ridge community of Colorado Springs, Colorado, featuring contemporary architecture and attached garages.

Getting Started in Multifamily Investing

Practical guides to help you understand the fundamentals, assess opportunities, and build long-term wealth through multifamily real estate.




 

Nearby Multifamily Properties For Sale

Explore multifamily properties available in your area. Whether you’re searching for your first duplex or expanding into larger apartment assets, these listings connect you directly to on-market opportunities ready for acquisition.
For Sale

1532 Howard St

San Francisco, CA 94103

  • 8,225 SF Multifamily
  • $4,895,000
For Sale

Assumable 3.5% Loan Through 2030

San Francisco, CA 94110

  • 5,697 SF Multifamily
  • 5.08% Cap Rate
  • $4,400,000
For Sale

Brand-New Commercial Condo For Sale - RENOU

San Francisco, CA 94103

  • 96,225 SF Multifamily
  • $399,500
For Sale

The Glassworks

San Francisco, CA 94107

  • 45,000 SF Multifamily
  • $925,000
For Sale

1715 Polk St

San Francisco, CA 94109

  • 8,420 SF Multifamily
  • $1,200,000
For Sale

677 Ellis St

San Francisco, CA 94109

  • 7,047 SF Multifamily
  • 5.71% Cap Rate
  • $2,750,000
For Sale

170 Off Third

San Francisco, CA 94107

  • 226,794 SF Multifamily
  • $1,250,000
For Sale

1155 Pine St

San Francisco, CA 94109

  • 17,652 SF Multifamily
  • $895,000
 

Calculate Your Multifamily Investment Returns

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What is the minimum down payment for a multifamily property?
For 2–4 units, investor loans often start around 20–25% down, while some owner-occupied programs allow as low as 3–5% down. For 5+ units financed as commercial, lenders commonly look for 25–35% down with reserves and a property DSCR target. Program rules vary by lender and market.
Can I buy a multifamily with 5% down?
Sometimes. It typically applies to owner-occupied 2-4 unit properties that meet program and underwriting guidelines, and it may include mortgage insurance. Pure investments and 5+ unit assets usually require higher down payments.
What is a “good” cap rate for multifamily?
A “good” cap rate depends on the market, property type, and your investment goals. Higher cap rates usually signal the potential for higher returns but come with greater risk, often tied to location challenges, property condition, or tenant stability. Lower cap rates, on the other hand, tend to indicate stronger demand and stability but deliver slower, steadier returns. The best way to judge is by comparing a property's cap rate to recent sales in the same market and testing how it holds up under different vacancy and financing scenarios.
Does the 1% rule work for multifamily?
The 1% rule states that monthly rent should equal at least 1% of the property's purchase price. It can be a quick screen, but it breaks in higher-cost markets and for renovated or stabilized assets. Prioritize NOI, cap rate, and cash on cash over simple rent rules of thumb.