Investing in real estate is a great way to build wealth and passive income. But when it comes to investing in property, many people don't consider buying an apartment complex.

While buying an apartment complex can be a big undertaking with numerous challenges, some substantial benefits make it worth considering for real estate investors. This article will examine the pros and cons of buying an apartment complex as a real estate investor. We'll discuss different investment strategies, potential risks, and rewards associated with investing in an apartment complex. By the end of this article, you will better understand whether or not investing in an apartment complex is right for you.

How much do apartment complex owners make monthly?

The amount of cash flow an apartment complex generates depends on various factors. Generally speaking, owners can expect to make anywhere from $500 to over $10,000 monthly in net income from their apartment complex.

However, some things to consider when figuring out how much cash flow you can expect from an apartment complex include the following:

• Building size
• Number of units per floor
• How close it is to public transportation, grocery stores, and other amenities
• The type of neighborhood it is in
• Costs for property management and maintenance

According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for an apartment complex owner is $50,836 as of February 22, 2023, with top earners making $98,500.

Pros of buying an apartment complex

Greater cash flow

One of the primary advantages of buying an apartment complex as a real estate investor is the potential for high yields over time. When you purchase an apartment complex, you can collect rent from multiple tenants and have a reliable source of passive income for years to come. Moreover, you can gain additional profits by charging for amenities like parking lots, gyms, in-unit laundry, and park areas.

Investing in multifamily properties is a reliable way to ensure consistent cash flow. Vacancy rates are significantly lower compared to other real estate investments, making it more secure against any potential ups and downs of the market. Not only that, but you can think of it as multiple streams of income coming your way each month!

Easier to manage

Another benefit of investing in an apartment complex is that it's often easier to manage than other real estate investments. With a single tenant, you have one person to coordinate repairs and maintenance with, but multiple tenants typically need to be managed with an apartment complex. This can make it easier to manage since there is more potential for economies of scale with numerous tenants.

Appreciation and Equity

Not only do multifamily properties generate consistent rental income, but they also appreciate over time. This continual growth makes investing in apartment complexes a profitable option for both short-term returns from rent and long-term gains from the appreciation of your investment.

As your property increases in value, it can develop a substantial amount of equity you could leverage for loans. Suppose the worth of your property is $900,000, and your mortgage balance sits at $500,000 - this leaves $400,000 in equity, which you can use to take out (accompanied with interest) if needed.

Greater tax benefits

Investing in multifamily real estate offers numerous tax benefits since you can deduct all upkeep, management costs, depreciation, and mortgage interest from taxable income. It's a smart way to minimize your overall tax burden while gaining substantial returns on investment.

Through 1031 exchanges, you can indefinitely defer capital gains taxes on investment properties. There are no restrictions on how many times you're allowed to complete this transaction, and it enables investors to expand their investments without paying any extra taxes. With a 1031 exchange, you can swap an existing property for one comparable and know your returns will remain tax-free until a later time.

Cons of buying an apartment complex

Some disadvantages are also associated with buying an apartment complex as a real estate investor.

More expensive to start

The initial costs of purchasing and rehabbing an apartment complex can be significant and require a substantial investment. Depending on the type of property and your financing choices, you could need anywhere from 20-50% of the total cost upfront. Additionally, there is always a risk involved with investing in a large property since it's difficult to predict what the market conditions might look like in the future.

Harder to sell

Single-family homes may be simple to acquire and sell; however, there are fewer exit strategies when buying an apartment complex. 

Although you may be able to sell individual units within your building, there are not as many options for divesting from these holdings as other real estate transactions. For this reason, you must have a clear and thought-out action plan before committing to any deals.

Stricter regulations and higher insurance costs

As a landlord of multiple tenants, you also take on increased liability and responsibility. You must invest in an apartment complex that is up to code and meets all local regulations. Even still, insurance can be costly and significantly cut into your profit margins. You must also be prepared to deal with legal issues if tenants fail to pay rent or damage the property.

Funding for an apartment complex

Using business credit can be a great way to help alleviate some of the financial burdens when buying an apartment complex. Business credit is specifically designed for small businesses and real estate investors, allowing them to more easily access funds for down payments, contractors, appliances, and other expenses related to their investments.

This type of financing is typically much easier to qualify for than traditional loans. You can use it to help cover the cost of any necessary repairs or upgrades you may need before renting out the property.

Business credit also offers zero-interest introductory periods and lower interest rates after the offer than traditional financing options, allowing you to save money over time as you pay off your loan. With business credit, it's possible to free up capital to pay for unexpected expenses or renovations quickly and easily, making it an effective tool for those looking to invest in apartment complexes. To learn more about how you can access up to $250,000 of business credit, click here.

Ultimately, the decision to invest in apartment complexes is a choice that should not be taken lightly. Before you make this move, research the market in your area extensively, gain as much knowledge and experience as possible, and keep track of changing regulations. Doing so will help you build a foundation to make an educated decision confidently.

Furthermore, weigh up your options carefully – investors should understand the pros and cons of these investments before making their final choice. If done well, investing in apartment complexes can bring great rewards for any investor willing to work – but these rewards always come with great risk. Be well-informed and understand the full implications of such an investment before taking this step, and you can be sure to succeed!