Choose your commercial path
Buying for your business and buying for rent require different questions.
An owner-user asks whether the property supports operations, customers, staffing, equipment and growth. An investor asks whether tenant income is durable, expenses are credible and lease terms support the price. A mixed plan must satisfy both. Define budget, timing, required use and a reserve before touring.
Operating-business financing and passive-investment financing are not interchangeable. SBA 504 financing can support eligible business fixed assets but is not a general program for speculative or passive rental investment. Ask a qualified lender about occupancy, use and eligibility rather than assuming any commercial purchase qualifies.
Start with purpose; then match property, financing and diligence.
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE
You want to buy a building solely to lease it to unrelated businesses.
Choose your path and list must-have operational or investment features.
Sources + Georgia context
Practical planning suggestions are original BJA learning material. Legal and program references are linked below. Verify current rules, local requirements and your documents before acting.
Answer the knowledge check correctly to complete this lesson. You can explore lessons in any order.