What Would Cassidy Buy? - Owner User Commercial Properties in Alexandria, VA

I believe one of the better investments in this market right now that you can make as a business owner is owning your own building that you operate the business out of. It's also the cheapest and lowest down payment option to get into commercial real estate. If you are talking to a broker, it's referred to as "owner-user" real estate.

We purchased the building that BPG operates out of in August 2024. Since then, I've renovated the space for us. I have re-signed a lease on the lower-level unit for 3 years with another 3-year extension and re-signed a lease on the 2nd-floor unit for 3 years with two 2-year renewals. We were able to increase these rents from $19.50/SQ ft to $24/SQ ft, instantly adding significant value to the building, all while conducting a cost segregation study in 2024, allowing me to depreciate approximately $200k in year 1 (2024), offsetting my business income. For most businesses, the biggest line item on their P&L is rent; you might as well pay that "rent" to your holding company.

Here are 4 options for great owner-user purchases in Old Town Alexandria, VA. Come be BPG's neighbor and start owning the real estate that you operate out of.

Happy investing!