When looking for real estate there are different reasons to buy different types of income producing properties. Most investors want their real estate portfolio to include those properties that not only appreciate with time but also make them additional money while they own them. Here are just a few examples of those types of property that I consider to be an additional cash flow property.


1. Rental properties – Apartments and mobile home parks provide a great opportunity to incorporate numerous ways to increase and make additional income. By adding laundry facilities, vending machines, car wash centers, additional storage units monthly revenues can quickly increase and become a positive cash flow property. Also offering personal errand services such as dropping off/picking up laundry and dry cleaning is another way to increase revenue. Sometimes covering the mortgage, insurance and taxes can be challenging so any of these added amenities can make a difference in being in the red or black.

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2. Self-storage units - storage for wine is a growing trend and can create a positive cash flow property. Although storage owners may have to increase their construction budgets to add wine storage it can attract renters such as retailers, collectors and restaurants. By planning ahead, when designing your facility with your architect, it is an easy build. It is also a great way to use small, cumbersome spaces that wouldn’t be rentable as storage units. Storage units that provide for wine gives owners yet another means to create additional revenue and ensure it to be a cash flow property. If you provide RV and boat storage be sure to have a wash center capable of accommodating these rigs. Also providing electrical outlets that allow for trickle charge can be a added plus and customers will gladly pay for these services.

3. Laundromats – The traditional coin laundry concept continues to be redefined and when managed correctly can be a cash cow. Because no one likes doing laundry (average person spends 2 hours on this task) the more amenities that can be added to make your customer’s laundromat experience more bearable the more profit it can mean for you. Now stores not only offer self service but may provide wash–dry and fold service where an attendant does your laundry for you, coffee shop, dry cleaning, video games, and a children’s play area. How cool is that? Drop off your laundry and pick up a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Drive through or curb service can also be a big plus. Some establishments have taken it to a whole new level and offer “spuds and suds”. Have a beer and burger while you do your laundry. Having a cash flow property like this can add thousands to your yearly income. Look at it this way. How many bookstores have a café? Exactly. So why not a laundromat? People usually bring their children and I bet they stop at McDonald’s on their way home.

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By adding value to your properties you also add value to your tenant’s experiences. The more amenities you can give them, the better their experience in your rentals and the longer they will stay. This, in turn, will provide a better cash flow property and that will affect your bottom line and your ability to run your property more effectively. It’s a win – win for all concerned!

The trick to being a successful real estate investor is to make your assets work for you. You want to buy and create assets that generate the cash flow to pay for your living expenses every month. When an investor can take the assets that they already own and add value by adding different amenities it’s a sure way to create a solid cash flow property. In my book there is nothing better than an income producing property and anyway that you can to add to that income are sprinkles on your ice cream! Love it!