Commercial real estate in Louisiana can be a profitable investment venture. Commercial real estate properties have the potential to make considerably more income than an outgoing mortgage loan expense. However, before investing in Louisiana commercial property for sale, it is important to conduct a commercial property analysis.

If you have never invested in Louisiana office space or commercial land, obtain the services of reputable commercial real estate agencies in Louisiana. LA commercial real estate firms have experienced Realtors with the knowledge to guide you through the intricacies of a successful commercial real estate transaction.

Before purchasing Louisiana real estate commercial properties, be sure to spend time researching the following:

1. Where is the best location to invest in properties for commercial rental in Louisiana?
2. What type of Louisiana commercial property is a good fit for your finances, time, skills and investment portfolio?
3. What is the estimated income generated from a Louisiana office lease or Louisiana office rental?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase commercial real estate in Louisiana located in areas of economic growth

The saying 'location, location, location' is key for commercial real estate property investments. Where the commercial real estate property is located will directly affect the property's income. Research the commercial real estate property's accessibility to major roads, area crime statistics, neighborhood appearance and local economic growth.

I recommend: Research commercial real estate reports for Louisiana markets at Property One, Inc. Transwestern New Orleans provides quarterly research reports with information like occupancy rates, employment trends and construction starts for the New Orleans commercial office market. Find out information about the Shreveport and Bossier City commercial real estate markets at U. L. Coleman Company, Ltd.

Invest in Louisiana commercial real estate properties that best match your available resources

There are several different types of commercial real estate property types: hospitality, industrial, office, retail, multi-family and land. When determining what type of commercial real estate property to purchase, evaluate your available resources, including your skills, abilities, time and finances. You may have the money to purchase a large retail property, but don't have the time to work with dozens of tenants; so analyze your resources before making a Louisiana commercial real estate purchase.

I recommend: If you know the specific type of property you would like to purchase, post a "want" at Louisiana Commercial Database, LLC. Search for office, multi-family, investments, retail/industrial, development and land commercial properties at Saurage Commercial Real Estate, a firm specializing in commercial real estate in Baton Rouge. Avant Properties, LLC, provides property management services for commercial investors who lack the time and resources to manage tenants.

Buy Louisiana commercial real estate for sale that will generate a high return on investment

Carefully calculate the amount of money you project to make each month from your commercial properties Louisiana investment. Keep in mind that in order to turn a profit, you will need to make more from tenants than your monthly mortgage payment. Analyze other nearby commercial real estate properties to determine their success in renting space and retaining tenants.

I recommend: Sealy & Company, Inc., provides investment services for its commercial real estate clients, including portfolio management and strategic financial analysis. Get help with your financial analysis by using 1 of 8 online calculators at NAI Latter & Blum. Research commercial properties by price order at Stirling Properties.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Commercial real estate in Louisiana for sale is expensive, especially considering the large down payment usually required, closing costs and insurance fees. Don't forget to plan for property taxes, which can add thousands of dollars to your expenses depending on the city and state tax codes. Research local tax incentives and estimate your annual taxes before purchasing a Louisiana commercial property.
• •  To maximize your profits, purchase foreclosed commercial real estate in Louisiana, which is usually sold below market price. Before purchasing foreclosed commercial properties, make sure the properties are structurally sound and well maintained.