Business Content
Special-Purpose Properties: 25 Types to Know

If you’re looking to invest in commercial real estate, you’ve got a wide array of options to choose from.
Health and wellness trends support steady demand for fitness facilities.
Within the broad categories of residential, retail, office, and industrial are dozens of special-purpose property types that could offer great income-producing potential for solo investors.
Here are 25 to know and consider:
- Auto Body Shops
Given the necessity of vehicle repairs and maintenance, these shops provide a steady source of income, especially in high-traffic areas where car ownership is prevalent. - Beauty Salons
As personal care services are less likely to be fully replaced by technology, beauty salons remain a promising venture with the potential for regular clientele and consistent earnings. - Car Washes
They can provide consistent revenue in areas with high car ownership and are often favored for their relatively low labor and operating costs. - Coffee Shops
Investing in a coffee shop can be a profitable venture, capitalizing on the consistent demand for specialty beverages and creating a loyal customer base. - Condominiums
Rental income from condominium units can provide a stable source of profit, while the property itself often appreciates in value over time. - Convenience Stores
Situated in high-traffic areas, they can generate substantial earnings from the sale of everyday goods and have the added advantage of potential fuel sales. - Daycare Centers
Given the dual-income nature of most households today, these centers offer a necessary service, providing a consistent revenue stream from tuition fees. - Drive-Thru Restaurants
Popular for their convenience, these establishments can be a profitable investment, particularly in locations with high vehicle traffic. - Dry Cleaners
Investing in a dry-cleaning facility presents a stable income opportunity, as the recurring need for dry cleaning services ensures a consistent flow of customers. - Fitness Centers
Health and wellness trends support steady demand for these facilities, which generate gains from membership fees and additional wellness services. - Gas Stations
Often accompanied by convenience stores, these properties can provide multiple income streams and are a staple requirement in both urban and suburban settings. - Golf Courses
Aside from the revenue generated by golfers, these vast green spaces also offer opportunities for events, restaurants, and pro shops, diversifying income sources. - Laundromats
These businesses typically see stable demand, providing essential services to apartment dwellers and others without in-home laundry facilities. - Lumberyards
Serving as storage and sales areas for lumber and building materials, these can generate considerable income in areas with ongoing construction activity. - Medical Offices
As the population grows older, these facilities are in growing demand, providing consistent rental income from healthcare professionals. - Mobile Home Parks
Offering affordable housing options, these parks can yield steady rental income from lot rentals, while requiring less maintenance than traditional multifamily properties. - Motels
Positioned in tourist areas or along major highways, these properties can generate regular income from travelers seeking affordable, short-term accommodation. - Movie Theatres
Although the industry is evolving, these venues still draw crowds for big releases and offer potential revenue from ticket, concession, and advertising sales. - Parking Lots
In dense urban areas, these spaces can generate consistent revenue with relatively low maintenance costs, due to the ever-present need for vehicle storage. - Salvage Yards
They provide a critical role in the recycling industry and can yield earnings from selling reclaimed items or raw materials, particularly in areas with robust construction or manufacturing sectors. - Self-Storage Facilities
With many people and businesses requiring extra space, these facilities can generate consistent returns, and they often have lower maintenance costs than other property types. - Senior Living Facilities
With an aging population, these facilities cater to a growing market, offering potential for consistent revenue from residential fees and care services. - Special Event Venues
Used for weddings, parties, and corporate events, these spaces can command high rental fees, especially if they offer unique or desirable settings. - Strip Malls
These properties can host a variety of retail and service businesses, offering a consistent rental income stream and benefiting from shared customer traffic. - Vacation Rentals
These properties offer potential for high short-term rental rates, especially if located in popular tourist areas or unique locations.
Own Your Financial Future
When you’re ready to take the next step into the realm of commercial real estate, consult your financial institution.