What Makes an Industrial Property a Strong Acquisition Candidate?
By Endrina Marchena, Property Sourcing Lead at CommercialGRP
At CommercialGRP, every acquisition starts with one essential question: does this property have the fundamentals to create lasting value — for investors, tenants, and the surrounding community?
As someone who spends each day sourcing industrial and retail opportunities across our target markets, I’ve learned that identifying the right property isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about discipline, communication, and understanding what truly drives performance over time.
Below, I’ll share the core characteristics we look for when evaluating whether an industrial property is a strong acquisition candidate — and how these factors align with our mission to transform communities and improve lives through strategic investment.
1. Location: Accessibility Meets Economic Momentum
Location remains the cornerstone of any industrial investment. We focus on properties in markets that balance logistical connectivity — access to major highways, ports, and labor — with economic growth potential.
In Massachusetts and throughout the Northeast, for instance, proximity to distribution hubs and dense consumer populations often drives tenant demand and rent stability. Properties near I-90 or I-495, for example, typically offer better long-term resilience.
This kind of disciplined sourcing reflects our Motivated & Committed approach: we don’t just find properties; we pursue the ones that align with both our buy box (15,000–120,000 SF) and our partners’ growth goals.
For more insight into how these markets are evolving, read:
👉 Why Industrial and Logistics Assets Are Leading Massachusetts’ CRE Growth
2. Building Size and Layout: Efficiency Matters
The right size can mean the difference between a good property and a great one. Our sweet spot — industrial assets between 15,000 and 120,000 square feet — caters to a wide range of users, from regional distributors to light manufacturers.
We also assess layout efficiency, dock configurations, and truck access. A property’s ability to accommodate modern logistics and flexible operations makes it far more attractive to today’s tenants.
This focus on usability is part of our Self-Reliant & Detail-Oriented process. Every site visit, floor plan, and loading dock measurement matters when we’re evaluating potential acquisitions
3. Ceiling Height and Building Specifications
Industrial users are demanding more cubic efficiency. Properties with clear heights above 18 feet — ideally closer to 24–28 feet — offer greater racking capacity and operational flexibility. We also look at floor load capacity, column spacing, and power supply to ensure functionality meets modern standards.
Our sourcing process isn’t just about finding what’s available — it’s about identifying properties that work hard for their tenants. This attention to technical detail builds trust with our investors and ensures we bring only high-quality opportunities to the table.
4. Tenant Quality and Lease Structure
When evaluating occupied properties, tenant strength is a key performance driver. We review lease terms, credit quality, business stability, and renewal likelihood. But beyond the numbers, we look at relationships — how the tenant operates within the community, maintains the asset, and contributes to local employment.
This relational lens is where Outstanding Communication and Integrity meet. By engaging transparently with brokers, owners, and tenants, we build a clear picture of the property’s long-term potential — not just its current yield.
For more on structuring investments with clarity and confidence, explore:
👉 Tax Considerations for Commercial Real Estate Investors in Massachusetts
5. Potential for Improvement and Community Impact
Some of our strongest acquisitions begin as overlooked assets — properties that need repositioning, modernization, or a change in management to unlock value. We see these as opportunities to create not just financial returns, but also local impact.
Upgrading older industrial buildings or revitalizing underutilized sites supports local businesses, attracts new employers, and strengthens the surrounding community. That’s central to our Core Focus — sourcing properties that fit our buy box and help transform the areas we serve.
For an example of how we approach reinvestment opportunities, check out:
👉 Using a 1031 Exchange in Massachusetts
Building Partnerships That Move Deals Forward
Behind every strong acquisition is a network of trusted brokers, owners, and investors working collaboratively toward the same goal. My role at CommercialGRP is to make that collaboration seamless — ensuring transparency at every stage, communicating clearly, and following through on what we say we’ll do.
That’s how we create momentum — through partnership built on Honesty, Communication, and Commitment.
Let’s Connect
If you’re a broker, owner, or investor with industrial or retail opportunities that align with our criteria, I’d love to connect. Let’s discuss how we can collaborate to identify high-value assets, close efficiently, and deliver lasting community impact.
📩 Reach out anytime at CommercialGRP.com — together, we can turn promising opportunities into purposeful investments.