Successful commercial real estate investing in Tampa Bay starts with one thing: accurate data. Most brokers work from comparable sales and gut instinct. TAMBAY Commercial approaches every investment transaction the way a certified appraiser would, analyzing income potential, cap rates, and market positioning before a single offer is made.
Tom Brubaker’s dual background as a state-certified appraiser and licensed commercial broker gives investors a distinct advantage on both sides of a transaction.
Most investors rely on their broker’s word when it comes to pricing. At TAMBAY Commercial, Tom Brubaker analyzes every potential acquisition the same way a certified appraiser would, scrutinizing income streams, expense ratios, cap rates, and comparable sales before you commit a dollar. That means you walk into every negotiation knowing exactly what the asset is worth and exactly where your leverage is.
We evaluate cap rates, NOI, price per square foot, and local absorption data to determine whether an asset is priced at, above, or below true market value.
Whether you are buying your first investment property or selling out of a portfolio position, we structure the transaction to maximize your net return at every stage.
Timing and asset selection are critical in a 1031 exchange. We identify replacement properties in Tampa Bay that meet IRS requirements while aligning with your investment goals.
We analyze how a specific asset fits within your broader investment strategy, factoring in Tampa Bay market trends, vacancy rates, and long-term appreciation potential.
Investing in commercial real estate in Tampa Bay requires more than finding a property at the right price. It requires knowing what that price should actually be. Tom Brubaker’s certification as a state appraiser means every investment opportunity we bring to the table has already been evaluated for true market value, income potential, and risk exposure before you ever see it.
What We Provide:
Step 1: Market Value Assessment Before anything else, we establish what the asset is actually worth using certified appraisal methodology, not just broker comps.
Step 2: Income & Expense Verification We audit the rent roll, review lease abstracts, and stress-test the NOI against realistic vacancy assumptions for that specific submarket.
Step 3: Acquisition or Exit Strategy Based on your investment horizon and return targets, we structure the transaction to maximize your position on either side of the deal.
Step 4: Closing & Post-Sale Support From due diligence through closing, we manage the process and remain available for 1031 exchange guidance and future portfolio decisions.
Q. How do cap rates in Tampa Bay compare to other Florida markets?
A. Tampa Bay generally offers stronger cap rates than Miami and Orlando for industrial and retail assets, while remaining competitive on multifamily. Pasco County in particular is seeing compressed cap rates on industrial as new Class A supply from developments like Kinfield drives up land values across the corridor. According to the Pasco Economic Development Council, the corridor surrounding I-75 and SR-52 is one of the fastest growing industrial markets in the Southeast.
Q. What should I look at before buying a commercial investment property in Tampa Bay?
A. Start with the income the property actually generates, not what the seller projects it could generate. That means auditing the rent roll, verifying lease terms, and stress-testing the NOI against realistic vacancy rates for that submarket. Tom Brubaker evaluates every acquisition target using certified appraisal methodology, so you know what the asset is worth before you make an offer.
Q. Is a 1031 exchange a good strategy for Tampa Bay investors?
A. For investors holding appreciated commercial assets, a 1031 exchange is one of the most effective ways to defer capital gains and redeploy equity into a stronger asset. Tampa Bay’s active transaction market means replacement properties are available, but the 45-day identification window is tight. We help clients identify and evaluate replacement properties before they close on their relinquished asset.
Q. Do I need a separate appraiser if my broker already does valuations?
A. Most brokers provide a Broker Price Opinion, which is an estimate based on comparable sales. Tom Brubaker is a state-certified appraiser, meaning his valuations meet the legal standard required by lenders, courts, and the IRS. That distinction matters when you are financing an acquisition or positioning an asset for sale at maximum value.
Q. What types of commercial investment properties perform well in Tampa Bay right now?
A. Industrial and flex warehouse assets remain the strongest performers given the region’s logistics demand and limited Class A vacancy. Retail in high-traffic corridors is also performing well with vacancy below 5%. Medical office near the Moffitt Speros campus in Land O’ Lakes is an emerging opportunity as that corridor develops through 2026.
