At a remarkably low asking price of $38,999, this unusual property presents an opportunity unlike a typical single-family home. Originally constructed as a historic church, the building has been converted into a 5-unit apartment complex, creating a property with potential for investors, contractors, entrepreneurs, or buyers searching for a large renovation project with multiple possible uses.
The property contains approximately 3,214 square feet of interior living space across three or more levels and includes 5 bedrooms and 5 full bathrooms. Rather than being presented as a finished, move-in-ready investment, the property is being offered as a fixer that requires vision, planning, and renovation work.
For the right buyer, the existing layout and former church structure could provide a substantial starting point for creating a revitalized multifamily property, a unique residential project, or another custom concept permitted by local regulations.
The property also occupies a particularly interesting setting near the Ouachita National Forest, one of the most distinctive natural areas in the region. The surrounding landscape is described as mountainous and scenic, adding another layer of appeal for someone interested in combining an investment or renovation project with access to nature.
A Former Church with a Completely Different Future
One of the most distinctive characteristics of this property is its history.
The building was originally a church before being converted into a five-unit apartment complex. That transformation gives the property an unusual architectural and functional background that is difficult to find in ordinary residential listings.
Instead of starting with an empty structure or undeveloped parcel, a future owner is acquiring an existing building with multiple levels, established rooms, bathrooms, utilities, and a previous multifamily concept.
That existing framework could potentially reduce some of the challenges associated with creating a completely new project, although the current condition means substantial renovation and professional evaluation may be necessary.
The historic nature of the building could also become part of its appeal after renovation. With thoughtful design, some of the original character could potentially be preserved while modernizing the interior and improving functionality.
Five-Unit Apartment Concept
The property is described as a 5-unit apartment complex, making its potential particularly interesting for investors looking for a multifamily opportunity at an entry-level price.
A five-unit configuration can offer a different investment model from purchasing a traditional single-family residence. Instead of relying on a single residential tenant or one household, a properly renovated and legally approved multifamily property could potentially generate income from multiple units.
However, buyers should verify the current legal status of the five units, zoning, occupancy requirements, building-code compliance, utility configuration, and any permits associated with the conversion from church to apartments.
The listing presents the property as an opportunity to revitalize a multifamily income producer, meaning the greatest potential may come from someone willing to invest time and capital into restoring and improving the property.
3,214 Square Feet of Interior Space
The property offers approximately 3,214 square feet of total interior living space.
That amount of space gives the future owner a substantial structure to work with, especially considering the very low asking price relative to the size of the building.
The three-story configuration creates additional vertical space that could potentially be reorganized or improved depending on the existing floor plan and applicable building regulations.
Because the property is being sold as a fixer, prospective buyers should view the square footage as an opportunity rather than assuming every portion of the existing structure is currently in finished or rentable condition.
Five Bedrooms & Five Full Bathrooms
The listing reports 5 bedrooms and 5 full bathrooms.
The one-to-one relationship between the number of bedrooms and bathrooms is particularly notable in a property described as a five-unit apartment complex. This configuration could potentially offer useful flexibility for a future multifamily layout, subject to verification of the current unit configuration and local requirements.
Having multiple bathrooms can also be advantageous when renovating a larger property because it provides an existing plumbing framework that may be incorporated into a future design.
All bathrooms, plumbing systems, fixtures, drainage, and water supply should be professionally inspected before renovation plans are finalized.
Three or More Levels
The property has three or more levels, giving it a distinctive layout compared with a conventional one-story residence.
A multi-level structure can provide separation between different living areas and potentially allow a future owner to create more distinct residential spaces.
The existing vertical configuration may also contribute to the building’s original character as a former institutional or religious structure.
Any renovation involving stairs, exits, fire safety, accessibility, structural modifications, or changes to unit layouts should be completed according to applicable building codes and with appropriate professional guidance.
Mountain Views & Scenic Surroundings
One of the property’s most appealing characteristics is its surrounding scenery.
The listing describes views overlooking the beauty of the mountains, giving the property a visual setting that is considerably different from an ordinary urban or suburban investment property.
For future residents, mountain surroundings can provide a strong lifestyle component. For an investor, the setting could potentially become part of the property’s appeal when marketing renovated units, subject to the actual views available from the property.
The combination of a unique historic building and scenic surroundings could also create opportunities for a renovation concept that emphasizes character, nature, and location.
Near the Ouachita National Forest
The property is described as being directly on the border of the Ouachita National Forest.
The forest spans nearly 1.8 million acres and is described in the listing as the oldest and largest national forest in the Southern United States.
This proximity gives the property a potentially attractive connection to a vast natural landscape.
For future occupants, access to a major forest environment can provide opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation, scenic landscapes, hiking, wildlife observation, and other nature-oriented activities.
For an investor, the surrounding natural environment may also be an important part of the property’s broader appeal, particularly if the renovated property is ultimately positioned toward residents who appreciate access to outdoor spaces.
A Unique Investment Opportunity
This property is clearly aimed at a buyer who sees potential beyond its current condition.
At $38,999, the asking price is exceptionally low compared with the reported size of the building. The low price, however, should not be interpreted as an indication that the property requires little investment.
The listing specifically identifies the building as a fixer and encourages buyers to bring a contractor and a vision.
Renovation costs could vary significantly depending on the condition of the structure, electrical system, plumbing, roof, HVAC requirements, interior finishes, fire-safety systems, unit configuration, and other components.
For an experienced investor or contractor, that uncertainty can also represent an opportunity to acquire a property where improvements may substantially change its usefulness and value.
A Property for Investors, Contractors & Visionaries
The property’s characteristics make it particularly suited to buyers who are comfortable with renovation and redevelopment projects.
An experienced contractor could evaluate the existing structure and determine which components can be preserved, which systems need replacement, and how the five-unit concept could potentially be modernized.
An investor could investigate the potential rental economics after renovation, while an owner-user could explore whether another permitted residential or commercial concept would make sense.
The listing itself emphasizes the importance of having a contractor and vision, which accurately reflects the nature of the opportunity.
Potential Multifamily Income Property
If the existing five-unit configuration can be legally maintained and appropriately renovated, the property could potentially become an income-producing multifamily asset.
Multiple units can provide an investor with the possibility of spreading rental income across several occupants rather than relying on a single lease.
That said, prospective investors should carefully calculate renovation costs, projected rents, operating expenses, insurance, property taxes, utilities, maintenance, vacancy, management, and compliance costs before determining whether the project makes financial sense.
The current listing should be viewed as an opportunity for investigation rather than a guarantee of future rental income.
Interior Condition & Renovation Potential
The property is described as a fixer, so its current interior condition is one of the most important factors for any potential buyer.
The interior includes carpet and laminate flooring, vinyl windows, and an electric water heater. There is no basement listed, and the property does not currently have a fireplace.
There is also no heating or cooling system listed in the available property information.
These details make a comprehensive inspection particularly important. A buyer should determine what systems are functional, what needs replacement, and whether the existing infrastructure can support the intended future use.
Utilities & Infrastructure
The listing indicates that electricity is available at the property.
However, buyers should not assume that all utilities are currently connected or operational throughout the building.
Because the structure has previously been used as a five-unit apartment property, the configuration of electrical, plumbing, water, and sewer systems should be carefully investigated.
A professional inspection can help establish the condition of the major systems and provide a clearer understanding of the renovation scope.
Brick Construction
The property features brick construction, giving the former church a distinctive exterior appearance.
Brick can provide a strong and visually substantial exterior, and it may also contribute to the historic character of the building.
The foundation is listed as consisting of block and slab, while the roof is described as fiberglass and shingle.
Because the building is being offered as a fixer, the roof, foundation, exterior walls, drainage, windows, doors, and other structural components should all be inspected before purchase.
Nearly Three-Quarter Acre Lot
The property sits on approximately 0.69 acres.
Although the lot is not extremely large, it provides additional land around the building and includes a cleared city-lot setting.
The property also features a gravel driveway and partial fencing.
The surrounding land and setting may provide useful outdoor space for residents, parking, landscaping, or other improvements, depending on local regulations and the final redevelopment plan.
Potential for a Complete Transformation
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this property is the possibility of transforming an older, underutilized structure into something substantially different.
The existing building already provides a large amount of interior space and a five-unit concept. With the right renovation strategy, a buyer could potentially modernize the property while retaining elements of its historic identity.
New flooring, updated kitchens and bathrooms, modern lighting, improved heating and cooling, upgraded electrical and plumbing systems, fresh exterior improvements, and carefully designed common areas could dramatically change the property’s appearance and functionality.
The final result could potentially be a distinctive multifamily property rather than simply another conventional apartment building.
Possible Long-Term Uses
Depending on zoning, permits, building codes, and local regulations, the property could potentially be considered for several different concepts.
- Renovated five-unit apartment property
- Multifamily rental investment
- Owner-managed rental property
- Historic renovation project
- Large custom residential project
- Creative redevelopment project
These are potential concepts rather than guaranteed permitted uses. Buyers should verify all applicable regulations before beginning any redevelopment.
Outdoor Setting
The property includes a cleared lot with a gravel driveway and partial fencing.
While the building itself represents the primary focus of the investment, the surrounding land contributes to its overall usability.
The outdoor space could potentially be improved through landscaping, parking upgrades, outdoor gathering areas, gardens, or other features depending on the intended use.
Near Schools & Natural Recreation
The property is listed as being near schools as well as near the national forest.
This combination can provide an interesting balance between everyday accessibility and access to nature.
For residents, being close to local amenities while remaining near a major natural landscape can make the property more attractive than a completely isolated rural project.
Low Asking Price, High Renovation Potential
The asking price of $38,999 places this property firmly in the category of highly affordable but potentially renovation-intensive real estate.
At approximately $12 per square foot based on the listing information, the acquisition price is very low relative to the reported 3,214 square feet of interior space.
However, the price per square foot should not be used alone to determine value. The property’s condition, renovation requirements, legal five-unit status, utility systems, and future operating potential are much more important factors.
For a buyer capable of managing a substantial renovation, the low acquisition price could provide room for a carefully planned transformation.
Important Buyer Considerations
Anyone considering this property should conduct extensive due diligence before purchasing.
Important items to investigate include:
- Current condition of the building
- Structural integrity
- Roof condition
- Foundation condition
- Electrical system
- Plumbing system
- Water and sewer service
- Heating requirements
- Cooling requirements
- Fire and life-safety requirements
- Legal status of the five apartment units
- Zoning and permitted uses
- Building-code compliance
- Required renovation permits
- Potential rental income after renovation
- Insurance requirements
- Property tax obligations
- Parking requirements
- Condition of windows and doors
- Condition of the roof and exterior
Property Overview
| Asking Price | $38,999 |
| Bedrooms | 5 |
| Bathrooms | 5 full bathrooms |
| Interior Living Area | 3,214 sq. ft. |
| Property Type | Single Family Residence / Former Church Converted to 5-Unit Apartments |
| Levels | Three or More |
| Lot Size | 0.69 acres |
| Year Built | Not Listed |
| Condition | Fixer |
| Construction | Brick |
| Foundation | Block and Slab |
| Roof | Fiberglass/Shingle |
| Heating | None Listed |
| Cooling | None Listed |
| Water Heater | Electric |
| Parking/Driveway | Gravel Driveway |
| Fencing | Partial |
| HOA | No HOA Listed |
| Annual Taxes | $433 |
Why This Property Stands Out
There are several reasons this property stands apart from ordinary low-priced homes.
First, it is not simply a small house. The building contains approximately 3,214 square feet and is configured as a former five-unit apartment property.
Second, it has an unusual history as a former church, potentially giving the property character that would be difficult to reproduce in a new construction project.
Third, the building is positioned near a massive national forest and offers mountain surroundings, adding a strong natural component to the property.
Finally, the asking price provides an unusually low acquisition point for a buyer who understands renovation and redevelopment.
A Project with Room for Creativity
This property is best suited to someone who enjoys seeing what a property could become rather than focusing only on its current condition.
The building has enough size and an existing multifamily concept that a creative renovation could potentially produce a very different property from what exists today.
The future owner could focus on preserving the building’s historic character while introducing modern finishes and updated systems.
Alternatively, the property could become a completely different type of permitted residential project if local regulations allow it.
Final Thoughts
This 5-bedroom, 5-bath property offers an unusually affordable entry point into a potentially substantial renovation project.
The approximately 3,214-square-foot structure was originally a church and has since been converted into a 5-unit apartment complex. The property is now being presented as a fixer with significant potential for someone willing to bring the right contractor, budget, creativity, and long-term vision.
Its proximity to the Ouachita National Forest, mountain surroundings, brick construction, three-or-more-level layout, and multifamily configuration make it far more distinctive than a typical low-priced fixer-upper.
At $38,999, the purchase price may attract investors and renovation specialists looking for an opportunity with substantial upside potential. The low price, however, should be considered alongside the likely renovation costs and the need for detailed due diligence.
For the right buyer, this could become a completely transformed multifamily property, a unique residential project, or another permitted use that takes advantage of the building’s size, history, and surroundings.