What to do with property? .573 Acres currently grandfathered as a towing yard
A friend of mine is looking to earn passive income, his properly currently located in Woodbridge, VA currently fenced in used as a tow yard. Looking to earn more income even if it means spending more money who would be the right person to talk to to see the best "use" for it as far as what the community needs etc. bought the property for about 575k currently making $3000/month off rent.

Is it worth building maybe 3 retail stores with living units above? Should he / we contact a public storage to see if there interested in a ground lease or list it as a ground lease? What are your thoughts its located on RT 1 major road with nice visibility right across from some large new car dealerships down the street from many strip centers and new apartments. Hes owned it for three years now.

&amp;#x200B;

It could deff be a retail strip center with offices ontop by right. 
[{"id": "hzggdiq", "text": "You\u2019ll need to first see what it\u2019s zoned for.", "replies": [{"id": "hzggnzw", "text": "zoned b-1 in Prince William County which does allow for retail... seeing things around the area im sure they wouldnt mind retail with living units above just not sure of the scale because i know he can afford something in the 1-2 million dollar range but I cant figure out what would be the best return.\n\n&amp;#x200B;\n\nDoing something small himself or teaming up with a developer and getting something large done.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hzghpea", "text": "It could deff be retail strip center with offices up top by right.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hzgl0bo", "text": "You need to engage an architect to better understand what you're able to build.  The size of the lot, .5 acres, is no the metric.  It's the FAR.  Assuming you have no experience in development, contact a local architect (or structural engineer) to review the site.  You'll need site work performed regardless to determine what's possible.\n\nIn regards to commercial Tenants, all national credit Tenants have site requirements (sqft, ceiling height, parking, curb cuts, side of the street, venting, etc).  In regards to office use on the second floor, demand for office space has decreased drastically in the DC area.  You're better off building however many floors of studio to 1-2 bedroom apartments in Woodbridge.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hzq499b", "text": "are you sure you can't get more from another tow place or increase the rent?  Those sites are a pain in the ass to find and if you are grandfathered in I assume its slim pickens in your zoning district.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]