Retail + Automotive Property For Sale in Santee – Turnkey Auto Business + Live/Work Opportunity

7969-Mission-Gorge-Rd-Santee

Table of Contents

$2.0M
Sale Price
2,016 SF
Square Footage
Mixed-Use
Property Type
1985
Year Built

Investment Opportunity

A rare turnkey automotive asset in San Diego's high-demand East County market

This unique mixed-use automotive property, located at 7969 Mission Gorge Road in Santee, offers a rare turnkey opportunity for investors or owner-operators. Combining a fully equipped commercial automotive space with a residential component, the property is positioned for high visibility along a major Santee thoroughfare.

The sale includes both the real estate and significant business assets, providing an immediate operational advantage in a high-demand San Diego submarket. The approximately 2,016-square-foot building on a 0.17-acre lot features two indoor service bays and a rear yard service area equipped to accommodate full-size vehicle lifts.

Adding to the utility of the asset is a second-story residential unit—a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment offering a convenient live/work setup for an owner-operator or the potential for supplemental rental income.

Property Features

Commercial Space

  • 2 indoor service bays
  • Rear yard service area
  • Full-size vehicle lifts included
  • Air compressors and tools
  • Storage space for inventory
  • Office equipment included

Residential Unit

  • 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
  • Second-floor layout
  • Live/work opportunity
  • Supplemental income potential
  • Roof terrace access
  • 24-hour property access

Location Benefits

  • Mission Gorge Rd frontage
  • SR-52 Freeway visibility
  • High-traffic corridor
  • Prominent signage rights
  • 6 dedicated parking spaces
  • East County accessibility

Property Details

Address 7969 Mission Gorge Rd, Santee
Sale Price $2,000,000
Property Type Mixed-Use Automotive and Residential
Building Size 2,016 Square Feet
Lot Size 0.17 Acres
Year Built 1985
Parking 6 Dedicated Spaces (2.98 per 1,000 SF)
Commercial Layout 2 Indoor Bays, Rear Yard Service Area, Storage
Residential Layout 1 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom (Second Floor)
Current Tenant Santee Foreign Car Repair (Single Tenant)
1031 Exchange Eligible

Owner-User vs. Investor Scenarios

Two distinct financial paths for this $2,000,000 asset

The Owner-User Path

For an automotive technician or business owner, this property is an ideal candidate for SBA 504 or 7(a) financing. These programs often allow for lower down payments (typically 10%) because the business occupies more than 51% of the space.

Under this scenario, the mortgage payment often acts as a stabilized "rent," protecting the business from the volatility of the San Diego commercial leasing market. The added residential income can further offset the debt service.

The Investor Path

For a passive investor, the value lies in the "business assets included" aspect. By owning the lifts, tools, and inventory, a landlord can command a higher lease rate than they would for a "cold shell" industrial building.

The investor is essentially leasing a "business-in-a-box," which attracts high-quality tenants looking for a turnkey startup opportunity. However, the investor must account for the depreciation and maintenance of those assets within their long-term CAPEX budget.

20-Item Buyer Checklist

Essential due diligence & risk mitigation for automotive properties

✓
Verify vehicle lift age and maintenance records
✓
Order Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
✓
Confirm Legal Non-Conforming status with City
✓
Inspect oil-water separator/clarifier
✓
Review Hazardous Materials Business Plan filings
✓
Verify fire-rated assembly between spaces
✓
Conduct parking study during peak hours
✓
Evaluate ingress/egress on Mission Gorge Rd
✓
Check ADA compliance requirements
✓
Inspect roof condition and terrace
✓
Confirm electrical panel capacity
✓
Check HVAC systems for both units
✓
Review existing tenant lease terms
✓
Confirm SBA eligibility (51% occupancy)
✓
Estimate new property tax assessment 1031 Exchange Eligible

For More Information

Erik Egelko

Phone
(619) 616-7332
Email
erik@palmtreeproperties.com
Professional Licenses
DRE#: 01984056
NMLS#: 2543934

FAQ

Can automotive use continue under R22 residential zoning?

Yes, typically as a “legal non-conforming” use, provided the business has been continuous. Buyers should verify this status with Santee’s planning department.

Lenders typically view the residential unit as “supplemental income.” For SBA loans, the commercial use must remain the primary driver of the property.

The rear yard provides additional workspace for full-size lifts, allowing for outdoor overflow and larger vehicle repairs that may not fit in the indoor bays.

Yes, the site offers excellent visibility from the SR-52 Freeway, which is a major driver of customer traffic.

Standard policies often exclude “Garage Liability.” A specialized policy is required to cover the risks of vehicle repair alongside a residential dwelling.

Related Posts

Scroll to Top