In most leased space investments, the builder provides the basic building and the leaser is expected to pay to modify this space to serve the purposes they intend. In a build to suit investment the builder carries the expense of the daycare build-out rather than placing this cost upon the investors. The builder then bills these costs back to the investor i n terms of a higher rental rate for the building. These opportunities offer the lowest possible startup costs for a daycare investment. In this scenario the only costs remaining for the investor is to (1) furnish & equip the space and to (2) provide adequate operating capital to carry the center through its startup phase.

Unfortunately, these opportunities are rarely open to inexperienced investors. Before a builder is willing to invest money up front in an investor's business they will demand a very strong sense of security from the investor. Typically these opportunities are open only to investors who can prove a successful track record in the field or who are moving an existing center into larger space.