Project Management and Real Estate career?

Question

Good Day Everyone!

I have been in the IT field for a little over 10 years with over 5 years of Project Management experience. I recently acquired my PMP and was curious as to how I may be of value to a company and/or position with these tools. I am proud to have had a couple years of education/research within real estate investing (over 2 years worth) and I believe I know starting path I want to pursue. However, I do not have any first hand experience because I have been overseas for 10 years. I am currently living in Germany (Ramstein AB) as an Engineer/PM contractor. I also understand that long distance investing is done, however, I would argue that for my own comfort, I would rather have done 1 or 2 houses (live-in flip) or rentals prior to distant investing.

All in all, whenever I do go back to the US (~2 years) I would like to have the option to be a part time or full time PM for a real estate company to learn the ropes first hand. Is this even possible for someone in my field and little to no personal real esate expiernce? What are some "things" I should be working towards? Is it possible to have experience with real estate as a PM overseas (part time)?

Many question and many variables (what kind of investing, how much money, and so on), that would still need to be questioned and answered, this I know. I would be more than happy to answer any questions to aid with my own questions.

Lastly, if anyone else thought about pursing their PMP certification, I would be more than happy to help as well :).

Thank you all for your time and advice/guidance.

-Josh Banwart

Jared Hottle · Answer

Having a PMP certification and experience in Project Management can be a valuable asset to a real estate company. While personal real estate experience is valuable, your skills in managing projects and resources can be applied in a real estate setting. To increase your chances of getting a PM role in real estate, you can network with real estate professionals, attend industry events and conferences, and consider getting a certification in real estate management. You can also look into doing a real estate investment as a side hustle to gain practical experience. It is possible to have experience in real estate as a PM overseas on a part-time basis, but this will likely depend on the specific company and their hiring requirements.

Emily Sidis · Answer

I'm interested in your situation.  I am also a PM in tech overseas, and I plan on moving back this year to the USA. I was looking into getting my PMP so I could start doing real estate investing for my family.  I was wondering if getting a PMP if I don't plan on being employed as a PM anymore is worth the time and money.  Or is there another certification or training that would be better suited to building a personal income property portfolio.  Thank you

Josh Banwart · Answer

@Eliott Elias I appreciate your reply and comment. In the original post I created, I mentioned I am in the IT industry for about 10 years. My PM experience is within IT, more specifically with the DoD IT industry. I do 100% agree with you about the qualities that will be needed and the thick skin. I am curious how these characteristics can help for Real-Estate investors and applying this information for the business from a remote location.

Again, thank you very much for your time and the response.

Eliott Elias · Answer

I am assuming you are referring to construction project management? It takes more than education, it takes a respected leader who will do whatever it takes to ensure budget, timeline, and quality are up to standards. It's a job that requires you to be mobile at all times, and takes thick skin.

Tim Greenfield · Answer

@Josh Banwart- I am in Weisbaden and a long distance real estate investor. I too am an engineer with a PMP. PM me if you would like to chat or if you are out my way anytime. I just closed last September on my 9th long distance rental.

Josh Banwart · Answer

@Jared Hottle Thank you sir. I appreciate that info.

The certification in real estate management, although I can google this, is there specific types or information I should be looking at? Is it similar to Real Estate Licenses in regards to having specific hours depending on the state you're a resident with?

Again, thank you for your help and information.

Project Management and Real Estate career?

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