Commercial Real Estate Investing, how to get started or finding a mentor?

[Eva Sha]

I have a background in architectural design and would like to get into commercial real estate investing, but I don’t know where to start. Anyone have any suggestions? Anyone know anyone who does mentoring for newbies like myself? I’d appreciate any advice.

[Michael K Gallagher]

The architecture angle is an interesting one.  are you looking to start working in the space or just learn more about owning and operating commercial assets?

Regardless I'd think if you reached out to boutique builders, brokers, commercial specific architects, there'd likely be a beneficial relationship there and some organic mentoring that happens.  

I'm sure there are plenty of paid mentors and coaches out there, but from personal experience its been the on the job 1 on 1 time with someone doing what you are trying to thats been most impactful to me.  

hopefully its helpful, 

[Eva Sha]

Thanks for the suggestion. 
to answer yours, I’m hoping to start with acquiring, then eventually development.

[Henry Clark]

Don’t answer on the forum.

1.  How much money do you have to invest?

2.  What financing mechanism will you use?  What is the downpayment %?  

3.  Size of deal.  Say you have $100,000; downpayment of 25% required.   Then you can do a $400,000 deal.

4.  Now that you have the size of your deal start talking with folks and looking for opportunities.  This will help narrow your Buy box and make your efforts more fruitful.  

[Henry Clark]

Use your architectural design background to your advantage.  Look at commercial and industrial listings with realtors.  Look for the Nastiest looking property. Nasty doesn’t mean dirty☺️.  Could be an old church. Just no one sees the value. “You” will be able to see the potential value where others can’t.  Take the cheapest property and do value add.  Do about 5 deal analysis in paper before you think about investing.

[Jeff Roth]

Hi Eva-

Great question! You said your were interested in investing in commercial real estate but don't know where to start.

The thing to know about commercial real estate, like residential investment real estate, is property management is where you make your money (aside from buying well). You want to add value and reduce expenses.

Also, it is wise to have a healthy liquid reserve available when buying commercial real estate.

I would call commercial real estate brokers and find one with a teacher's heart. They are out there. They can introduce you to all the local players you will need like property managers and lenders.

Over time, increase your own personal knowledge and development with books, podcasts, and conferences on the topic.

But finding a commercial real estate broker with a teacher's heart will go a long way to getting you started.

To your success!

[Chris Burns]

Hi Eva, have you considered doing passive investments to start out?

[Jim Pfeifer]

As @Chris Burns mentioned, the first question is to decide if you want to invest actively or passively.  If you want to be an active investor, to be successful, you need an advantage.  That could be market knowledge, ability to rehab a property - something that can give you an edge over other experienced RE professionals in the market and asset class you are working in.  If you want to be a passive investor, you need capital, information and a network, but you don't need specific advantage in real estate.  

Many people start out active because they want exposure to real estate and don't know that you can start out passive - you can effectively hire the asset manager and supply capital to the investment.

You can have great success as an active or a passive investor - but it is important to understand the difference and to select whichever option matches your skills and resources the best.

Good luck!

[Johnny Lynum]

Hey! So many great insights here! 
First, I'd suggest getting familiar with the basics of real estate investing—property types, financing, and market analysis. Networking is huge, so connect with others in the industry, and look for mentorship programs (there are some great ones out there). I'd also recommend diving into books, podcasts, and even attending real estate events to start learning more.

Here:

Learn the Basics: Study property types, financing, and market trends.

Network: Attend events, connect with pros, and build relationships.

Find a Mentor: Seek guidance from someone experienced in commercial real estate.

Start Small: Look at smaller deals or partnerships to get your feet wet.

Take Action: Once ready, start evaluating deals and making offers.