Getting into Commercial Real Estate w/ an Accounting Background

[Account Closed]

Hello BP members,

Quick background: I'm a 23-year-old with accounting consulting roots, and I'd like to explore entering the commercial real estate space.

A penny for your thoughts on a couple questions:

1) As I'm brand new to the real estate space, are there any credentials I would need to have? I would think a Real Estate license is a must, but is there anything else?

2) Should I start applying for jobs at big firms like CBRE or Colliers to learn the business? What's the pay like entry level? Is an MBA necessary?

3) I'm halfway through my CPA testing - once obtained, would this come in handy or be valued by my clients?

4) Would time spent in Big 4 Real Estate Tax or Real Estate Business advisory come in handy - or should I skip that step and go straight to #2?

I look forward to hearing from you all - thanks!

[Douglas Dowell]

Hello Seth,

What its your ultimate objective? You have a great background but the advice I would give depends on your end game.

Warren Buffett was once asked by an MBA if he should consult first or go to work for the company he desired. Warren replied he should just go for his target otherwise "Isn't that like saving sex for old age?".