All Forum Posts by: Alejandro Valbuena

I have taken the course.

Initially, I started my career in real estate financing at a small community bank, but later on, I transitioned into a consultant role where I specialized in underwriting and valuing deals for various groups involved in commercial property acquisitions. However, one particular group became my primary focus due to the volume of work they provided. Presently, I collaborate with them on acquiring industrial properties in the Midwest for their investors, while simultaneously developing my own investor base to invest alongside them.

Over time, my approach to adding value has evolved, but my ability to accurately forecast returns and develop strong business plans has remained a constant. Excel modeling was the foundation.

Check out wall street preps real estate course. They are the best when it comes to building Excel models at the instructional level for a reasonable price. You can do it all online or in person in some cities. 
Highly recommend. As someone that has gone back to school to get a Masters in Real Estate, I would say this course will get you 70% there in terms of foundation and 100% in the hard skill of excel modeling FOR A LOT LESS MONEY. 
If you want to meet people in the industry and have an easier time getting a job in this field, a Master's degree will help. 

Hi @Alejandro Valbuena,

I was an analyst myself for a couple of years. Its a fast learning course to real estate. Most banks or companies required some sort of financial background such as a bachelors in finance or economics. There are alot of positions in the industry that you can find on Linkedin.

@Alejandro Valbuena

I'm proud of you.  That's a heavy load I know you're carrying but it's all an investment in you.  And, before you get down the road too far, I would recommend that you find your way into a financial institution or commercial development office to actually see the work that is being done and determine the fit; reach out to some analyst in your market and interview them on their experience.  I mentor someone now who is a young professional who works as a commericial analyst at a development firm that specializes in large apartment and hotel complexes.  He has discovered that it's not the part of the business that is exciting enough for him and that the opportunities to advance within the firm is limited because he is perceived as 'the analyst."  Often times, the analyst pays the price when an exciting endeavor is dragged in for analysis and then is deemed a no go.  The analyst is rarely the hero although but for him/her, it would have been a costly mistake.  The good news here is that your degree and experience will be a good fit in several areas and firms - so rock on!  

Do you have LinkedIn? Don't sleep on it if you don't. Most recruiters and whoever you're trying to reach at a company will usually look you up there before they review your resume. Also, it's an easy way to find out the right people at a firm to talk to in the position you want or even send a cold/warm pitch via message to the real hiring person managing that team. 

While you're at the firm you're at - start networking with people on that team, take any work that none of them want to do to add value, and keep all your receipts. That will be your portfolio for there or a different place. If you can't get work internally then do a small project for a random firm that will take you a little bit of time to show you have the "work experience" they are looking for. You got this!

Go back to school...anything short of that will ensure that you won't advance within the industry. Florida has some great real estate programs/degrees that you can do while working - and then position yourself when you've completed the coursework as someone who has been in the industry, survived it as a PM (a big deal), and invested in developing your skills/knowledge.  

Do an online search for programs.  You owe this to yourself.

Hey there, Previous acquisition analyst for a large complex apartment holding firm. We actually didn't have to learn any software other than excel to run our numbers. Each deal is different but we had a master excel sheet we put them through. I learned a lot from the position for sure, good idea to make the change. You already have experience with T-12's, rent rolls, etc.. which is awesome, but requirements for my previous job were a degree in Business, Real estate, finance, accounting, or other related ones. I am not sure what the job you are looking for will require but I would think most are looking for the 4 year bachelor at least for that position. Good luck and please reach out with any questions!

 Best way to learn the software is to take some courses or certifications on them. A real estate analyst is an in-demand and competitive position. you may also have to go back to school as well.