All Forum Posts by: Matt Roth

I'm beginning my career in the development world and I am trying to read and learn as much about RE Dev as possible. I'm looking to focus on all-commercial RE Dev focused in major metro, secondary, and upper-level tertiary markets.

I've tried to do a search online for books on the characteristics of a building in terms of design, architecture, and construction i.e. what is a parapet, what are the different types of doors (double-hinged, storefront glass), what are the available roof systems, what is a knee-wall, what are the different styles of flooring, the differing fixtures and fascias, etc... Does anybody know of a few books that would help teach me these types of things? Most notably and most embarrassingly, it'd be even better if these books contained pictures that pointed out the specialties.

I do not need books that focus on the game and finance of RE Dev as I found a forum that lists some great books that help with that hat of development.

I have been reading Bigger Pockets for quite some time now but it wasn't until recently that I took the plunge and became a member. I am a recent graduate of Syracuse University with a major in Real Estate and a minor in Construction Management. While I am currently working as a Development Associate for my father's Development firm, based out of Schenectady, NY, I am still actively seeking a position in a larger metropolitan city.

Since I have been reading BP, I have still have yet to see any advice on how to approach development firms for employment. For the resumes' and cover letters' that I have sent out, I feel like I am putting a message in a bottle and sending it out to sea without any real possibility of a reply. So for those who have been in a similar position to mine, what advice do you have for contacting and making an impact with the human resource/recruiting managers?

Nonetheless, as a kid just entering the real estate world, thank you for all of the commenters and writers who are teaching me more and more about the in's and out's of the industry.