Retail also has its own characteristics and needs to be reinvented every decade or so to remain rentable and competitive.Industrial too is unique and has its own strengths (easier to manage) and cons (longer vacancies).Each type of commercial is going to require a different style and application of management.You should have a light understanding of the type of CRE you would like to own as you head into the market looking for deals.Personally, I prefer industrial because it's an easier asset to manage and I have a lifetime of experience working in this asset class.That said, and as mentioned earlier, if you head into the marketplace searching for a value add situation then you might want to keep your mind open to various types of commercial property.

This is good to know because I am headed to the Springs market from Melbourne Florida and the Melbourne market has been hot as well.

I love heading down to Columbus for a weekend every now an then.  

I factor in 5-10% for repairs and maintenance in my head though.

I can't spout out off the top of my head in a very pursuasive manner right now all the reasons why but there is some great info about all that on the site here and in books on investing. 

Real, substantial success versus using say a 10 day inspection period.

this is a belly to belly business.. unless you have 100's leads ... its not wise to do anything but make an appointment for a sit... then use your skills and sales techniques whether they are soft sell like Brian or hit you over the head the J Scott... but you would be amazed at the deals you make when they sounded rough on the phone and were completely different in person.I worked for 15 years shagging leads and doing in home presentations... its night and day from phone and in home.. and a really great sales men can turn someone around on a dime. 

Or just refinance at the end of the period if you have substantial appreciation built up with equity and use the extra money to purchase more properties.

So I came into bigger pockets and was one of the many people who just popped their heads in to say that their new and then completely disappear.

@Dan MackinIll have to check that out, thanks for the heads up.I apologize for the delayed response.