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.

Currently several groups are trying to attract more industry.

Auburn Hills has quite a bit of industry with GM, Oakland University, OCC, and other various engineering companies.

Man I was good in the day  LOL... but I got trained by some pro's  its the one thing I think is very lacking in this industry today is not taking sales training class's paying for good instruction.. you have all these people spending 1000's on direct mail etc but have no sales or closing skills. and these are not god given you must learn them..

Just like with automotive repair places, lawyers, and even rehabbers, because of a bad few the industry as a whole gets a bad wrap.

One thing I've learned over the years in working with different types of people, from all different industries, is to follow my gut instinct.

That typically does not describe a retail buyer. 

It's a brand new industry group.

But I do have over 26 years invested in the carpet floor industry and spent a couple years doing professional custom house painting. 

Once you make a few good connections, then just ask them if you can shadow them, or ask them out for coffee and ask them questions about what you want to do in the real estate industry, letting them know you would like their guidance.