Hi all –Disclaimers:I don’t have any experience with industrial real estate - or CRE generally speaking for that matter.I will be keep this post intentionally vague for the sake of privacy.

See the chart from Fair Isaac Company (FICO) below: FICO Score Pct of Population Default Probability 800 or more 13.00% 1.00% 750-799 27.00% 1.00% 700-749 18.00% 4.40% 650-699 15.00% 8.90% 600-649 12.00% 15.80% 550-599 8.00% 22.50% 500-549 5.00% 28.40% Less than 499 2.00% 41.00% Source: Fair Isaac CompanyAccording to this chart, investors should use corresponding vacancy+tenant-nonperformance factors of approximately 5% for Class A rentals, 10% for Class B and 20% for Class C.To address Class C payment challenges, many industry "experts" are now selling programs to newbie investors about how Section 8 tenants are the cure.

I have a great W-2 not in the industry, but became an agent to be more educated/empowered and save the 3% fees.

There is a lot to learn, and to be frank, the knowledge you're seeking will be 40% of the industry.

I always tell people that when I got started in the industry, I expected future-me to always look back on the amazing deals I was able to close.

Welcome @Rebecca Morris,These are the 10 first steps I would recommend to get started in REI (real estate investing):1) Educate Yourself: Read books, take online courses, and attend seminars about real estate basics, market trends, and investment strategies.2) Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve in real estate—whether it’s buying a home, investing in rental properties, or flipping houses.3) Choose Your Niche: Decide if you want to focus on residential, commercial, or industrial real estate, or perhaps a mix of these.4) Research the Market: Analyze your local real estate market.

I am smart and know when the ship of the industry is sinking or taking on water.

IREM President Libby Ekre, CPM, shares five essential things to look for:Licenses & Certifications – Ensure the firm has certifications like CPM or ARM, guaranteeing adherence to industry standards.Regional Experience – Local market knowledge is crucial, especially for properties in smaller cities.Property Type Expertise – Match the company’s strengths with your specific property type for better management.Company Culture – Look for a firm that values customer service and team management.

If accepted then you gotta hope your financing doesn't take too long or fall apart altogether, and then you have to pray your contractor does a swell job cause that is about as good as a coin flip, and then you need to make a wish that your exit is one timely and two at the price you suspected.Bottom line is, it is hard to set up a network built with pieces from 3 - 4 different verticals within the industry. 

I have tried to find potential syndicators by literally tracking down who bought apartments that I see clearly have new owners... but in each case, to date, the new owner appears to not be open to outside investors (and so far no local outfits), so that's not working out.Kurt, due to my industry expertise, I have a very wide network, and work with hundreds of syndicators nationwide.