How to become a developer?

Question

Hi everyone! I am a newly licensed real estate agent with the goal of getting into commercial development. Can anyone recommend any jobs that will help prepare me for that? I am 19 years old, I have a degree in Finance, and would like to get my broker license in three years. However, where do I go after that? Assuming I have the financing for projects in the future, how can I get my foot in the door with development?

Greg Dickerson · Answer

The main thing is to continue to educate yourself on the market and the space. Read everything you can find about commercial real estate, real estate development and study other successful real estate developers. You need to become a life long learner.

Finance is a fantastic degree for a career in real estate development. The capital controls the deal. You should be able to find a job with a development company in the finance dept or as an analyst, assistant asset manager, assistant project manager or assistant development associate. Different companies offer different positions. The key is to identify a top firm and get your foot in the door then do way more than you're paid to do, offer to help out on projects or teams above your job description. Be resourceful, be relentless, show up early, leave late and be a seeker of wisdom.

Real Estate Development is all about mastery. A Real Estate Developer is a Visionary, a Creative, an Entrepreneur, Leader, Delegator, Motivator, Financier and a Master of all aspects or real estate investing. They are resilient, resourceful, tenacious, goal oriented and thick skinned. Its a very creative, lucrative and rewarding career and you can scale very fast.

Ronald Rohde · Answer

I would subscribe to Greg's YouTube channel!

Seriously, just watch local deals get built or developed. Reach out to them and ask for informational interviews, can you model? Offer to do some free modeling on deals...