Are We Entering a “Skills Over Deals” Phase in Real Estate?

[David Litt]

Lately, I’ve been thinking less about finding “the perfect deal” and more about building the right skill set to thrive no matter what the market throws at us.

Here’s why:

• Interest rates are still unpredictable.

• Inventory is rising in some markets, tightening in others.

• Distressed properties are popping up — but not everywhere.

It feels like we’re entering a phase where the investors who succeed aren’t just the ones who find opportunities — it’s those who know how to create them.

That might mean:

• Getting creative with financing structures

• Understanding local zoning and tax strategies better than ever

• Building relationships to uncover off-market leads

• Knowing how to manage risk when a property has multiple challenges

The more I talk to experienced investors, the more I hear the same thing: the ones who are thriving right now are less dependent on the “perfect market conditions” and more focused on adapting their playbook.

I’m curious — do you think we’re in a time where skills matter more than deals, or are the fundamentals of location and timing still king?