22-year-old looking to break into real estate development

Real Estate Broker · Northeast PA · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes

3mo

Glad to see you here reaching out for some direction!

Here's what I did at your age: I spent a lot of time at construction sites. You'll want to observe, think about what is happening, and ask questions when you can. Learning the live mechanics of building will help you throughout your career.

Next, I started learning everything I could about real estate--to get a better general understanding of the business--books, videos, and seminars.

Remember, not everything you read or hear will be useful or even accurate; but study enough and you'll learn for yourself what holds true in this business.

Important: network with local REIA or other real estate meetups. Make connections and form relationships.

Lastly, when I started buying, I looked for something on a small scale--something simple and 'boring' to start. A single or small duplex.

Learning the ropes in real time is more survivable on a smaller property than a larger one.

Get the basics right from the start, and you can expand as much as you want over time.

Good luck to you!

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Joseph Commisso
OP
Member since 2026 · 10 posts · 6 votes
3mo
@Marc Winter

Marc, this is exactly the kind of breakdown I was looking for — thank you. The construction site tip is something I wouldn’t have thought of but makes total sense. You can’t manage what you don’t understand, and actually seeing the work happen is a different education than any book.

The “start boring” point also hits. I think a lot of people my age (myself included) get drawn to the big flashy development projects without having the reps on something simple first.

I’m in NYC so I’ll be looking into local REIA meetups — any advice on how to approach those as someone just starting out? And do you have any specific book recommendations that were foundational for you?

Thanks again for taking the time.
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Arman AhmedPro Member

Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2024 · 2k+ posts · 911 votes

3mo

Quote from @Joseph Commisso:

Hey BP community,

I’m 22, based in NYC, and I’ve been seriously thinking about real estate development as a long-term path. I have some exposure to real estate concepts (wholesaling, deal analysis, market research) and I’m motivated, but I’m not sure what the most practical first moves are for someone at my stage.

A few things about my situation:

• Still in school (finishing my degree in a couple years)

• No huge capital to deploy yet, but I’m working and saving

• NYC/tri-state area is my market, but open to learning anywhere

My questions for those who’ve been in the trenches:

1. What should I actually be doing right now — reading, networking, working for a developer, something else?

2. Is it worth starting small (like a small multifamily rehab) before going full development, or do you build the skills differently?

3. Who should I be trying to connect with? Architects? Contractors? Lenders? In what order does it actually matter?

4. Any certifications, courses, or books that genuinely moved the needle for you vs. the stuff that’s just noise?

5. What do you wish you had done at 22 that you didn’t?

Not looking for a “just get started” pep talk — I want the real tactical breakdown from people who’ve actually done it. What are the 2-3 moves that matter most early on?

Appreciate any insight. Happy to share more about my background if it helps.

You're asking the right questions. If I were 22 and wanted to get into development, I'd focus on three things: learn how to underwrite deals, work for or alongside someone actively doing development, and build relationships with contractors, lenders, brokers, and investors. Development is really a business of solving problems and managing risk, so getting hands-on experience is worth more than most courses. I'd also consider starting with a small value-add project or multifamily acquisition before taking on ground-up development. Many investors even start in more affordable Midwest markets where the cost of making mistakes is lower, and opportunities are easier to access. The biggest advantage you have right now is time. Use these next few years to build skills, relationships, and deal analysis experience, and you'll be far ahead of where most people are when they finally decide to start.

[email protected]614-418-6081

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Joseph Commisso
OP
Member since 2026 · 10 posts · 6 votes
3mo
@Arman Ahmed

Arman, really appreciate this — especially the point on underwriting. That’s something I’ve been hearing come up repeatedly and I think it’s the skill I need to prioritize first before anything else.

The idea of working alongside someone actively doing development makes a lot of sense too. I’m in NYC so I’m going to start looking for opportunities to get in those rooms — whether that’s a junior role, an internship, or even just showing up to REIA meetups consistently.

Quick question for you — when you say learn to underwrite deals, where would you recommend starting? Is there a specific resource, software, or type of deal you’d suggest a beginner practice on first?

Thanks again, would love to stay connected.
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Daniel Ekwueme

Wholesaler · Miami, FL · Member since 2026 · 22 posts · 3 votes

2mo

You’re asking the right questions, especially at 22. If I were in your shoes, I’d focus on learning how to find great deals before worrying about building from the ground up. Deal sourcing, underwriting, and networking are skills that translate into every part of real estate.

I’d also recommend connecting with active developers, GCs, lenders, and investors in your market. Even if you’re not ready to develop yet, being around people doing projects every day will shorten your learning curve more than any course.

Starting with a small rehab or value-add multifamily project can teach you budgeting, timelines, contractor management, and financing—skills you’ll need when you eventually take on larger developments.

One question for you: since you’ve already mentioned wholesaling and market research, have you closed any wholesale deals yet, or are you still working toward your first one? That answer would help determine the best next step.

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22-year-old looking to break into real estate development — what steps should I be ta

22-year-old looking to break into real estate development — what steps should I be ta

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