Advice Needed: Masters in Real Estate Or No?

Question

Hello,

I am new on this forum and am looking to connect with other investors and lenders.

I am currently working as a construction estimator for a major national general contractor in the Phoenix metroplex and have been doing so for about 5 years after receiving my undergrad in construction management. I am wanting to continue my career as a construction estimator while building a real estate portfolio/business on the side as an entrepreneur.

My wife and I currently have one single family home local in the Phoenix area that we are renting out and are wanting to grow that portfolio, but I am debating what the best move forward would be for us.

I am contemplating getting my master's in real estate in order to better understand market dynamics, economics, underwriting, etc and just the overall financial side of real estate.

Our long-term goal is to get into BRRRR-ing small multifamily properties where we hold those properties, while also maybe beginning to dabble in apartments and larger multifamily developments as we gain more experience.

Any suggestions on whether or not I should pursue a master's in real estate is worth it or not would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

DJ

Chris Seveney · Answer

I went back to school to get a Master's in real estate. I was a construction project manager, then a project executive, and then was overseeing a construction division.

When I went back to get a Master's in real estate, I did not go to a program that was grossly expensive, but was a good school. I did find it very valuable in portfolio management and understanding the things that I did not learn at my W-2, so I thought it was a good balance. I also know a lot of people struggled with it because they didn't have real-world experience as well. I spent approximately $25,000 for my education, and I found it to be worth it compared to some other groups or courses I see people take.

The other component to it is that many of the professors that you'll meet are also real estate investors and can connect you with some really good contacts.

Final thought, is it needed? No. Do I find that it added value? Yes.

Shiloh Lundahl · Answer

Hey @Dj Taylor, welcome to BiggerPockets. To be honest with you, I don't know what a masters in real estate entails or what benefit it would give you to get it. But what I do know is you don't have to have a masters degree to build wealth in real estate. I've purchased hundreds of homes in Arizona and built a portfolio without university training in real estate. I learned from meetups, podcasts, mentors, coaches, programs, masterminds, bootcamps, conferences, the BiggetPockets website, and other investors. Some of those avenues were free and some were paid. But what I am saying is it isn't necessary to get a masters degree in real estate to learn how to build wealth in real estate. But if it will help you with your career than that is another thing.

I'm also in Arizona and I host a meetup ever 4th Monday of the month in Mesa, Arizona and I'm connected to a lot of investors in the valley. So if you would like me to help you get connected to other investors in Arizona, just let me know.

Dj Taylor · Answer

@Chris Seveney, thanks for your reply.

I am doing my best to look beyond the "information is democratized in 2026 and therefore you don't need a formal education" and looking at the entire picture holistically and considering the thought of "What about the relationship component?"

I've learned, oftentimes, that it is the relationships and networking that matters more than necessarily the industry knowledge. I've seen this time and again in my industry.

Besides, I'm also trying to look 15-20 years down the line (as well as I can) and trying to see if having a masters (and the connections it could bring) would help me expand into CRE if my wife and I decide to do so with our business. I just would hate to hit some "invisible ceiling" because I was being "cheap" in my 30's.

Just trying to look at the full picture and your comment helps highlight something that I have been thinking about, so thank you.

Dj Taylor · Answer

Follow up question.

I see that there is not likely a need for an MSRE if you were to just pursue residential properties (i.e. 1-4 doors) but what are typically the requirements to get into Commercial Real Estate as an investor/owner of a real estate company?

Wouldnt a potential lender or other investors want to see someone who has credentials? What do banks/lenders typically look for? I just would hate to hit some "invisible" ceiling in the future because I didnt take the time and effort to get an MSRE when I should have.

Also, what about the connections that you would make as part of an MSRE program. Wouldn't the networking and industry connections be worth the investment too?

Dj Taylor · Answer

Thanks everyone for your comments. It is much appreciated.

Austin MacKay Childs · Answer

There are so many educational alternatives to getting an advanced degree. Forums, meetups, YouTube, Udemy/Coursera, AI, etc...I would echo the general sentiment of this group that you likely don't need the master's degree.

However, to do the full evaluation for yourself, just take a look at the curriculum for the program you are considering, and then do a little research to see if there are sufficient resources online where you could learn the same concepts from people who are actually in the arena playing the game on the field.

Michael Crouse · Answer

Welcome!

In my opinion going back to school for real estate isn't worth the time or money at all. With whatever the school would cost you're much better off investing that money into your first deal. No matter what, anything in life is best learned through doing it in the real world. You can learn everything you need to know for investing on the internet for free. Especially when starting off small, getting into small multifamily is really not very knowledge heavy, just ensuring the numbers make sense. There are many resources and people who can help ensure you're making a good financial decision.

Adam Tafel · Answer

You would be better off getting a carpentry apprenticeship. Do not spend any money on degrees.

Noah Corwick · Answer

Hey DJ!

I find the best way to learn about something is gaining the baseline knowledge and then getting your hands dirty with it.

Because you have construction estimator experience and have already gone through the home buying process, I'd say you're a huge step above most in your position.

If you're looking to learn more, I'd try to tag team a few deals with seasoned investors and enroll in the school of hard knocks instead. They'll run the show, but you will pick up on a lot and learn a ton.

Hope this helps!

Luran James · Answer

Hey DJ! Welcome to the community!  Great foundation you already have  construction estimating experience is a massive advantage most investors don't have. Here's my honest take:Skip the Master's degree. Here's why  you already understand construction costs, project management, and build quality better than 90% of investors out there. That knowledge is worth more than any classroom when it comes to underwriting deals and managing renovations.

Instead, take that tuition money and put it into your first BRRRR deal. The real education happens when you're actually analyzing deals, working with lenders, and managing properties. Your construction background gives you a built-in edge  use it!

What's currently holding you back from pulling the trigger on your next property?

Advice Needed: Masters in Real Estate Or No?

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