Complicated Process Finding Leasing Companies

Chantilly, Virginia
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Complicated Process Finding Leasing Companies

Dilshad Randhawa
Member since 2026 · 14 posts · 2 votes

Hi All,

So this past week and so I been contacting Commercial real estate brokers telling them clearly my requirements and then they said they will contact back for listings etc. I am trying to find listings also and I do find them - it's just I prefer to work with a Commercial broker as I am new in all of this but it seems like initially everything is set to go - but then I never hear back from them? Is that normal process? Does it just take a lot of time or it's just hard to purchase leasing companies/warehouses/commercial buildings/etc?

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Divin KanyamaBusiness Member
Accountant · Seattle, WA · Member since 2025 · 188 posts · 57 votes
16h

@Dilshad Randhawa What you are experiencing is fairly common when starting in commercial real estate, so do not take the lack of follow-up as a sign that you are doing something wrong. Brokers often prioritize buyers who appear ready to transact, have clearly defined criteria, and can demonstrate financing or available capital. If the request covers several different opportunities—such as warehouses, commercial buildings, or operating leasing companies—it may simply take time to narrow the focus and connect with the right specialist.

A good next step is to prepare a concise acquisition profile covering the target property type, location, price range, minimum size, intended use, return expectations, financing status, and timeline. Share proof of funds or a lender prequalification when appropriate, then follow up periodically with a specific question or a listing you have already reviewed. It also helps to contact brokers who specialize in the exact asset class and submarket rather than relying on one general commercial broker. Keep searching independently as well; bringing a credible opportunity to a broker shows initiative and gives the relationship something concrete to work on. Commercial transactions often take longer and require more due diligence than residential deals, but every conversation and property reviewed builds useful experience. Stay consistent, keep refining your criteria, and do not be discouraged—the right broker relationships usually develop as your focus and readiness become clearer.

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  • Divin KanyamaBusiness Member
    Accountant · Seattle, WA · Member since 2025 · 188 posts · 57 votes
    16h

    @Dilshad Randhawa What you are experiencing is fairly common when starting in commercial real estate, so do not take the lack of follow-up as a sign that you are doing something wrong. Brokers often prioritize buyers who appear ready to transact, have clearly defined criteria, and can demonstrate financing or available capital. If the request covers several different opportunities—such as warehouses, commercial buildings, or operating leasing companies—it may simply take time to narrow the focus and connect with the right specialist.

    A good next step is to prepare a concise acquisition profile covering the target property type, location, price range, minimum size, intended use, return expectations, financing status, and timeline. Share proof of funds or a lender prequalification when appropriate, then follow up periodically with a specific question or a listing you have already reviewed. It also helps to contact brokers who specialize in the exact asset class and submarket rather than relying on one general commercial broker. Keep searching independently as well; bringing a credible opportunity to a broker shows initiative and gives the relationship something concrete to work on. Commercial transactions often take longer and require more due diligence than residential deals, but every conversation and property reviewed builds useful experience. Stay consistent, keep refining your criteria, and do not be discouraged—the right broker relationships usually develop as your focus and readiness become clearer.

    [email protected]
    WEMBO CPA532 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
    • Dilshad Randhawa
      OP
      Member since 2026 · 14 posts · 2 votes
      6h

      True. my first priority is finding job which I am applying right and left still no luck though. I've already got a document though of my requirements so going based upon that.

      1Reply
  • Drew SygitBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
    9h

    You're trying to find listings to rent or buy?

    Please be more specific...

    [email protected]248-209-6824
    Logical Property Management4.9451 Reviews
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    • Dilshad Randhawa
      OP
      Member since 2026 · 14 posts · 2 votes
      7h

      Trying to buy so I can put it up for lease

      0Reply
    • Drew SygitBusiness Member
      Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
      2h

      Commercial brokers are MORE business orientated than SFR brokers.

      They don't waste their time with unprepared buyers.

      So, you'll need to "play" be their rules.

      Do you have a credit letter and proof of funds from a reputable lender and bank?

      [email protected]248-209-6824
      Logical Property Management4.9451 Reviews
      WebsiteView Page
      0Reply
  • Diana Khan
    Attorney · 10451 Mill Run Cir #755 Owings Mills, MD 21117 · Member since 2024 · 340 posts · 124 votes
    7h
    Quote from @Dilshad Randhawa:

    Hi All,

    So this past week and so I been contacting Commercial real estate brokers telling them clearly my requirements and then they said they will contact back for listings etc. I am trying to find listings also and I do find them - it's just I prefer to work with a Commercial broker as I am new in all of this but it seems like initially everything is set to go - but then I never hear back from them? Is that normal process? Does it just take a lot of time or it's just hard to purchase leasing companies/warehouses/commercial buildings/etc?

    @Dilshad Randhawa, I’ve worked with buyers who ran into the same thing when they were first looking at commercial property. One thing that usually helps is making it very clear that you are looking to buy an investment property, what type of building you want, your price range, location, and how soon you are ready to move if the right deal comes up.

    Once you find something, I would also slow down enough to look at the things that matter beyond the listing. Zoning, permitted use, title, environmental issues, existing leases, and the purchase contract can all affect whether you can actually lease the property the way you plan. I’ve seen commercial deals look simple at first and get much more complicated once those details come out. Commercial deals have a learning curve, but having a clear buy box and knowing what needs to be checked before closing makes the process much easier.

    1Reply
    • Dilshad Randhawa
      OP
      Member since 2026 · 14 posts · 2 votes
      6h

      Hi Diana, yes I tried that already being clear of my requirements but still nothing however I will keep trying will get something I am sure.

      0Reply
  • G. Brian DavisPro Member
    Investor · Hatboro, PA · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 848 votes
    7h

    Commercial brokers are usually juggling a lot of deals, so I wouldn’t wait around for them to send you everything.

    Keep searching yourself and send them properties you’re interested in. It also helps the broker understand what you’re actually looking for.

    I’d probably build relationships with a few brokers too. Once they know you’re serious and understand your criteria, they’re more likely to think of you when something comes across their desk.

    Commercial deals can take time, so I’d keep looking while you build those relationships.

    1Reply
    • Dilshad Randhawa
      OP
      Member since 2026 · 14 posts · 2 votes
      6h

      Thanks, I live in Centreville, Virginia where can I find list for that so I can network with them?

      0Reply
  • Kathy Parker
    Member since 2026 · 8 posts · 2 votes
    4h

    It can definitely take some time with commercial properties. Brokers may be dealing with several clients and listings, so sometimes you have to follow up. I’d send a quick message after a few days and remind them of what you’re looking for. In the meantime, I’d keep checking listings on your own as well.

    0Reply
  • Michael Eskenasy
    Investor · Pacific Northwest · Member since 2026 · 536 posts · 298 votes
    4h

    Dilshad, I think the brokers are giving you information without saying it directly.

    “Warehouses, commercial buildings, leasing companies, etc.” is still too broad for a commercial broker to treat as an active acquisition mandate—especially if financing/capital isn’t established yet.

    Commercial brokers triage buyers by probability of closing. If another buyer says:

    “15–30k SF industrial, Fairfax/Loudoun, under $4M, 30% down, lender engaged, can close in 60 days”

    and your request is broader, that buyer gets the call first.

    So I wouldn’t solve this by contacting more brokers yet. I’d tighten the buy box until a broker can recognize the deal in five seconds:

    • exact asset class
    • 2–3 submarkets
    • purchase-price range
    • minimum/maximum SF
    • occupancy preference
    • target return/use
    • financing status
    • closing timeline

    One other thing: buying a warehouse to lease and buying a “leasing company” are completely different acquisitions. One is commercial real estate; the other may be an operating business. Different brokers, underwriting, financing and diligence.

    If your first priority right now is getting employed and rebuilding capital, there’s nothing wrong with spending this period learning the market instead of presenting yourself as ready to buy. Track listings, sales, rents and brokers for 90 days. You’ll know exactly who specializes in your buy box when the capital piece is ready.

    The broker silence probably isn’t personal. They just don’t yet see a transaction they can execute.

    Make the broker diagnosis more directTrim this into a tighter reply

    0Reply
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