All Forum Posts by: Anthony Ferrara

@Bill Gulley Starting at the top is not the idea I have in mind. It would be nice but I'd get taken out quick, experience and knowledge can't be replaced. Although I can make a great pot of coffee, that is not all I can bring to the table. I've been told 2 years in commercial is when I can expect to begin making a solid living, if I really hustle, learn and spend my time wisely with the right people. So that's where I'll base my expectation. As I said, development is the LONG term goal - possibly a poor example but gives you my concept. I want to enhance communities. 

Not taken personally. But what I do find frustrating is that as a college level instructor, you will happily take me down a notch, yet not offer a solution to guide me in the right path. Your experience is outstanding and you've clearly paid your dues. If you are paying it back, please pass some knowledge this way. I'll make you some coffee ;)

@Shawn Holsapple Thanks so much for all the reading links, have read much of the Rich Dad material and also Tim Ferriss. Will look into the rest. Great to be a hoosier again (after some time in AZ) and am definitely beginning to seek out serious investors/developers in NWI.

@Patrick Snyder I have looked into these firms and "interviewed" folks that have started at large firms. They recommended trying a small firm to get a more hands on and generalist feel for what I may like. Thanks for the input though and a large firm isn't out of the question if they'll have me.

@Brie Schmidt Appreciate your interest! Short term goal is to hopefully find job as analyst or assistant within a firm, take licensing course online/get licensed and then work under the managing broker there. Well aware that I need a cushion (from all reading on BP and professionals I've talked with) and that's another reason getting a job within the industry would be great help. 

- Long term goal is to be investor/developer. As of now I believe repurposing buildings to meet net-zero energy efficiency and enhance neighborhoods is my objective. Within those structures I'd like to build with community in mind - E.G - purchase older 6 story facility a block away from downtown, repurpose to meet energy spec, convert to vertical farm OR mixed use property for 2 floors of condos/2 floors coworking spaces/2 floors retail and attract quality small business tenants to enhance neighborhood. Working with smaller towns or suburbs would be fun to create better downtown districts. Long winded answer.

@Elizabeth Colegrove I started as business/real estate in AZ, came back to IN for job offer, job fell through, switched to online degree thru same school and was poor experience. Would like to transfer to DePaul to finish but student loan debt is absurd, prefer to start learning real estate by hands on experience. Hoping I can make it happen. Glad to see your MBA is doing you well!

Hey @Sharad M. 

Absolutely, anything to get hands on experience. I'll DM you to talk further!

Hey BP,

This is my first post but I've been lurking on the forums for about a month. I am now convinced that my future lies in real estate. I live in Northwest Indiana and I am seeking my IN and IL licenses as soon as possible. My desire is to get into a smaller commercial firm, to learn generalist practices and build a network. I'm so thankful for a community like BP, it's going to be so helpful. 

Does anyone have ideas for landing a job at a real estate firm as an assistant or analyst, while studying for my licenses? That is the ideal situation. I would also love to meet professionals in the Chicagoland area, let's get coffee or lunch!

Many thanks,

Tony F.