Breaking in - advice for Canadian newbie

Hi,

I am new to this forum and wanted to get some advice for breaking in/prepping for a potential real estate position in an investments team, be it a REIT, pension fund, REPE. I am from Canada and have completed my CA (Chartered Accountant) designation with work experience in Financial Due Diligence (working primarily with private equity firms on buy side transactions and corporate buy/sell side work).

In hopes to break into real estate I was going to buy Linneman's book "Real Estate Finance & Investments" to gain some theoretical knowledge of real estate as well as the REFM courses to learn modelling as it relates to real estate specifically. I noticed on the REFM website that there are a few different "Self Study" materials. I was going to purchase the Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 bundle package (Excel for real estate, real estate finance, JV waterfall bootcamps). Is this material enough to gain a base level knowledge/modelling skills required to enter into a real estate investment analyst position? I also noticed there is material on the REFM website relating to acquisition modelling for office properties and multi-use properties ($200 each) separate from the Level 1 - 3 bundle. Do you guys recommend these additional courses as well or is the Level 1-3 bundle enough? I obviously want to get the best bang for my buck and to focus my efforts/time appropriately. I was also planning on doing the Argus training course (if my company is willing to cover me for the costs).

Any insights/advice would be appreciated. Without stating above, of course a crucial aspect of breaking in will be the networking/connections. If there is anyone in the GTA area in the real estate investments space i'd love to connect!

Thanks!

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (145) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
9
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”