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!