Complete newb to WSO/Commercial Real Estate

My introduction… a potentially unusual story for this forum...
I have been considering an industry change after 3 years at my current job and after being approached by the COO of a CRE group in Chicago. I know him personally (I formerly worked with his wife) and he thinks my personality, career ambitions/drive, and sales experience would fit in nicely with his team and specifically within the retail tenant representation side of the group. He attempted to interest me a year back, but I kept on at my current gig. But after he learned I was on the job hunt, he reached out again and we had coffee. Figured I would hear him out and it turns out I'm interested to learn more.
I know that in joining his team, of course I would need to start at the bottom as a research analyst as I quite literally know nothing about CRE. I have confidence in myself to kick some ass because I go after what I want-- but I can't be blind to the risk of having no way to pay bills when eventually I move on to being a broker. You eat what you kill so until then... you starve. I will find out more as the next few weeks unfold though.
I found a blogger on WSO using a random search—his name was just “CRE.” Hilarious writer but also provided honest insight into the industry and what I could expect as the new gal. He hasn’t posted since last year and I’m very curious what has happened since his last post.
I am meeting with a principal and the COO again in a couple of weeks to ask questions, etc… I have a lot of homework to do until then!
KT