Appraiser, REPE, etc.

Hello everyone, I have my associates and am working on my bachelor’s but already have 180 of the required hours to be a trainee. So I’ll be applying for my trainee’s license as soon as I have the money.

I know the market isn’t at its best at the moment, and many have told me no because of their oncoming retirement. Any suggestions on finding a mentor or another career to pivot to? I'm in Southern California.

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Finding a mentor or pivoting your career in the current market can be challenging, but there are actionable steps you can take to improve your chances. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you need to know:

Finding a Mentor

  1. Leverage Networking Platforms: Use LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the appraisal and REPE (Real Estate Private Equity) industries. Personalize your outreach messages, mentioning your goals and interest in learning from their experience.
  2. Join Industry Groups: Look for local real estate or appraisal associations in Southern California. Many of these groups host networking events or mentorship programs.
  3. Cold Outreach: Reach out to appraisers or REPE professionals directly. Be upfront about your goals and offer to assist them in exchange for mentorship.
  4. Tap into Alumni Networks: If your college has an alumni network, connect with graduates working in real estate or related fields.
  5. Engage in Forums: Platforms like Wall Street Oasis and others can be great for finding mentors. Share your story and ask for advice—many professionals are willing to help.

Alternative Career Paths

If finding a mentor proves difficult or the appraisal market remains slow, consider these related career paths: 1. Valuation Analyst: Work at a brokerage or consulting firm to gain experience in real estate valuations. This role can serve as a stepping stone to REPE or other real estate roles. 2. Commercial Real Estate Brokerage: Start as an analyst or junior broker to build your network and gain exposure to deals. 3. Real Estate Development: Look for entry-level roles in development firms, such as project coordinator or analyst positions. 4. Property Management: This can provide hands-on experience with real estate assets and operations. 5. Real Estate Investment Analyst: Focus on underwriting and financial modeling for real estate investments.

Tips for Success

  • Certifications: Pursue additional certifications like the MAI (Member of the Appraisal Institute) or ARGUS training to boost your credentials.
  • Stay Persistent: The market may be tough, but persistence and consistent networking can open doors.
  • Consider Internships: Even unpaid internships can provide valuable experience and connections.

If you’re looking for more specific advice or resources, check out WSO’s forums on real estate and career transitions. They’re packed with insights from professionals who’ve been in your shoes. Good luck!

Sources: How to network & get yourself a Career Mentor, Jobs as a Commercial Real Estate Appraiser Suck?, Which Offer Should I Take? (Analyst at Valuation & Advisory Services VS. Capital Markets), Having a very difficult time breaking into CRE (Please Help - I'm Desperate), https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/tips-how-to-find-mentors-so-you-dont-have-to-pay-for-free-stuff?customgpt=1

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I can count it on more than 2 hands. Appraisal and real estate investment analysis are the same job at an analyst and even associate level. Don’t let it get to your head that your job is special in private equity - every analyst, associate, and VP without strong relationships is replaceable. You can take an appraisal role and go to acquisitions, asset management, lending, etc. anything you want to do with it. My firm’s best associate came from 2 years at an appraiser as an analyst. You learn the same skills - Argus, excel, and reading leases where applicable. You also learn to write professionally in appraisal. 

 

Seconding the opinion that appraiser is a great background for REPE. I'd say particularly for the portfolio management side of things. Someone at my firm (instit'l) started in a Valuations role and has made it into a high level AM role; the important part being that the Valuations role wasn't a blip, but a facet of their career to date.

Get into appraisal at a place like Altus Group and you'll have plenty of options to jump from there.

 

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