Freelance real estate analyst

Hey guys i am currently pursuing my MSRE at DePaul with no work experience but an internship experience at a boutique REPE firm in Chicago. I wanted if any real estate analysts have gone down the freelance route, or rather consulting private investors with investment deals. Is their career as a full-time real estate analyst freelancer or consultant (helping with modeling, underwriting, deals) ? How much money can i make?

Any help is appreciated.

17 Comments
 

This seems interesting, seems like it would be great exposure to HNW clients. I'm an undergrad still so I don't know anything about this, but interested in learning if something like this exists.

My guess is that the pipeline of clients would be too empty, you're going to have a hard time finding work. The rich dude isn't out there buying 10 deals a year. He's only buying 1 deal every 5 years or so.

Plus, can't they just use a broker? He'll do it for free lol

 
"Ronclue" This seems interesting, seems like it would be great exposure to HNW clients. I'm an undergrad still so I don't know anything about this, but interested in learning if something like this exists.

My guess is that the pipeline of clients would be too empty, you're going to have a hard time finding work. The rich dude isn't out there buying 10 deals a year. He's only buying 1 deal every 5 years or so.

Plus, can't they just use a broker? He'll do it for free lol

The only thing a broker cares about is getting a deal done. This applies to most buyer’s brokers too. Although they are less biased towards a particular property.

 

I would contact satellite offices with a example of work product, a host of offerings and clear and defined pricing. Lenders (know from firsthand experience) use third party groups all the time. Usually these are established companies but I've seen one off people contracted for work. Specifically I saw a lady make several grand from writing a report I typically write in 2 days.

 

If you can do market research, you might have a shot. I wouldn't farm out my underwriting, but I regularly hire people to do market research for us - less for me personally, but for the lender.

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

I have a friend who does this. Brokers and private investors ask him to compile underwriting and market research. He meets them at real estate events and just hands out his card. He says its super easy.

Go For Chambers
 

He does it outside of his normal analyst job so his hours are limited. I know he get like $600 for pulling comps. They're really paying for your access to CoStar and RCA.

Go For Chambers
 

Know several people that do this and I've done it previously as well on a very small scale on the side. One word of caution though is to know your state laws. Some states are more stringent on what you can and can't consult on as a 3rd party if you don't have the appropriate licensing.

ESPECIALLY anything having to do with tax.

"Who am I? I'm the guy that does his job. You must be the other guy."
 

I did this in college as my side hustle to buy groceries and pay for bar tabs. Check out upwork.com.

 

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