Lack of Dev. experience (workaround)

I'm starting my first development, converting a small 2 story office (+/-8,000 sqft.) Into a dozen studio apartment. I've flipped residential properties before, but 2 lenders I've had preliminary discussions about this project both stated that my lack of experience may be an issue. I get this project is technically commercial. But aren't I just as good as my team? As long as I have an experienced contractor and subs, shouldn't that be enough? Most developers aren't out there laying brick, bending conduit and soldering pipe. This isn't a high rise or anything complex. I see it as a really big residential project.

My question to you is is there a workaround that you have seen or justification to persuade the lenders. I Have spoke to banks. So they operate by a different set a rules. I have access to some private and HML. But the rates will be high and for a project that will take 9 months interest will easily run into the 6 figures. I may have to bite the bullet?

I would appreciate if anyone can provide some insight from a lender, developer, or a RE enthusiast perspective?

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

The “easiest” way will be to partner with a more experienced mentor - essentially the partner gets free upside while you get your deal done. I’ve seen this arrangement work out very well, but obviously you’ll be giving up part of your deal. Still, 2/3 of a deal is better than 0/3 of it.

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

Dolores cum ipsum reprehenderit voluptas voluptas ut corrupti. Tempore dolore et mollitia. Quasi nihil rem est deserunt. Veritatis dolor ullam eius officia.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”