Lawyer in Local Government to Real Estate Development?

Hello WSO,

First time poster, but I've lurked for a while.

Some quick background on me: I graduated last May from a T14 law school. After the Bar, I began working at City Hall in a major (non-NYC) US city. Broadly, I work in land use policy. Some more specific examples of what I do include: proposing legislation (relating to housing, transit, etc.), working with the planning and zoning department to tinker with the City's zoning code, and meeting with developers regarding projects.

Although I like what I do, I frankly can't see myself doing it for all too much longer. Ever since law school, I've toyed with the idea (as many law students do) of finding a way to the business side. Now, being in a position to actually sit across the table from developers and industry players on a regular basis, I've pretty much concluded that I want to be on that other side. Policy work is fun from an academic perspective, but I want to one day be the one actually submitting my own projects to City Hall, not the one reading them. Now, I realize that's a long term goal, and the more intermediate goal would be ie. analyst at a development shop or something similar.

However, I'm at a loss for how to jump to the business side of real estate, specifically in development. The typical private sector exit for someone in my position is to the land use group of a large law firm.

Is an MSRED the way to go here? Although I wouldn't be thrilled at the prospect of more school, I'd be willing to go if necessary. I don't really have anything in the way of school debt (I had close to a full ride to law school and went to a state university for undergrad).

Alternatively, should I buckle down, take Excel and/or Argus classes on my own and test the waters without more school? I'm in a good position to network, but actually closing the gap without any real prior financial experience seems tricky.

Any input is appreciated!