Networking with Developers/Joint Venture Partners

Ha, I just posted a similar question, but more on how to keep the relationship going after networking. To network with actual deal makers, it has been my experience to just email them with genuine curiosity on how their group and strategy work. Like if you're in DC but want to work in Miami, say you research the market a lot and have been underwriting for a while and wanted to learn about the intricacies of the market and their group's strategy because you know they have been active in xyz sector. Being a student helps too I think.

But I wouldn't just pick random people or groups for the sake of networking with capital providers/partners. I would research groups/people active in spaces I'm really interested in, whether thats principals buying student housing portfolios, or guys financing resorts and stuff, make sure there is genuine interest and knowledge that comes across in the initial contact.

I think its also highly, highly, highly underrated how important grammar and the ability to concisely communicate with people is, especially if your speaking with guys who have way more important shit to do than talk to analysts.

Thanks, youngunner. All helpful advice. Let me just be a little more specific: I'm currently at an REPE shop and have been assigned certain markets (e.g. Miami/Denver) as a result of the deals I've worked on to date. While my group has partnered with select developers and joint venture partners in the past, I'm wondering how to network with more such firms (along with brokers and banks active in the region), thus increasing the level of deal flow that I see.