REIT vs. REPE

Compensation will be worse, everything else will be fairly similar. 

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I have heard it said that the work/life is better at REITs. No clue if that is true.

Assuming it’s acquisitions, then it’s basically the same but there will be more reporting with the REIT (assuming public).

I can second the comment about compensation being worse from past colleagues that have gone to various REITs, but job security seems to be more steady on a down cycle. Take this with what you will because I'm only referring to a few people that I can count on a hand, all in Acq, and in associate-director roles. 

I can't comment too much on work / life, but it would make sense if its better at a REIT because of culture. 

Exit opps: I think would be more or less the same if comparable shops. I think it's personal, some people value a REPE background more because it is more competitive/higher barrier to entry typically. Your skillset would also be more diverse investing in all ports of the capital stack within REPE.

Worse compensation, GENERALLY better WLB, and more valuation/reporting work at a REIT.