Starting Over... Still CRE?

If you were to start your career over again (say you were just starting college or about to graduate), with what you know now.. would you still do CRE? I've been thinking about this lately, as I was asked this by a student over a networking call and really got me thinking....

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Love it! I took a winding path to get here and learned a ton in the process. Given the opportunities and income potential ahead of me, I can't even say it was the wrong path. I'm making far more money and have quicker path to doing my own deals than if I'd landed a principal side gig 6 years ago and done it the "proper WSO way" anyways. Having a diverse background helped me big time in gaining the trust of my clients on these big deals.

Sure, I lived in abject poverty/homelessness for 5 years to break in, but I'm in my dream city now and set to make close to 7 figures next year at age 30 and all the opportunity in the world in front of me. Not a chance in hell I'd change a thing! 

 

Brokerage in land sales in an extremely hot market. Joined a tiny boutique 2.5 years ago and took on the risk of starting a new land sales division of the company with no prior brokerage experience, but previous experience selling land for cities in economic development work. Company has since rapidly expanded, brought on a partner from a major shop (CBRE, JLL, etc) to join me, and my niche has proved quite fruitful being in such a hot market. I was able to get into a production role immediately so that was the big key. Also having the owners believe in me and put up the draw required to get a land brokerage business off the ground (just got off draw last month).

Niches lead to riches....

 

Yes because I think there's a lot of potential upside without having to invest too much money and time into school. No because not everyone is a winner in it. It can be extremely hard to move yourself to other areas of the industry as you can be easily type-casted into certain roles. However, I do know of other professions where it's much harder to change what practice or area of expertise you're in or requires more commitment.

 

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