Switch from MM M&A to CRE?

Hi everyone,

I currently work for a boutique middle market M&A firm in Chicago. I like my job, but have been approached by a friend of mine regarding an opening at his CRE brokerage firm for a junior position. At this point, I know next to nothing about CRE and am looking for guidance from you on a few points:

1) Has anyone here made a similar transition? If so, what were the pros and cons? 2) What are the main differences in CRE transactions compared to a sell-side M&A process? To a novice like myself, it seems broadly similar. How is a typical CRE transaction structured in terms of steps involved and timeline? 3) Final question, would you recommend a career switch to CRE in light of long-term opportunities and skills learned?

I'd greatly appreciate any input.

TF

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