USA to Europe CRE? Anyone Have Stories?

I know a person who did it but he was originally from Europe, went to school in the US, worked in a big name firm with international offices, and then transferred within the firm.

I agree that it would be an incredible experience, but I do think the adjustment would be difficult.

This is a goal of mine as well, so I've done a fair amount of research into it.

As a US citizen, the best entry point for you would be through an international RE firm that has offices abroad (JLL, Newmark, etc) or taking a job post-MBA from a top European University. The higher chance coming from the latter.

I've also met a few folks in REPE whose firms decided to expand their presence in Europe and were offered the opportunity to work abroad. Not sure why but each one of them declined that offer. You would have to be very lucky to be in a position like that, but I'd say your best bet would be getting in with an industrial REPE firm growing quickly and operating through fund structures - these are the types of firms I've seen that have been opening offices abroad, albeit very rare.

Obviously the other option would be to amass a fortune here, and focus your investments within Europe. There are a few countries such as Greece, Portugal, etc. where you are able to get residency through a pretty small investment in real estate (~$300-400k). Wouldn't advise to go down that path on your own - you'd be better served to team up with a local entrepreneur who knows the lay of the land.