Investment property firms continue to evolve as regulatory guidelines keep changing and the financial markets supporting investments are in constant flux. In order to be able to make the best presentations and know what your competitors are doing, the commercial real estate investment firm industry should be followed closely.

Property investment firms are covered by a variety of media, including financial newspapers and Realtor and real estate investment management firm publications. Some report current market rates, while others probe deeper into long-term investment projects and real estate investment company trends. Look for real estate investment firms news and trends in a number of publications and websites to get the complete picture.

1. Get real estate investment manager email alerts to learn of breaking news.

2. Participate in associations for investment property firms to build a broad information network.

3. Subscribe to publications for real estate investment firms that provide detailed coverage of the industry.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Watch for news from real estate investment firms that affects your daily business

Look for publications that keep you abreast of the latest headlines created by shifting markets and political movements as well as the latest news about what the major investment property firms are up to. Register with websites that send you news feeds that could have a big impact on your day-to-day operations.

I recommend: Sign up for regular updates and newsletters that follow the industry activities at Commercial Property News. Keep up with real estate investment news from around the world at Global Investing Today.

Join commercial real estate investment firm groups that give members a network of sources

Associating with other property investment firms will provide you with an inside track to news about deals that are being struck outside of the mainstream news radar. Develop relationships at your association meetings that can lead to partnerships and openings for your company to step in. Meet affiliate members of the group to keep abreast of related news that affects your own investment decisions.

I recommend: Keep up with industry leaders and what they are doing through the Real Estate Investment Association. More global news and highlights that affect the industry are available through the Pension Real Estate Association.

Read analysis of the real estate investment management firm industry for a complete picture

Include detailed reports and feature magazines that cover foreclosure investment firms as well as current trends in supporting industries in your news gathering. Watch the industrial, hospitality and commercial office REITs to get a complete picture of the real estate investment landscape. Read about industry leaders to pick up on investment strategies that they use.

I recommend: Get the news of the day and participate in blogs and forums at the REIT.com. Subscribe to Institutional Investor to get all the latest news as well as more in-depth reports that affect the industry.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Look for radio stations and TV news channels that cover investment property firms with features and stories to round out your information gathering strategy.

Opportunities to start property investment firms exist for people who have the money to invest. People have been investing in land for hundreds and perhaps thousands of years. And, as in the early days, many people view real estate investing firms as a solid investment.

Like any investment venture, real estate investment can be a risky, yet extremely satisfying business, whether you have a residential or commercial real estate investment firm. Build a strategy to get your business off the ground and attract clients.

Minimize the risk of starting your own real estate investment management firm by:

1. Learning everything you can about real estate investments so that you can develop an expertise that clients will trust.
2. Making short-term and long-term goals concerning where you want your business to go.
3. Considering a specialization like foreclosure investment firms.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Gain real estate experience

You'll find that many real estate investment management firms employ or are started by Realtors. It is to your benefit to have a real estate background or have someone on staff who does. For instance, one of the designations that Realtors can gain is the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), which states that a person is knowledgeable about commercial and investment real estate.

I recommend: Learn more about getting started in real estate investing by taking investment, business and real estate courses. Find out about the CCIM course and apply to join the CCIM Institute.

Learn to network

Networking is by far the best way to get clients. Know the lenders and real estate professionals in your community. Join your local Chamber of Commerce and local Real Estate Association. Networking builds relationships that eventually include business when your start getting referrals.

I recommend: The National Association of REALTORS® provides numerous networking opportunities for a real estate investment company. Join discussion groups with other real estate investors and investment property firms at the Real Estate Investment Club.

Decide whether you want to operate a residential or commercial real estate investment firm

You can be a one-stop fits all kind of investment firm that offers both residential and commercial real estate opportunities or you can specialize in one type. Specializing helps you focus your marketing efforts.

I recommend: Join the National Association of Residential Real Estate Investment Advisors for networking and building your residential investment strategies. If you prefer investing in shopping centers and other commercial endeavors, contact a commercial and industry real estate association like the Society of Industrial and Office REALTOR®.

Add property management to your offered services

One service that some real estate investment management firms offer is property management. As investors often invest in multi-family housing, this can be a good fit.

I recommend: Join the National Property Management Association for resource and networking information. Learn how Ragovin and Associates makes a success of multi-family investments.

Consider including foreclosure investment services in your firm

Another area that real estate investment firms can specialize in is foreclosure properties. Foreclosure investment firms are a good way for investors to get property at below market value.

I recommend: RealtyTrac can provide you with information about foreclosure investments and foreclosure laws by state. You’ll find many foreclosures online, although don’t forget local sources.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check to see what licensing you need to operate real estate investment firms in your state.
• •  Explore how you can limit tax liability for your clients with options like 1031 exchange transactions.
• •  If you're not ready to start your own firm, consider joining a real estate investment club.

Training for commercial real estate investment firms can set you up for great career opportunities either as an independent contractor or with larger investment property firms. Minimal basic training can get you entry-level jobs in administration while you work toward management and executive positions with additional real estate investment firm training and advanced degrees.

Consider a real estate license to get you started and add real estate investment firm development courses and collect additional designations such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification and commercial investment analysis training. Watch for training for real estate investment firms that keep you on track to reach your professional goals.

1. Start your real estate investment firm career with basic real estate licensing courses.

2. Add diverse certifications to advance in investment property firms.

3. Find professional development opportunities in real estate investment company groups.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Join a real estate investment firm by first training for a basic real estate license

Study for a real estate license in your state to assist property buyers and sellers as you target a career with a real estate investment company. Include basic courses of instruction to help you navigate the various situations you will encounter such as lease options, short selling, financing and understanding the markets in which foreclosure real estate investment firms do business.

I recommend: Allied Real Estate School offers a fully accredited online licensing course valid in many states. Career webSchool also offers real estate licensing courses valid in many states, so you can be assured that the start of your investment career will be a strong one.

Find advanced real estate investment firm training opportunities

Look for training to get additional certifications so that you can add them to your offerings as you approach new and diverse clients about investing in your projects. Consider advanced designations such as the Counselor of Real Estate (CRE) and Accredited Buyer Representative Manager (ABRM) credentials to help progress in a position with a real estate investment management firm.

I recommend: Trump University offers all levels of training with advanced courses from experienced investors. Find training courses for a multitude of certifications and designations through the Real Estate Educators Association.

Join associations that offer commercial real estate investment firm training to their members

Most realty investing company trade associations offer continuing education and professional development courses for their members. Some groups offer special Certified Financial Planner training or can point you to under-served opportunities such as those found in foreclosure investment firms.

I recommend: Check out the many investment-related training options at the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties. You can join the CCIM Institute and train to receive the Certified Commercial Investment Member designation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Beware of get-rich-quick schemes as you pursue real estate investment manager training. You cannot learn all you need to know in a single high-powered, expensive weekend. Rather, stick with training centers that provide in-depth training with no promises of instant wealth.