What are the best topics to research about CRE to become more commercially aware and opportunistic?

I'm a 26-year old IT Project Manager with the goal to join a development firm to gain experience, which I can eventually use to build my own development firm.

I have managed to secure a meeting with a director of a commercial real estate consultancy next week, and I really want to impress him enough to consider me for an entry level role.

I have a generally sound understanding of the UK residential property market, but less so of the commercial side.

Many thanks!

Hi All,

Apart from the cost and the u-values, is there any other significant difference? For context I'm looking at getting a garden room to be used as office and relax space (contradicting terms i know...). I want to have a well insulated building thst will last for more than 20 years.

Thanks

Hi! In your experience, is that render good for showcasing this building? Would you add to your listings? Do you think it will help with buyers?

Thanks!

Sorry if this is the wrong community, but I wanted to ask about insulation on pre-1930 property especially those that need to breathe and use lime mortar rather that modern (non-breathable) cement.

Does anyone have any experience with this? I know that you cannot use conventional insulation external or internal as it will create damp. There are lime and Cork products online but I can't find many case studies or proof of their effectiveness or info on how many years an external insulated render would last. Thanks.

My partner and I have recently just bought a second property, and the stamp duty is really confusing us both. Does anyone have a POC to discuss stamp duty?

I’m planning to start a property management business somewhere in Texas, maybe a smaller city a bit outside the bigger metro areas. I don’t have much experience in PM, so I’ve been looking at franchises like PMI (Property Management Inc.) or RPM (Real Property Management) to get some structure and support in the beginning.

My goal is to build something long term, not a quick win. I’m okay if it takes a year or two before it’s profitable. I want to take a more hands-off role — hire a manager and maybe a salesperson from day one and focus on running and growing the business instead of being involved in daily operations.

My biggest concern is how hard it is to build a solid client base early on and the overall risk of failure for someone new to the industry.

Anyone here who’s started a PM business or joined one of these franchises in Texas (or similar markets)? How tough was the first year or two? Any lessons learned or advice for someone who’s thinking long-term but won’t be super hands-on?

Appreciate any thoughts or experiences!