I am a new agent. I have signed on with a broker of a well established firm with residential and commercial divisions that has approved me to do both. I have an extensive background in business. My goal is to focus on residential, income, and small commercial buildings (to house small businesses). My only real estate experience has been purchasing, remodelling, and selling my own properties and have made a profit each time thus far. I realize there are other skills involved that I have yet to prove myself capable of in becoming a successful agent. The small commercial space is what is most appealing to me as I have seen many a small business benefit greatly in a variety of ways from owning their own space - some of the consulting I have done involved taking advantage of the built-up equity to help the business expand. I am certain I cannot be of value to medium or large commercial properties at this stage.

I would love any advice, warnings, or suggestions you may have.

On a side note, I see that some of you have been entrepreneurs/businessmen prior to your careers in real estate. Many of my associates are shocked that I am going into this field and are treating me as if I hit bottom. They are actively seeking other business opportunties for me. It is a little odd, a little funny, and very surprising. I understand there is a perception out there that real estate agents are not good business people, but I believe that the best are excellent business people. Have any of you experienced this?

Humbly and respectfully,
LotsToLearn

ive learned how to use a commercial type strategy into the residential area of a down market. same concepts that can be used in commercial.

basically using a land trust as a vehicle to protect real property and title, triple net leases to maximize cashflow, and seller financing such as lease option or wrap to acquire properties and dispose of them. can also do wholesaling/assign contracts within the land trust privately without double closing/simultaneous closing.

My advice would be to join the various business clubs in your area. Its not very exciting at first but it pays off later. You can expect to put in at least a year of networking before it starts to pay off.

That's really good advice. I joined business clubs in Toronto and NYC and at first I couldn't see the benefits, but now some of those people i met at the beginning are putting me in touch with valuable contacts.

I just met a buyer for a business that I had through one of those networking / information sharing groups.