My First CRE Investment Archive
Investing in commercial real estate for the first time can be intimidating — but it’s also easier than you may think.
To provide some inspiration, LoopNet created “My First CRE Investment,” an article series that gives investors a chance to share how they began their journey in the industry. From one-and-done entrepreneurs to those with rapidly expanding property portfolios, these are the true tales of how some CRE investors got their start.
David Friedman, CEO of RealicoreRealEstate, started investing in commercial real estate seven years ago with the purchase of a 2,400-square-foot retail property in San Bernardino, California. He now owns 14 commercial properties. Here’s how he did it — from closing on his first building to growing a real estate portfolio that’s helping to revive the city of San Bernardino.
Steve Hodges wanted to become a real estate investor, and his wife needed a new facility for her growing dental practice. With the help of a Small Business Administration loan, a vacant lot in Texas became Hodges’ first commercial real estate acquisition, though not his last. He told us about the experience for our latest My First CRE Investment story.
While trying to get his footing in real estate development, Atif Qadir spent a serendipitous day with New York CRE veteran MaryAnne Gilmartin, who inspired him to go out and “do [his] own thing.” He bought his first property for $120,000 and later renovated a historic, six-unit brownstone as part of his growing 15-property portfolio.
Madison, Wisconsin-based entrepreneur and gym owner Dustin Maher, practically embodies the word "entrepreneurial." In what he described as the “biggest single financial win” of his life, Maher bought a 52,000-square-foot strip center through an auction and flipped it in less than a month for a $750,000 profit.
