CRE 101: Commercial Real Estate Investing from Udemy

In this course, I will guide you as we dive deeper into the aspects of commercial real estate. We will go over the definitions of the types and the uses of property, the structures of the underlying leases and the income and the expenses generated from the operations. We will end with the application of the valuation formulas to measure the feasibility of the investment.

There is a lot of information in this Booster course, but I will be here with you all of the way.

This course is designed to be completed at your own pace. If you will be dipping in and out of certain modules, or picking and choosing as you go, then know there will be references to information, concepts and factual guidance explained in earlier modules. The narrative of this course does refer to the module numbers where the information or the concept is introduced.

Regardless of how you approach this course, I know you will gain a solid foundation in the commercial real estate business–emphasis on business. Unlike any other investment class, an investor in commercial real estate must know the particulars of the business and understand the creation of value.

But, for now, for you to get the most out of this course, I will follow the modules in order. Please, for your benefit, block out the time in your day, or week, to complete this course as written. I want you to use your time productively and efficiently.

Thank you for being here…I hope you enjoy it…Let’s get going.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Build the foundational knowledge and skill set to land a lucrative job in commercial real estate investing
Confidently analyze commercial real estate properties to purchase on their own or with partners

Understand the key real estate investment metrics sophisticated real estate investors use to analyze deals
Know how to use debt and equity to acquire properties and earn outsized returns on your initial investment

Build the foundational knowledge and skill set to land a lucrative job in commercial real estate investing
Confidently analyze commercial real estate properties to purchase on their own or with partners
Understand the key real estate investment metrics sophisticated real estate investors use to analyze deals
Know how to use debt and equity to acquire properties and earn outsized returns on your initial investment

Syllabus

learn the types of asset classes, learn the uses within these classes, learn the vernacular commonly used when describing these asset classes

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a solid foundation in commercial real estate, emphasizing the business aspects and value creation, which is crucial for success in this field

Covers key real estate investment metrics used by sophisticated investors, enabling learners to analyze deals effectively and make informed decisions

Explores debt and equity financing options, which are essential for acquiring properties and maximizing returns on investment in the commercial real estate sector

Includes exercises on lease negotiation, market analysis, and financial modeling, offering practical experience in key areas of commercial real estate investing

Requires learners to block out time to complete the course in order, which may be difficult for those with busy schedules or who prefer a more flexible learning approach

Covers traditional funding, bridge loans, grants, and tax credits, which are all important for underwriting commercial real estate projects and securing financing

Reviews summary

Foundational course in commercial real estate

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in commercial real estate investing. Students particularly appreciated the clear explanations and practical examples used to explain complex concepts like property types, leases, financing, and valuation metrics (such as Cap Rate and NOI). While some found the content suitable for beginners and a good overview of the CRE business, others noted it serves as a useful starting point that may require further study for in-depth application, especially for those with prior finance backgrounds. The course is seen as a valuable introduction to the field, covering essential vocabulary and analytical tools.

A good start, but not exhaustive.

"While a great introduction, I feel I will need more advanced courses for deeper analysis."

"It gives you the basics, but real-world application requires more detailed knowledge not covered here."

"This course is a starting point; don't expect to be an expert after just this one."

"Could use more in-depth coverage on complex valuation techniques or market analysis details."

Ideal for those new to commercial real estate.

"This course is perfect for someone with zero background in real estate or finance."

"It provides a comprehensive introduction for absolute beginners."

"If you're just starting out, this is an excellent place to begin learning about CRE."

"Someone experienced in finance might find some parts review, but it's a good CRE overview."

Helps learn industry specific terms.

"I learned the vernacular commonly used when describing these asset classes and deals."

"Understanding the specific terms like triple net lease or ground lease was very helpful."

"The course effectively teaches you the language of CRE."

Focuses on real-world applications.

"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."

"The examples and exercises related directly to real-world CRE scenarios."

"Understanding concepts like Cap Rate and NOI in practice is very valuable."

"It gives you the language and framework to start analyzing deals."

Concepts are broken down effectively.

"The instructor explains complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand."

"I found the explanations of leases and financing options particularly clear and helpful."

"He breaks down the financials and valuation metrics simply."

"The lectures were very clear and concise, making abstract ideas accessible."

Provides a good introductory understanding.

"I gained a solid foundation in the commercial real estate business–emphasis on business."

"The course gives a solid foundation for commercial real estate analysis and valuation."

"It provided a good overview of the basics and helped solidify my understanding of key concepts."

"This is a great course to start understanding the world of commercial real estate."

"I learned the vernacular and essential concepts needed to begin in CRE."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in CRE 101: Commercial Real Estate Investing with these activities:

Review Basic Financial Concepts

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Strengthen your understanding of fundamental financial concepts to better grasp commercial real estate valuation formulas.

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Review key financial ratios and formulas.
Practice calculating NOI, cap rate, LTV, and DSCR.
Work through sample financial statements.

Read 'The Complete Guide to Real Estate Investing' by Robert Irwin

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Gain a broader understanding of real estate investing principles that apply to commercial properties.

View Focus On Personal Finance on Amazon

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Read the book, focusing on sections related to property valuation and financing.
Take notes on key concepts and strategies.
Relate the book's content to the course modules.

Calculate Cap Rates for Sample Properties

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Reinforce your understanding of cap rate calculations through repetitive practice with different property scenarios.

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Find sample commercial real estate listings online.
Estimate the Net Operating Income (NOI) for each property.
Calculate the cap rate using the formula: Cap Rate = NOI / Property Value.
Compare your calculated cap rates to industry averages.

Four other activities

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Create a Glossary of Commercial Real Estate Terms

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Solidify your understanding of commercial real estate terminology by creating a comprehensive glossary.

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Compile a list of key terms from the course modules.
Research and write clear, concise definitions for each term.
Organize the glossary alphabetically.
Share your glossary with other students for feedback.

Analyze a Local Commercial Property

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Apply your knowledge to a real-world scenario by analyzing a commercial property in your local area.

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Choose a commercial property to analyze.
Gather information on the property's income, expenses, and market conditions.
Calculate key financial metrics such as NOI, cap rate, LTV, and DSCR.
Write a report summarizing your findings and recommendations.

Read 'Commercial Real Estate Analysis and Investments' by David M. Geltner

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Deepen your understanding of commercial real estate analysis and investment strategies.

View Commercial Real Estate Analysis and Investments... on Amazon

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Read the book, focusing on sections related to property valuation and financing.
Take notes on key concepts and strategies.
Relate the book's content to the course modules.

Attend a Local Real Estate Investing Meetup

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Connect with other real estate investors and learn from their experiences.

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Find a local real estate investing meetup group.
Attend a meeting and introduce yourself to other members.
Ask questions and learn from their experiences.
Share your own insights and knowledge.

Career center

Learners who complete CRE 101: Commercial Real Estate Investing will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Commercial Real Estate Analyst

A Commercial Real Estate Analyst examines and assesses commercial properties to advise investment decisions. This role involves financial modeling and market analysis, skills directly addressed in this course, which covers the application of valuation formulas to measure the feasibility of real estate investments. The course teaches how to analyze properties to purchase on their own or with partners, calculate investment metrics, and understand debt and equity financing. For anyone considering a career as a Commercial Real Estate Analyst, this course helps build a foundation in understanding types of property, leases, income, and expenses associated with commercial real estate operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Commercial Real Estate Analyst

Real Estate Portfolio Manager

A Real Estate Portfolio Manager oversees a collection of real estate assets, aiming to maximize their value and return on investment. This requires a deep understanding of commercial property types, lease structures, and financial analysis. This course helps develop competency in these areas, covering topics such as property valuation, lease negotiation, and financial modeling. The course also clarifies key concepts like cap rate, loan-to-value ratio, and debt service coverage ratio. Aspiring Real Estate Portfolio Managers may find insight into how to analyze investment feasibility and manage properties effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Portfolio Manager

Real Estate Investment Trust Analyst

A Real Estate Investment Trust Analyst examines the financial performance and investment potential of REITs. This role requires a strong foundation in commercial real estate principles and financial analysis. This course covers the definitions of property types and their uses, lease structures, income and expenses, and valuation formulas. The discussions of debt and equity financing are additionally helpful. For those pursuing a career as a Real Estate Investment Trust Analyst, this course may provide a solid introduction to the financial underpinnings of commercial real estate investment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Investment Trust Analyst

Commercial Loan Officer

A Commercial Loan Officer evaluates and approves loan applications for commercial real estate projects. This involves assessing the financial viability of the project and the borrower's ability to repay the loan. This course presents the aspects of debt financing, including traditional and bridge loans, and the assessment of financial feasibility, including loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratio. Learning about property valuation and understanding lease structures is valuable. Anyone pursuing a career as a Commercial Loan Officer may benefit from learning how to underwrite commercial real estate projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Commercial Loan Officer

Property Manager

A Property Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of commercial properties, ensuring they are well-maintained and financially successful. The course covers the definitions of usable and rentable square feet, gross, triple net, and modified gross leases, and operating expenses that can be passed through to a tenant. The course covers types of property, leases, income, expenses, and debt and equity financing. This course may be helpful for anyone considering a career as a Property Manager because it covers both the technical and financial aspects of managing commercial properties.

See salaries and explore the career path for Property Manager

Real Estate Developer

A Real Estate Developer oversees the planning, financing, and construction of new real estate projects. This course introduces the debt and equity financing of such projects. Discussion of traditional funding, bridge loans, grants and tax credits, and SBA loans may be useful. The course also includes a discussion of investment metrics used to analyze deals. This course may be helpful for anyone interested in becoming a Real Estate Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Developer

Real Estate Appraiser

A Real Estate Appraiser determines the value of properties for various purposes, such as sales, financing, and taxation. The course reviews property types like retail, office, multifamily, industrial, hotels, and medical offices, and introduces valuation formulas to measure the feasibility of real estate investments, including cap rate. This course may be useful for someone pursuing a career as a Real Estate Appraiser, as it is a primer in commercial real estate valuation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Appraiser

Real Estate Broker

A Real Estate Broker helps clients buy, sell, or lease commercial properties. This course introduces property types, leases, income, and expenses, all of which are useful to know when working with clients. Discussion of investment metrics used to analyze deals is also helpful. This course may be beneficial for someone pursuing a career as a Real Estate Broker because it covers key concepts in commercial real estate.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Broker

Commercial Real Estate Consultant

A Commercial Real Estate Consultant provides expert advice to clients on a variety of real estate matters. This course introduces debt, equity financing, grants, and tax credits. It also reviews investment metrics used to analyze deals and determine feasibility. Anyone interested in the nuances of commercial real estate may find this course helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Commercial Real Estate Consultant

Urban Planner

An Urban Planner develops plans and programs for the use of land. This course introduces types and uses of property, as well as the vernacular commonly used when describing these aspects of assets. Anyone looking to advance their knowledge of commercial real estate may find this course useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Construction Manager

A Construction Manager oversees the construction of real estate projects. This course introduces aspects of debt and equity financing, as well as grants and tax credits. While this course is not focused on the physical act of construction, it may be helpful for someone pursue a career in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

Insurance Underwriter

An Insurance Underwriter evaluates the risk of insuring commercial properties. This course introduces assets like retail, office, multifamily, industrial, hotels, and medical offices. While this course is not focused on insurance, it may be useful for someone seeking to understand the basic building blocks of commercial real estate.

See salaries and explore the career path for Insurance Underwriter

Title Examiner

A Title Examiner researches and verifies the ownership history of properties. This course introduces aspects of commercial real estate. This course may be useful for someone seeking to understand the very basics of this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Title Examiner

Land Surveyor

A Land Surveyor measures and maps the boundaries of properties. This course introduces the world of commercial real estate. This course may be useful for someone looking to broaden their horizons.

See salaries and explore the career path for Land Surveyor

Market Research Analyst

A Market Research Analyst studies market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. The goal of a Market Research Analyst is to utilize their research to guide a company or organization in determining what services to sell, and the strategy to employ when selling them. This course may be helpful for someone because it highlights specific aspects of investments in commercial real estate.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in CRE 101: Commercial Real Estate Investing.

Commercial Real Estate

Save

Offers a detailed examination of commercial real estate investment analysis. It covers topics such as market analysis, property valuation, and investment decision-making, aligning well with the course's focus on feasibility and valuation. It widely respected textbook that provides in-depth knowledge for serious real estate investors.

Commercial Real Estate Analysis and Investments (w/...

Paperback

$$$$

FOCUS ON PERSONAL FINANCE

Save

Provides a broad overview of real estate investing, covering various property types and investment strategies. It's a useful resource for understanding the fundamentals before diving into commercial real estate specifics. While not solely focused on commercial properties, it offers valuable context and foundational knowledge applicable to the course.

Focus On Personal Finance

Paperback

$$$

CRE 101

Commercial Real Estate Investing

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Save this course

Reviews summary

Foundational course in commercial real estate

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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