How to find a commercial space
I have been using loopnet to find a retail space (in San Francisco, ideally East Bay) to rent. However, the selection is really limited because I like it to be quite small (less than 350sf, with water). I talked to one or two real estate agents, they seems not quite interested in helping me (I am guessing that they would not make much out of the deal).  I am guessing that for so small a space, people might not even bother to advertise in loopnet. What are some of the other places I could check? Thanks!
[{"id": "dxzgh45", "text": "Small space is hard to find, because the turnover rate is higher, tenants tend to be risky and overall its a PITA.  The other issue is your desire for water in the suite, because plumbing is expensive.  Brokers hate dealing with small suites because the time spent trying to lease it could be used for bigger deals.  It also always seems that the smaller the tenant, the harder it is to strike a deal.  \n\nIf I were you, I\u2019d look for a shared office/cowork company like WeWork.  ", "replies": [{"id": "dxzx2me", "text": "I agree, coworking space might be your only option", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "dy0gmmu", "text": "I would say that I am looking for a space functionally like Laundromat.  It provides services and people would go in and out to use my service. So co-working place is not an ideal choice for me.\n", "replies": [{"id": "dy0qku4", "text": "You are exactly right about a broker not wanting to mess with something that size.  It's kind of known that brokers aren't used for deals that small, at least in my market.   It would be the equivalent of you trying to list a $7,500 home on the market.  ", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "dy05aoe", "text": "Have you tried Craigslist in the real estate/commercial section?", "replies": [{"id": "dy05n8y", "text": "this and driving around and calling on buildings that have for lease signs out front. ", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "dy0goxs", "text": "I will try it today! A good call. I have heard suggestions of tagging onto someone's business but I could not find a way to find those businesses. Craiglist might be a good starting point.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "dy0fgoc", "text": "What kind of improvements do you need? What kind of retail is it? Do you have a resell permit if selling things? What hours will you be open? \n\nWhat kind of foot traffic do you need? Loading / unloading of goods? \n\nHow much money do you have to do a build out, do you have an existing business? \n\nWhy not take a wework space if it is niche? \n\n350 SF, does that include a bathroom? What about a storeroom? What about access for handicapped people? What about parking? ", "replies": [{"id": "dy0gtw3", "text": "Yes. As I just mentioned in another reply, I am looking for a space functionally like Laundromat.  It provides services and people would go in and out to use my service. No need of bathroom, storeroom. It will need parking spaces, like one or two.", "replies": [{"id": "dy0hkc9", "text": "You need a bathroom dude. Required by law. You also need to meet zoning laws. You have a business license? What about insurance? ", "replies": [{"id": "dy0jbcc", "text": "I am guessing restroom nearby will be ok? Two possible candidate locations (not ideal) all have restroom as a shared resource in the building complex.\n\nZoning law? Business License? I believe the business I am working on is not regulated. Laundromat maybe .. but this is not a Laundromat. ", "replies": [{"id": "dy0jrx7", "text": "It will not be ok. If you rent in a shared space, like a food hall or a small office building, then those have shared bathrooms, and you pay a CAM fee or common area fee to use those facilities. \n\nYou need a certificate of occupancy in order to operate, and the use you have will dictate which zoning you fall under. \n\nAnd nobody like laundromats or dry cleaners, because they have a bunch of chemicals. What kind of chemicals do you plan on using, how will those chemicals be stored. \n\nSorry if it seems I am curbstomping you dreams, but if you want to turn this into a real world thing, there are things that need to be hammered out. \n\nAnd if you don't have these ironed out, no landlord in their right mind would ever rent to you, which at this point is just a guy with a vague idea of what he needs. \n\nUntil you figure out what type of business you have, what regulations you need to meet, what employees you have, you cannot find a space. Because you will go into the wrong space, and then be really fucked on a lease in a building you cannot use. ", "replies": [{"id": "dy0kwgv", "text": "Not at all. I will PM you with my business details.", "replies": [], "depth": 6}], "depth": 5}, {"id": "dy4x357", "text": "&gt; Zoning law? Business License? I believe the business I am working on is not regulated. Laundromat maybe .. but this is not a Laundromat. \n\nNot regulated?  If it's not regulated then it's illegal.  Good luck trying to work with a Landlord who doesn't require you to obtain a  business license, certificate of occupancy and insurance.  Leasing commercial space isn't the same as leasing an apartment.  \n\nA laundromat requires all the above and then some (building code, fire code).  I would know.  I operate five locations.  You stating your \"business\" is similar to a \"laundromat\" shows you don't know what you're talking about.  ", "replies": [], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]