Residential leasing -&gt; Developer? Seeking advice on career path
I'm in my mid-20s and have gained some fairly diverse residential experience. My parents own ~20 rental properties, and for the last few years I've been informally learning the ropes &amp; recently partnered on a duplex. I ended up working in a leasing office this summer because I needed something to tide me over in between completing a paralegal cert program and finding a good job in a RE law firm. Turns out I'm 100x better as a leasing consultant than I ever was as a legal assistant, and I genuinely like my co-workers. So I've decided to pursue a full-fledged RE career as my day job and stay where I am until I find a better opportunity to climb the ladder.

Currently, I'm looking into getting my broker's license, which I'm hoping will help me cross over to the commercial side. My ultimate career goal is to get into development; I have an idea I've been refining for a while about developing a tiny house community, and eventually I'd like a chance to see it through.

Is there anyone here who's followed a similar path, or knows someone who has? If so, I'd love to hear from you. Same goes if you have any suggestions for some specific positions I should target, professional resources, etc. I'd welcome feedback on any part of this!
[{"id": "drqbdxj", "text": "Upvoted this thread for visibility. I'm interested in getting into RE development, too, but I'm a mid-life career changer starting by getting my RE license with the intention of just networking with developers and picking their brains. I'm focused on building a network so I can arrange joint ventures to build \"new urbanist\" and mixed-use communities.  If anyone could post their path to being a developer, regardless of where they started from, we would all be thankfule because it would be helpful to many people.", "replies": [{"id": "drqvfff", "text": "See above, or below.....", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "ds3bhff", "text": "Finance -&gt; Acquisitions -&gt; Development\n\nFinancial modelling is important as the other poster mentioned. Learn excel.  Canned programs are inflexible, more complicated programs are incomprehensible to many managers.  Excel is the only sure bet.", "replies": [{"id": "ds60u31", "text": "What about ARGUS?", "replies": [{"id": "ds6lmu9", "text": "Some people like it, I don't.  As the sophistication of your analysis increases you will outgrow it. If you need some functionality that isn't there, you're SOL.\n\nIt's good for analysts and managers who serve owners with low informational demands.  It's also a good \"fill in the blanks\" type program that might help you learn how to think about real estate.", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "drqc44l", "text": "I'm not a developer, although the firm I work with does quite a bit of development. I'm commenting to say that residential and commercial are not the same at all. It isn't like criminal law vs civil law. Two completely different things. If you want to go in to commercial you need to do it 100% and don't look back. Whole different world. ", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "drqn5sj", "text": "I don\u2019t think there\u2019s much value is getting your brokers license if you\u2019re ultimate goal is development. If you\u2019re looking to go restidential leasing \u2014&gt; commercial leasing -&gt; development, IMO it won\u2019t be a big help at all. The two different types of leasing are worlds apart. \n\nInstead of the time and money on a brokers license, I would do a certificate in real estate development. Cornell and NYU have great online programs. I believe they\u2019re 6 courses each. \n\nMy suggestion would be to do a program like this, and learn how to financial model. You\u2019ll be an attractive candidate to make a jump to a small developer, where you could wear many hats. ", "replies": [{"id": "du1tyam", "text": "Can I ask for your advice? Would you recommend NYU/Cornell over NAIOP? \n\nRef: https://www.naiop.org/en/Learn/Certificate-Programs/Certificate-of-Advanced-Study-in-Commercial-Real-Estate-Development#tab2", "replies": [{"id": "du2i09p", "text": "iMO, they probably offer similar education. If you have solid credentials and you\u2019re looking to build your skills or make a jump, it\u2019s good. I think since you\u2019re starting fresh, Cornell or NYU offers a better bang on your resume. If you\u2019re looking to work in the Northeast, both schools have strong alumni networks that you could network with. \n\nAlthough, I don\u2019t know the cost of the NAIOP program. You\u2019d have to weigh the cost of either program type. ", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "drqvemz", "text": "Forget the law firms!  You will be insulated from nearly all Key development components.\n\nIf you want to become a developer, you need to work with one.  The learning curve is VERY steep, and your education will continue for decades as your career progresses.\n\nI second the advice for learning financial analysis.  The CCIM program is solid and provides a fantastic networking group, worldwide.\n\nThe paralegal background would make you an asset to the closing team.  Use it to get in the door, then volunteer to work on every deal from initial analysis, go / no-go decision making, financing and closing.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]