New business venture
Hey All, I'm working on a new idea and trying to rethink commercial real estate. Would love to hear anyone's experiences trying to secure a lease for a commercial or retail lease? What was good and what was bad about the experience?

Or from those insiders, what do you think the industry does well and not so well?
[{"id": "fsvorz4", "text": "I think some small retail business don't understand why I am not excited to sign a 1 year lease, even if the space is empty right now.", "replies": [{"id": "fsw98ci", "text": "What do you mean?", "replies": [{"id": "fswa4cl", "text": "Exactly that. I want a 5 year term, not a 1 year term, even if I have to wait 3-6+ more months.", "replies": [{"id": "fswedua", "text": "Why do you want a long term? What\u2019s the benefit?", "replies": [{"id": "fsweyld", "text": "It\u2019s the same amount of effort to set up a long term lease over a short term. Want to minimize that over time.", "replies": [], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fsx9hgg", "text": "Commercial re lawyer here. Pm me if you want to chat", "replies": [{"id": "ftho0ei", "text": "Messaging.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fsz62at", "text": "It really depends. From a landlord perspective it can be difficult if you look at it over several years. Leasing commissions and constant tenant improvement allowances can eat into this. Also unless your very well located, in the event of vacancy, unlike apartments, its much more difficult to fill these spaces back up. We own a couple parcels adjacent to our hotels and have had some interest on firms ground leasing, but we had to analyze the long-term cash flow given all these factors.", "replies": [{"id": "fszgt1y", "text": "Thanks that\u2019s help. Would you lease the vacancy to two companies and allow them to split time?", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ft07815", "text": "Commercial real estate could be a great experience, if you are looking for a commercial space I suggest seeking for a local real estate broker or agent. They have the right tools to seek properties for you and be able to negotiate on your behalf with the owner. Some brokerage firms will not charge you for the help, they get their commission from the owner once you sign the lease and move in. \n\nAlso, keep in mind many listing agents for the property are not on your side and will not negotiate for you.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]