how important is math for someone who wants to be a commercial real estate broker?
I am considering a future switch to commercial real estate. I am finishing my master's in cognitive science right now.

After contemplating careers, I have landed on becoming a commercial real estate broker as a potential option. This is because I have always liked real estate; my father has worked in the field for 30 years. Due to this, I feel like it is wasted potential not to pursue this avenue as he has many networking connections that could give me a leg in the industry.

I would not say that math is my strong suit and am wondering if I'm doomed without a natural ability to do math quickly and easily. I'm sure I would improve with time but I am looking for honest info about how much math is used in day to day life of a commercial real estate broker and how much I can rely on a calculator.

I have no interest in doing an analyst position that requires modeling (too similar to academic research, and again it is not my strongest area), but obviously, I am good enough at it to obtain a bachelor's, pass the GRE (159 in Quant), and get a master's. My dad doesn't even know how to use a computer and has somehow managed to build/ stay successful.  
[{"id": "iwyqazz", "text": "High school level math is adequate.  Many older guys are still getting by with an HP12C, 35 years after Lotus 123 and Excel became mainstream.\n\nBuilding your network is the most difficult part of the job, and if you have that covered, you'd be foolish to throw it away. There are MANY legacy people in this industry for this reason.\n\nAll of that said, you should start off as an analyst or appraiser early on. You have to learn how market participants think, and they do think with math. You also want to take the money you make and invest it in real estate, which you can't do if you don't know the math.\n\nHonestly, finance and economics at the undergrad level are pointless. I would get a BS in accounting.  A MSRE is not worth very much, but the only one I encounter often is NYU.", "replies": [{"id": "iwz55rn", "text": "Middle school math probably gets the job done. All you need is Algebra 1", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "iwz5gjz", "text": "I\u2019m Studying to be an appraiser right now, ontop of vocab and economic theories you need to be proficient in statistics, algebra, percentages, compound and simple interest applications. I\u2019m halfway through, so likely more. \n\nI was in property and asset management before this using excel. I have a better grasp on everything and I\u2019m being instructed with an HP12C calculator that I like. \n\nI\u2019m a BA of English Communications who got a C for Math for the Liberal Arts. \ufffc", "replies": [{"id": "iwz7r0x", "text": "I guess what I meant to say is you don't use advanced calculus in appraisal.  While in theory statistics are useful, and I've done a lot of work with R and Shiny, clients typically don't care and for most commercial property there is an insufficient sample size to use a regression model with any confidence.\n\nResidential appraisal probably could benefit from using regression models for each adjustment, but the whole form thing makes it very impractical.  Most residential appraisers just couldn't do it as the fees are too low.", "replies": [{"id": "ix79owi", "text": "yes but as a broker would I have to do any of that? I have no desire to use R. I am notoriously bad at it. Using it in my masters now.", "replies": [{"id": "ix7uk0q", "text": "You're using it in a class?  Well, obviously it's important.\n\nI mean, you can rock it like it's 1992 with a yellow pad and HP12C.  But the field is getting increasingly competitive.", "replies": [], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iwz336p", "text": "CRE brokerage is 99.9% relationships/selling/lead generation. Build, retain, and grow relationships. Being good at math would be a cherry on top, but calculators and computers exists for that lol.", "replies": [{"id": "ix79s2l", "text": "So math is not something that should dissuade me from pursuing it? Its nothing crazy in CRE brokerage?", "replies": [{"id": "ix8p0jm", "text": "Correct", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iwz94pg", "text": "There's only one equation that matters. What's the annual rent, what's the total value of the lease after escalations, and what's the commission as a percentage of the value of the lease. \n\nApart from that the landlord should be doing the math. If you want to get into development / underwriting/ deal analysis that's a very different story.", "replies": [{"id": "ix79q4s", "text": "nope just brokerage. Okay great thank you for the info.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iwzbeel", "text": "As long as you can calculate your commission, you\u2019ll be fine.", "replies": [{"id": "iwzxgax", "text": "LOL", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "ix1ucsn", "text": "I once heard a an old land Broker say \u201cthere are only two numbers in real estate that matter, 43560, and 10%\u201d.", "replies": [{"id": "ix8hmua", "text": "Curious, what is the 43560 number about?", "replies": [{"id": "ix9h1rr", "text": "Square footage in an acre", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]