Is becoming a commercial appraiser a good way to get my foot into the door?
I want to get into CRE with the goal of becoming an investor down the road. I have zero real estate background. So I'm looking for something thats going to give me the best education/overview of the industry. 

From what I've researched, appraisal seems like a good option.

How hard is it to get hired as a trainee with an appraiser?
[{"id": "fipmn1i", "text": "What\u2019s your current background?\n\nAre you a student or career switcher?", "replies": [{"id": "fips0i8", "text": "Career switcher. Worked in sales until now but hate it. Have a degree in Economics.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fiq3y17", "text": "If you want to become an investor ..... you go work with an investor.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fiq982b", "text": "I don't know if it's the best but most of the older appraisers that I know have some commercial real estate holdings. A couple are also developers. I do think it's a good way to get broad knowledge of commercial real estate.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fiqcv4e", "text": "If you want to become an investor in CRE, try look for a way to become an investor in CRE, dont look for a way to work with investor in CRE.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fiqv65r", "text": "It definitely is tough to become a trainee and find a good mentor to teach/guide you on your journey. A prior comment stated it will take a few years to really start making some money and be producing mainly on your own with a managing director reviewing your work.\n\nAlthough it is a longer journey, 2-3 years, typically to become certified after courses and experience hours, I think it's a great way to learn the CRE business. It may be easier to get into a firm as a researcher which you will receive a salary ($30-$40K) and learn how to search for comps, research subject info and put together reports. Than you can move up from there taking the required courses to become a trainee. \n\nFor instance, I became an appraiser for your same reasons. I wanted to learn how to invest and I feel appraising was able to teach me so much on so many different property types. Once you are certified, you will have no problem trying to find a job because appraisal companies are always hiring, well in my area. Just have to network at AI meetings and you'll have people trying to recruit you everytime.\n\nI'm in the process right now of transitioning out of appraising and working as an analyst for a developer or market research company. To be honest it hasn't been easy as most people don't even fully understand what we do.\n\nGood luck on your journey. If you are patient, I think it will be rewarding. Typically the first few years are a little rough but well worth it.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fj2bwip", "text": "Just for my two cents, I've spent 25+ years as an in-house corporate real estate manager.  For that, I spent five years as a commercial real estate appraiser.  I appraised a variety of properties so got a sense for what drives value in various types of real estate.  I also learned a lot about researching public records, looking up zoning, utilities availability etc.  I'm able to figure out a great deal about a property within about 10 minutes and find I sometimes know more about the details of a property then the broker listing it.\n\nI think appraisal can be an excellent way to learn commercial real estate.  I can't comment on the ease of moving into different areas after being an appraiser.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fj4nr3s", "text": "Have you considered property management? Property management of office space, industrial spaces or retail? I have experience with office and industrial property management and it\u2019s a good way to learn and work with many aspects of CRE. You can also try to work for an investment management company whose investments/assets are real estate.", "replies": [{"id": "fkcxc3h", "text": "Would you mind if I PM'd you? I have a couple questions for you.", "replies": [{"id": "fkd3mp8", "text": "Please feel free to!", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]