Looking for guidance to enter this field
Hi if any of the subs members could lend some insights I would greatly appreciate it. 

Background 
Currently work as a project manager for a residential company in Chicago. 

Been in the construction industry for 2.5 years now. 

Graduated with a degree in kinesiology.. (regret)

I'm looking to get into an analyst position at somehwere like JLL 

I've been doing my own education and have purchased Roger Staigers text book on foundations of real estate financial modeling that I have began working through. I've been doing some applications but no traction as of yet. 

I would be open to getting my MSRED in the future but definitely can't swing it financial wise right now. 

Any other suggestions as to make myself more hirable or marketable to get into one of these positions? Or any other general advice for this industry would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
[{"id": "etup4y6", "text": "Basic Financial Modeling skills are helpful- check out REFM Courses (Level 1-3), Adventures in CRE accelerator program. Dont take on debt for a MSRED right now. I would also arrange coffee chats with alumni and build your network. Reach out to alumni, mutual friends in the industry  through linkedin and introduce yourself. It will be easier to get your foot in the door through networking than a blind online app. An online app to a major brokerage like CBRE or JLL is a black hole, it is highly unlikely that you will hear back.", "replies": [{"id": "etv0tzg", "text": "Do people respect the REFM cert in the industry? Honest question because I've been considering getting it and I'm curious about whether it's worth the money/time.", "replies": [{"id": "etv28zb", "text": " It wont be the difference breaker when it comes to deciding between two candidates but it does not hurt to have it. Many places will have excel tests and it is certainly possible for a candidate to not have a REFM cert and still ace the excel test and get hired. However, having the cert shows that you have a basic financial modeling/excel skills that you can build on. It also shows you have taken the time to get it and that shows initiative and interest in real estate finance.", "replies": [{"id": "etvzn3f", "text": "Okay, I figure the initiative aspect is something people will value. Thank you for the feedback!", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "etupzri", "text": "Do you want to get into the equity or debt side?", "replies": [{"id": "etuqb3b", "text": "Equity", "replies": [{"id": "etuqmwa", "text": "I would get your excel skills up (if they aren\u2019t already) and research some of the bigger acquisition firms in your area.  Taking an online course would help when interviewing so they know you have a serious interest.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "etuqv2c", "text": "What is keeping you from advancing in your current company? If it were me, I would much rather take the development path (which you appear to be on???) than the analyst path into CRE.", "replies": [{"id": "eturj3i", "text": "It's a small family owned company doing residential remodels. Not necessarily much with actual development. The construction knowledge and experience has been beneficial I think, however the projects I'm working on are quite uninteresting to me. \nCondos, and some SFHs.", "replies": [{"id": "etus4xd", "text": "Depending on the rigor of the PM work (and how you've performed), I would try to pivot to a larger company that is doing more of what you're interested in project-wise. 30 months in the position is no joke, and I would imagine your kinesiology degree did not prepare you to compete with the finance-trained Excel monkeys who are gunning for the analyst positions. Also, analysts are a dime a dozen, good PMs are extremely scarce.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]