Looking to buy 15-20k sqft industrial building to run my business. What are some good resources to learn the ropes?
My business currently rents about 15000 square feet of warehouse space. Business has been good and we are evaluating the option of buying a property to operate out of. Aside from browsing around on loopnet, what’s the first step? Hire a commercial real estate agent?

Any book recommendations on purchasing industrial property?
[{"id": "fslkujf", "text": "Exciting! Find the best and most knowledgeable professionals in your area, ask a lot of questions along the way, and most of all know the numbers you need to keep growing your business successfully", "replies": [{"id": "fslmvp7", "text": "Thanks! We are definitely fortunate to be in the position where this is possible. How would you recommend I find a good broker? We\u2019re located in east county San Diego for reference.", "replies": [{"id": "fslrhnq", "text": "Ask trusted friends, professional connections, peers, mentors and those who have successfully done/know about what you\u2019re looking to accomplish. My dad lives in Temecula so I know the area a bit. Happy to share what I can, dm me if you\u2019d like", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fsllr2l", "text": "Hire a broker", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fslma2y", "text": "In this scenario, definitely find a reputable industrial broker in your area.\n\nA good broker's job is to find the right space for you, not just a space. Know what your business needs, have a detailed convo and let them get to work.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fslqlwe", "text": "If you are looking for brokers, look for ones with either a CCIM and/or SIOR designation. Typically these are better than your average brokers - have done bigger and more deals. Source - Broker here. Happy to answer questions as I am not in your market.\n\nPlease stay away from friendly residential brokers. They normally do not have the experience. It is like going to a family doc when you need a specialist.", "replies": [{"id": "fsn7v1l", "text": "To add to this, reach out to your friends and colleagues for a referral. Don\u2019t try to represent yourself. There are too many pitfalls.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fsmzi8d", "text": "Depends what market you are in.  Catylist has good data in Socal and Denver.  Loopnet is okay but most of your opportunities won't pay the $150+ per month for the right to list their property there so your looking in a limited way.  \n\nBroker would hopefully have costar but if not they usually get opportunities from other places.  \n\nIf your warehousing you should be able to get a slightly lower rate for a multi tenant building.\n\nAlso CCIM or SIOR is great but if you are their smallest clients your not going to be a first priority.  I'd usually shoot for someone younger or newer to the industry with a good track record because imo your requirement is tiny for most markets.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fsn2rem", "text": "In addition to the good advice you've already gotten here, I'll add a few things.\n\nAs others have mentioned, this is a relatively small requirement so find a locally based broker who has been in the market a long time.  They will have the local knowledge that a new to the area or non-market specialist may not have, or put the time into researching, given the deal size.\n\nI have a book to recommend:\n\nThe Due Diligence Handbook For Commercial Real Estate By Brian Hennessey\n\nYou may not be buying the property for investment purposes, but make no mistake you are investing in commercial real estate.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fsn9on7", "text": "Agree with the broker comments.  \n\nIn addition, you need to run the numbers and determine if the property is a good investment and what to offer as the purchase price.  I\u2019ve had success buying models from [Top Shelf Models](https://tsmfinancialmodels.com/industrial-acquisition-model).  They have an Industrial acquisition excel model template that has been used to acquire over $6billion in industrial properties.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ftfkdy3", "text": "If you are a fulfillment company I wouldn\u2019t try to buy anything. I represent 3PLs across the country. All it takes is one client to out grow your space. Just find cheap warehousing and do short leases and continue to grow. Feel free to shoot me a message. I would be happy to give you some advice on how to grow and get more fulfillment clients", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]