How to find job in different area of Commercial Real Estate industry?
I've been working in Retail/Office Property Management for a commercial real estate developer in the Los Angeles area for the past year. Although I'm ok with my current job responsibilities, I'm not crazy about my company's work environment and would like to explore other opportunities. Prior to this, I managed a small mixed use building (residential units above a storefront retail business) for a number of years and worked in finance before that. FWIW my Bachelor's Degree is not real estate-related, but I am not opposed to getting a post-graduate RE degree in the future if it will help further my career.

I definitely want to stay in the Commercial Real Estate field in Southern California, but am not 100% sold on Property Management per se. So I have a few employment-related questions for those who work in the industry:

1) What areas within the Commercial Real Estate industry should I target that will offer me the best long-term opportunities for advancement and compensation? At my current job, the pay is not great, and because the firm is very small, there really isn't a clear path for advancement/promotions unless my supervisor leaves for another company.

Also, I'm more of an office/analytical/research guy than a hands-on guy, which is why Property Management may not be the best fit for me long term. With my skill set and prior work experience in finance, what fields should I target?

Is an entry level Site Acquisition job a good match for my skills and ambitions? Any other suggestions? BTW I have no interest in being a broker at this time.

2) With my experience in Property Management, is it relatively easy to move to a different field within Commercial Real Estate? 

3) Do you recommend that I obtain a post-graduate degree such as a Master's in Real Estate Development?

4) Can anyone recommend a good website for finding commercial real estate jobs in Los Angeles? 

I'd also love to hear about websites where I can learn about commercial real estate job fairs.

Thanks in advance.
[{"id": "dyafrtf", "text": "Have you looked into Commercial Real Estate Appraisal? ", "replies": [{"id": "dyaj19g", "text": "TBH, I've never really considered appraisal jobs but am not opposed to pursuing a career in this field. \n\nIf you don't mind, could you provide me with a little bit more detail about what to expect in the long run with an appraisal job (short term and long term salary, typical hours/workload, etc)? Do I need certification or a specific type of degree in order to get my foot in the door with appraisal?\n\nThanks again.", "replies": [{"id": "dyak7ei", "text": "$30-40,000 as a trainee, up to $120,000 as a certified general appraiser. Possibly a bit more, but that's pretty much the top. Hours are 40-50 per week, sometimes it might be more. It's a commission based position, so the more reports you complete the more money you can earn. Although it's commission based, you don't have to do any prospecting, the firm will get the jobs and assign them to you.\nYou need a Certified General Appraisal License to perform appraisals on commercial real estate. You are required to have a bachelor's degree, but the major doesn't matter.", "replies": [{"id": "dyalmxb", "text": "Thanks, I really appreciate the detailed response!", "replies": [], "depth": 4}, {"id": "dyamhza", "text": "That is nowhere near the top lol", "replies": [{"id": "dyao231", "text": "What's the top?", "replies": [{"id": "dyao4mj", "text": "Guy I work with made 700k last year", "replies": [{"id": "dyao9fu", "text": "Doing what kind of appraisals?", "replies": [{"id": "dyaodyl", "text": "Runs the apartment team", "replies": [{"id": "dyaohn9", "text": "My comment is based on OP working for someone like the guy in your office. OP isn't a lead generator and doesn't have a team that can handle high volume output. What do the guys that work for him earn?", "replies": [{"id": "dyaooo2", "text": "I'm saying you could become that. Also legal pays a shitload", "replies": [], "depth": 10}], "depth": 9}], "depth": 8}], "depth": 7}], "depth": 6}], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "dyah1g1", "text": "Asset management for a developer or private equity fund is a natural progression for many property managers.  With that said, property management isn\u2019t really on the same level as an acquisitions or asset management role with regards to exit opportunities.\n\nIm currently working on my MRED, and it\u2019s been a great experience.  It\u2019s opened a lot of doors for me.  USC has one of the best real estate programs in the world.", "replies": [{"id": "dyajahc", "text": "Thank you so much for the extremely help info!\n\nDo you think it would be possible for me to land an entry level job in asset management, or would I need to beef up my resume with certifications, a post-graduate degree, or more work experience in property management (or another commercial real estate field)?", "replies": [{"id": "dyajdq1", "text": "No problem.  I would recommend checking out wallstreetoasis.com.  They have probably the best commercial real estate forum I\u2019ve found.", "replies": [{"id": "dyajh7g", "text": "Thanks, I'll definitely check out that site!", "replies": [], "depth": 4}, {"id": "dyaqr2x", "text": "Second WSO. They have a great community. I've been researching masters programs now, and it seems like everything leads there. ", "replies": [{"id": "dyasftp", "text": "Thanks, I've been looking at that site based on TrunkYeti's recommendation and it appears to be really useful.", "replies": [], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}, {"id": "dyzstru", "text": "&gt; wallstreetoasis.com\n\nIs the best way to find CRE content to filter through the Real Estate section? ", "replies": [{"id": "dyzswc4", "text": "I typically just read through it chronologically.  You can find specific questions through google or their in site search function.", "replies": [], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]