Considering Commercial Real Estate Appraiser as a potential career. Is this a good idea?
Not sure if this is the right sub for this question.  I currently own a small manufacturing business.  I've been making a decent living for the last 6 years but the market I'm in is challenging and I want to give myself some career options.  I have a flexible schedule and could probably handle another full time gig.  

I have an interest in commercial real estate.  I have talked with a few CRE appraisers in the Los Angeles area who have told me that it is a descent living with flexible hours.  It seems like it could be a good move to get into the development side of the business at some point down the line.  

Curious if anyone has opinions about the long term stability of this particular job?  I see automation from software replacing a lot of service industry jobs in the next 10 years.  I can't figure out if CRE appraisal is one of these that will likely be replaced by computers.  

Any observations would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks! 
[{"id": "d58oaba", "text": "Always will need someone to see the property for the appraisal", "replies": [{"id": "d58s3a5", "text": "That makes sense.  I wonder how trends toward a decentralized work force (more telecommuting) and factory automation will affect the commercial real estate market.  \n\nDo appraisers tend to have more work when the economy is shrinking and businesses are cutting fat or when the economy is growing and businesses are expanding?  ", "replies": [{"id": "d595f1r", "text": "Appraisers thrive in booms and busts. Both cycles spur activity (whether it be acquisitions or dispositions or foreclosures) and require appraisals.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "d598z2t", "text": "If you are comfortable with math, and can write well, go for it. But frankly I do not see it as an ideal path into real estate development.", "replies": [{"id": "d59kuzf", "text": "It seems that construction and construction management are what most real estate development companies are looking for.  Short of going back to school, I haven't seen a way in that looks promising. \n\nMy thinking - and I don't really know if this is reasonable or not - is that appraising would help me get familiar with the market and allow me to network.  I would also get practice at assessing commercial real estate investments.  \n\nWhat do you see as the major obstacles going from appraising into investing/working for a developer?  \n\n\n\n\n", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]