What's the Best Way to Break Into Commercial Real Estate?
I'm going to apologize in advance for this - but I'm coming from the commercial real estate side of the federal government. The bureaucracy is killing me and while we are in the business of commercial real estate, leasing to be specific, we seem far more concerned with paperwork and metrics than actually closing a deal. I need options. 

I want to break into the private sector but I don't even know where to start. Should I seek a real estate license? A broker's license after that? It's a vague and sort of stupid question but how does one break into this career-field? I've been trying to YouTube answers, and search, and I've followed damn near every CRE company on LinkedIn to see what they're posting; but the answers just don't seem to be getting any clearer.
[{"id": "gvfq0mh", "text": "If you are in GSA then there should be many commercial brokers you have worked with in the past. I would reach out to see if they have openings in non-government leasing areas of their practice.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "gvft3ar", "text": "Quite often the private sector is more lax with their security protocols so coming from the public sector should be no issue. Generally in my experience I find any reasonably sized rock or brick will be enough to break a front window. Sometimes there might be security screens so you might need to find another way in. Perhaps try bringing a set of lockpicking tools or some bolt cutters. \n\nAs this is commercial as opposed to residential, you may also have success by pretending to be a delivery man or maintenance guy. No one questions you if you\u2019ve got a high vis on.", "replies": [{"id": "gvgcl5p", "text": "Best response \ud83d\ude02\ud83d\ude02\ud83d\ude02", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "gvfxex3", "text": "Many major firms have gsa teams where they were in your shoes. Talk to those guys and see if you can work with them to get your foot in the door. Someone who knows the bureaucracy is incredibly helpful in getting these deals done.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "gvfy22k", "text": "I can tell you what I did. I got my license. I went to every brokerage in my small town (Our 3 town county has a population of 103k residents). Find which brokerage most aligns with what you want out of a career and join them. I started off doing industrial but wanted to focus on retail development and ended up doing site selection for the second largest Dairy Queen franchisee in the US, Crunch Fitness, Jimmy John\u2019s, Circle K, Captain D\u2019s and Churchs Chicken. All from my super small hometown office.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "gvg5aw0", "text": "If it makes you feel better it\u2019s even more stressing as a broker working in the private sector to do deals with entities like the GSA. Takes forrrrever. As others have mentioned. Have a look through your contacts over the past year or so and start making calls having coffees and lunches etc. The best advice you can get is from those in your market. The last year has not been the easiest for some commercial brokers depending on what assets they focus on. make sure you talk to people who are in different areas of CRE. Such as commercial office, industrial and retail investment sales And you\u2019ll be able to paint a better picture of which direction you might want to go in.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "gvhxwmt", "text": "if you have gsa experience on that side i'd just get a license and call major brokers.  being a gsa specialist is something that can help you.  Also look into appraisal.  The gsa appraisals suck too and not many people know how to do them.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "gvirsjq", "text": "Hey there, having the background that you do will be valuable to you in brokerage. Just remember, is a commission only job and can take a hot minute to make some money. It sounds like you\u2019re in a state where there are two levels of general brokerage, salesperson and broker? If so, I would suggest getting your salesperson license and then down the road when eligible, get your brokers license. I would start meeting with local firms while you\u2019re still in RE classes. It\u2019s a bit harder to bust into commercial, some firms may be averse to a brand new licensee. \n\nAre you networked at all? If so, I would reach out to your network and ask for introductions to commercial brokers. When I first started, I sat for coffee 3-5 times per day with local CRE brokers and firm owners. Most were introductions, but some I just reached out to cold. Every single person was happy to help out and share information. At the end of the day, if you move forward, these will be your people. I\u2019m not sure if it\u2019s the same in every market, but where I am, brokers are a very tight knit and cohesive group. Growing my broker network was  and continues to be invaluable. Also, check out your local CCIM chapter. I think you\u2019ll find that to be an excellent resource as well. \nGood luck with whatever you decide.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]