What are good resources for learning about CRE?
I'd like to learn about CRE and I'm really not sure where to start.

I know that's a vague statement, so I'll try and add some context for what I'm looking for and why.  I'm a software developer and I typically work on a contract basis with small businesses to create solutions to help improve their business operations.  These are typically one off solutions targeted directly towards their specific business needs.

I'm trying to understand what kinds of problems software and technology can solve in different CRE fields (Landlord Representation, Tenant Representation, Property Management, etc.), but I'm not sure how to get that information.

If anyone has any resources that would help me learn about day to day problems encountered in CRE, or if you're involved in CRE and wouldn't mind answer some questions, I would be really appreciate the help.
[{"id": "e1ooud0", "text": "A.cre website", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "e1os5sj", "text": "This is a well reviewed book for newcomers\n\nhttps://www.amazon.com/Crushing-Apartments-Commercial-Real-Estate/dp/0998381624/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1530575254&amp;sr=8-2-spons&amp;keywords=crushing+it+in+apartments+and+commercial+real+estate&amp;psc=1\n\n\nPlease understand that there are a lot of really good tech platforms for what you are looking to build.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "e1owl74", "text": "In my opinion, right now brokers are desperate for a LoopNet/CoStar alternative. We need something that can successfully compete* with the giant, and I've been hoping to find that website for some time now. Back in the day, we had CDX, CoStar and LoopNet. CoStar purchased LoopNet, and rightfully so, sued CDX into oblivioun after it was discovered that CDX was stealing their listing information with the help of an off-shore company. While I do think the lawsuit, and subsequent bankruptcy of CDX, was necessary, CoStar has since monopolized the market and have jacked pricing up so high it will leave you dumbfounded. The boutique brokerage I work for that has been in business since the 80s has always listed with the two, although we are desperate for a solution since we are now paying CoStar/LoopNet over $1,400 a month for information and 25 premium listings on LoopNet, which is the only way to get exposure from standard users on the site. I'm honestly shocked nobody has created a successful competitor yet, because I  think brokers would give anything a try at this point. ", "replies": [{"id": "e1p7lg1", "text": "What do you think of crexi?", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "e1p7ltu", "text": "YES! Everyone is dying to get off their platform. There is some people trying but I haven\u2019t had any luck with 3-4 options I\u2019ve tried. We need to CRE Zillow. \n\nHappy to talk through some of the struggles I\u2019ve had in finding another listing platform if you take this route. ", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "e2ass5c", "text": "I'm a CRE broker in Richmond, Va and my wife formerly worked for Costar; I've been thinking for a while now that the way to ultimately break the Costar stranglehold is through multiple local alternatives (vs one large competitor). My logic is that they can amass the data more thoroughly than can Costar, thus can offer a better product at a more competitive price. Any thoughts on this? I'd LOVE for this idea to get stolen (especially in RVA), because I'm not going to do it personally and I would love to get us away from the obscene Costar bill.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "e1p3i90", "text": "Internships ", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "e24hjb3", "text": "There are a million tech companies trying to do something big in CRE right now, but honestly nobody has nailed it. The biggest challenge isn't building the software, it's acquiring the very expensive or private data needed to populate it.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]