How to break into commercial lending?
I live in DFW and I'm 25. No degree, but about 50 credit hours at community college (probably doesn't matter)

I'm currently working as a Home Equity Loan Closer for a credit union and have about 3 years of consumer lending experience in various roles. 

I wanted to get some input on where I might be able to take my career moving forward. My current plan is to work for a residential real estate lender to get experience in that field, but is it feasible to break into commercial lending instead? Or would it make more sense to look into a commercial real estate after a few years of residential lending?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
[{"id": "e8xt7nx", "text": "Would also like to hear people\u2019s opinion", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "e900uiy", "text": "From the banking side, every CRE lender that I have met has had a college degree and some time working as an analyst. The usual progression is:\n\nGraduation -&gt; Credit Analyst -&gt; Portfolio Manager/Junior Lender -&gt; Lender.\n\nYou could spend either very little in each position or several years gathering experience. In my opinion the best time to get into CRE lending is probably 3 to 5 years ago. In my area, volume has slowed down some.", "replies": [{"id": "e90s0ng", "text": "Thanks so much for your insight!", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "e9aqa6c", "text": "1.  Learn by reading all you can.  You will need to understand cash flow and the other C's.\n2.  Start by being a loan broker.  If you are very successful you will be hired by a direct lender. \n\nThis is the only way I know without a degree. Good luck! ", "replies": [{"id": "e9aqkjo", "text": "Thanks for the insight! Any specific reading material you'd recommend? ", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "e9u6rb6", "text": "Similar to other posters, I worked my way up the analyst ranks at a large/regional bank that had a credit training program. Once you're an established analyst, most banks offer a variety of commercial lending segments that you can work in to gain experience before going out on your own.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]