The world of real estate can be both exciting and challenging. Naturally, many want to try their hand at real estate investing. One of the best ways to learn about the industry and become a better investor is to work a job in it. In this article, we discuss some of the best jobs to learn real estate.
This article focuses on jobs to learn about real estate. Check out our other article for some of the Best Jobs to Work to While House Hacking.
The Best Jobs to Work to Learn Real Estate
If you want to learn more about the real estate industry and gain valuable experience along the way, there are several jobs that can help you achieve your goal.
Ultimately, just about any job should give you some valuable perspective that can be used towards investing, but here are some that are both in and around real estate specifically:
1. Painter
A painter plays a crucial role in enhancing the aesthetics of a property. By working as a painter, you’ll develop an understanding of color schemes, surface preparation techniques, and different paint finishes.
Plus it’s relatively easy to get started – you don’t need years or school to get going.
This job provides hands-on experience in transforming the look and feel of a property, whether it’s a residential or commercial space.
2. Carpenter
Carpentry is a fundamental skill in the construction industry, and working as a carpenter can be an excellent way to learn about structural elements, building materials, and woodworking techniques.
As a carpenter, you’ll gain knowledge about framing, installing doors and windows, and creating custom woodwork.
This experience can be valuable when it comes to property renovations and repairs, and for learning economical ways to repair or refit existing finishes.
This might have a significantly steeper learning curve than some other trades, but it’s a valuable one as a result.
3. Roofer
Roofing is an essential aspect of any property, and working as a roofer can provide valuable insights into roof installation, repair, and maintenance.
By learning about different roofing materials, techniques, and safety practices, you’ll develop a solid understanding of the importance of a well-maintained roof and its impact on property value.
Roofs are one of the most expensive elements of any property, so it wouldn’t hurt to become an expert on them!
4. Interior Designer
An interior designer focuses on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.
By working as an interior designer, you’ll gain expertise in space planning, color coordination, furniture selection, and décor.
This knowledge is valuable for understanding how to enhance the appeal and functionality of a property, whether it’s a residential or commercial space.
You can better learn what drives maximum value and rent, what’s in fashion in a given market, and what’s not.
5. Property Manager
Working as a property manager allows you to learn about the operational aspects of real estate. Property managers are responsible for handling rental properties, including tenant management, lease agreements, property maintenance, and rent collection.
This job provides insights into property valuation, tenant relations, and the financial aspects of real estate management.
This makes it especially useful to learn for a future investor.
A property manager is responsible for managing rental properties on behalf of the property owner.
A manager handles everything from rent collection to maintenance. This includes marketing vacant units, screening potential tenants, and responding to tenant complaints.
By working as a property manager, you can learn about landlord-tenant laws and how to handle difficult tenants or situations. You will also gain knowledge on how different types of properties require different management styles and strategies.
At the same time, you’ll get to work with landlord(s) who might own many units – you should start more easily identifying what makes certain properties more valuable than others.
This job can be very demanding at times but it offers great opportunities for growth in the industry.
[The author of this article worked in property management before and during his start into real estate. It made understanding common issues, setting expectations with tenants, and identifying good third party managers significantly easier].
6. Real Estate Agent
A real estate agent is someone who helps people buy or sell properties.
Agents work with clients on a daily basis and must build an in-depth knowledge of the local market to be successful.
By working as a real estate agent, you can learn what factors affect home values the most and how different neighborhoods compare in terms of housing prices and rentability.
Becoming a real estate agent allows for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the buying, selling, and leasing processes.
You’ll also become knowledgeable about contracts and negotiation tactics, which can help you with future deals down the line.
To become a successful real estate agent, you need to be a good communicator, have strong organizational skills, and be willing to work long hours. But, if you’re up for the challenge, this can be a rewarding career that’s especially useful for real estate investors.
7. Appraiser
A real estate appraiser is responsible for estimating the value of a property based on its condition and location.
By working as an appraiser, you can learn about what factors affect the value of a property and how to conduct property inspections.
You’ll also become an expert on pricing trends in different areas of your market.
However, the licensure process to become an appraiser can be quite tough, so it’s not the easiest one to jump into.
8. Home Inspector
Home inspectors assess the condition of properties to identify any structural, mechanical, or safety issues.
By working as a home inspector, you’ll learn about building codes, safety regulations, and the various systems within a property. This knowledge is valuable when evaluating properties for potential purchases or identifying maintenance and repair needs.
Like an appraiser, the licensure process to become an inspector can be tough. But it can be a lucrative and very educational career.
9. Mortgage Loan Officer
As a mortgage loan officer, you’ll gain insights into the financing aspects of real estate.
This job involves assisting clients in securing mortgage loans, understanding different loan options, and assessing borrowers’ financial eligibility.
Not to mention: you’ll also work very closely with people who are buying real estate, so it’s a networking-heavy career much like being a real estate agent.
10. Architect
Architects are responsible for designing and planning buildings.
Working as an architect provides a comprehensive understanding of architectural principles, building codes, and construction techniques.
This knowledge is valuable when it comes to property development, renovation projects, and understanding the design aspects of real estate.
This is a very technical field that generally requires years of formal schooling. So be prepared for that initial upfront investment if you’re looking to become an architect!
11. Landscaper
Landscaping plays a significant role in property aesthetics and curb appeal.
It’s also a very low-barrier career to enter. You just need a few tools to get started.
By working as a landscaper, you’ll learn about various plants, irrigation systems, outdoor design principles, and maintenance practices.
This experience is valuable for understanding the impact of landscaping on property value and attracting potential buyers or tenants.
You might also come across properties in need of serious work and will often learn about which properties are going up for sale soon. That could be a huge advantage when it comes to sourcing deals for your own portfolio.
12. Electrician
Electricians specialize in electrical installations, repairs, and maintenance.
By working as an electrician, you’ll develop a solid understanding of electrical systems within properties, including wiring, lighting, and safety protocols. This knowledge is crucial for property inspections, renovations, and ensuring compliance with electrical codes.
Like some of the others on this list, becoming an electrician can be a lengthy process. You’ll typically have to work with a very experienced electrician for years before you’ll be able to practice on your own, but you’ll be able to gain a lot of valuable insight in the meantime.
13. Plumber
Plumbers handle the installation and maintenance of plumbing systems in properties.
By working as a plumber, you’ll learn about water supply systems, drainage, and plumbing fixtures.
Few things worry investors more than potential plumbing issues. By being aware of how to spot (and fix) potentially critical issues, you will be better equipped as an investor.
14. HVAC Technician
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technicians specialize in installing, repairing, and maintaining HVAC systems.
By working as an HVAC technician, you’ll gain expertise in heating and cooling systems, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality.
The HVAC system is often one of the most expensive elements of a property, so it can pay very well to know how it works and how to fix it when issues arise.
15. Surveyor
Surveyors play a crucial role in determining property boundaries and creating accurate land surveys.
By working as a surveyor, you’ll gain insights into property measurements, legal descriptions, and boundary disputes.
You’ll get to see all sorts of properties in many different areas. And you’ll build an appreciation for all of the different potential encumbrances that can affect a property.
16. Title Officer
Title officers are involved in the title search and examination process during real estate transactions.
By working as a title officer, or in another role at a title insurance company in general, you’ll gain knowledge about title insurance, property ownership records, and potential liens or encumbrances affecting property.
You’ll also get to see a large amount of the deal process, so you can get comfortable with a lot of the steps that go into buying and selling property.
17. Real Estate Investment Analyst
Real estate investment analysts work with investment firms, real estate developers, or large corporations to assess the financial feasibility and potential returns of real estate investments.
Analysts conduct extensive research on market trends, property data, and economic indicators to identify investment opportunities. They analyze property performance metrics, assess income potential, and evaluate risks associated with potential investments.
They also develop financial models to project cash flows, calculate investment returns, and determine the profitability of investment opportunities.
In short, you’ll learn a lot about analyzing potential deals. It’s in the name, after all.
18. Real Estate Attorney
A real estate attorney handles everything from drafting contracts to resolving disputes between parties.
By working as a real estate attorney, you can learn about different legal issues that may arise during a transaction like closing deals. You’ll learn to analyze the many different risk factors that can affect a deal and effective ways to mitigate them.
And, like many of the other options listed above, you’ll get to see many deals from start to finish.
However, you’ll need to attend law school and get admitted into the bar for the state you’re wanting to practice in. It’s by no means an easy path, but it can be very lucrative and provide some great perspective on real estate investing generally.
Don’t Forget About Your Network
While you’re learning through your career, you don’t have to stop there.
No matter what industry your in, try to network with experienced investors.
Check out local real estate investment clubs and forums.
Take an investor out to lunch.
Keep meeting new people!
Conclusion: Learning Real Estate Through Your Career
Working in real estate is an excellent way to gain knowledge and experience in the industry. To recap, here are some of the best jobs to learn about real estate:
- Painter
- Carpenter
- Roofer
- Interior Designer
- Property Manager
- Real Estate Agent
- Appraiser
- Home Inspector
- Mortgage Loan Officer
- Architect
- Landscaper
- Electrician
- Plumber
- HVAC Technician
- Surveyor
- Title Officer
- Real Estate Investment Analyst
- Real Estate Attorney
Each of jobs has its own unique benefits and challenges, but are potentially valuable paths for learning about the real estate industry and gaining useful perspectives.
That said, the job you have doesn’t have to prevent you from investing in real estate. By no means must you get a job in the real estate industry. You can always invest using your income from an entirely different kind of career.
Just look for ways to improve and try to learn from those in a place where you’d like to be.
Best of luck!
This website, and any communication stemming from it, should not be taken as financial or legal advice for your specific situation. Consult directly with a licensed financial professional should you need investment advice and consult directly with a licensed attorney directly should you need legal advice. Assume all links are affiliate links. I am an Amazon affiliate.