The commercial real estate market has some vast differences from the residential market. You're dealing more with companies and less with individuals. There are more decision makers, attorneys, accountants. Different types of inspections performed on a property. Different contracts. Nowhere near the swings of a residential market.
I really enjoy commercial real estate because we deal with 'brains' more than 'hearts'. (Saves wear and tear on MINE!) If a deal makes sense, it proceeds. If it doesn't, it could be the best location or the greatest deal in the world and if it doesn't match the goals of the investor or company, it's not flying up the flagpole.
Financing also tends to be VERY different. The great news is that the loan people are not dropping like flies as we are all seeing in the residential arena. The reason is that although there are lots of creative ways to obtain commercial funding, buyers can't just walk in and declare themself a commercial buyer without having money--either their own or the resources of their business.
An employer of mine and one of the most brilliant real estate minds in Arizona, Mike Moloney who heads the Commercial Real Estate Institute, gave me permission to reprint this article he wrote about commercial financing. Hope you find it as fascinating as I did!
Commercial real estate can be broken into by a formerly residential practitioner, or by a new agent with the proper training and mentorship. Consider this avenue for a possible niche. I know I like it!