The 50 Commandments of Commercial Real Estate Investment

A full understanding of commercial real estate takes decades to develop, as the industry is fraught with half-hidden rules and obscure directives. You could let experience be your guide-or you could let commercial real estate veteran Joseph J. Ori reveal the secrets to a successful career.

The 50 Commandments of Commercial Real Estate Investment compiles the choice pieces of advice Mr. Ori has amassed over thirty-five years in the industry. Here, he lists essential dos and don'ts, mistakes, and successful strategies with a mixture of critical analysis and a keen sense of satirical humor-reinforced by his encyclopedic knowledge of the commercial real estate environment.

Mr. Ori covers all areas of the industry. Commercial real estate investment, finance, development, capital markets, and management tactics are all given his full attention-as are leasing, financial analysis, and institutional investments. He applies his commandments to all property types, including apartments, office buildings, shopping centers, industrial warehouses, lodging properties, and senior housing.

A canny, insightful reference for real estate success, Mr. Ori's commandments are as valuable to established professionals as they are to college graduates seeking their first jobs. Finally: a roadmap for this rewarding but often chaotic industry

Joseph J. Ori began his career in commercial real estate in 1981 as the Controller/Assistant VP of Acquisitions for start-up real estate syndicator VMS Realty Inc., then SVP of Southmark Corporation, a Fortune 500 Company, Founder and CEO of Paramount Securities Corporation, a real estate investment bank and Managing Director of the real estate advisory group of BDO Seidman, LLP. He then formed Paramount Capital Corporation and has also held senior level positions across the industry, working in finance, investments, investment banking, advisory services, and management. All told, Mr. Ori has been involved in over $3.2 billion in transactions over his thirty-five-year career.

A Certified Public Accountant (currently inactive), Mr. Ori is also licensed as a Chartered Financial Analyst. He holds a BS in Accounting from Southern Illinois University, an MBA in Finance from DePaul University and is an Adjunct Professor of Finance at Santa Clara University. He publishes View of the Market, a monthly newsletter focusing on commercial real estate strategy and investments.

Mr. Ori owns Paramount Capital Corporation, a commercial real estate advisory firm, based in Walnut Creek, California. You can visit his website at www.paramountcapitalcorp.com.