Commercial Real Estate Fundamentals
Office, retail, industrial and self-storage — leases, tenants and valuation.
About this course
Commercial property is valued on leases. Learn lease structures (NNN, gross, modified gross), tenant credit analysis, WALT, rollover risk and how sector fundamentals affect cap rates.
What you will learn
- Distinguish NNN, gross and modified gross leases
- Analyze tenant credit and lease rollover
- Value commercial property with direct capitalization
- Compare risk across property sectors
Curriculum
8 modules · 21 lessons · 3h 25m
- 3 lessons
Module 1
Introduction
- Welcome to Commercial Real Estate FundamentalsVideo · 12 min · Free preview
- Course Roadmap and Completion RequirementsWritten lesson · 8 min · Free preview
- How to Get the Most from This CourseWritten lesson · 8 min
- 4 lessons
Module 2
Core Principles
- The Four Sources of Real Estate ReturnVideo · 12 min
- Net Operating Income and Cap RateWritten lesson · 8 min
- Cash-on-Cash Return and DSCRVideo · 12 min
- Knowledge CheckQuiz · 5 min
- 3 lessons
Module 3
Deal Structure
- Choosing a Financing StructureVideo · 12 min
- Down Payment, Reserves and LeverageWritten lesson · 8 min
- Ownership Entities and TitleVideo · 12 min
- 3 lessons
Module 4
Financial Analysis
- Building a Pro FormaVideo · 12 min
- Estimating Expenses RealisticallyWritten lesson · 8 min
- Valuation with Comparable Sales and IncomeVideo · 12 min
- 2 lessons
Module 5
Risk Management
- Identifying Property-Level RisksVideo · 12 min
- Market and Liquidity RiskWritten lesson · 8 min
- 2 lessons
Module 6
Real-World Examples
- Example: A Single-Family Rental UnderwrittenVideo · 12 min
- Example: When the Numbers Look Too GoodWritten lesson · 8 min
- 2 lessons
Module 7
Case Study
- Case Study: The Midwest DuplexCase study · 13 min
- Case Study Debrief: What the Numbers MissedWritten lesson · 8 min
- 2 lessons
Module 8
Final Assessment
- Final AssessmentQuiz · 5 min
- Applied AssignmentAssignment · 10 min
Your instructor
Elena Castillo, CCIM
Managing Director, Meridian Multifamily
Elena has sponsored over $410 million of multifamily and commercial acquisitions. She focuses on underwriting discipline, capital stacks and asset management.
Member reviews
“Exactly the level of depth I was looking for. The downloadable tools are excellent.”
GVGloria Vance · May 1, 2026
Related investment opportunities
Once you complete this course, related club investment opportunities in this category will appear here. The Academy teaches how an investment works before you evaluate one.