Job brief
We are seeking a results-driven Property Acquisition Specialist to lead our firm’s expansion and asset procurement efforts. You will identify underperforming or high-potential properties, perform deep-dive financial underwriting, and execute acquisitions that fuel our long-term portfolio growth. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape our firm's footprint while working at the intersection of finance, market analytics, and complex deal negotiation. If you possess a sharp eye for undervalued real estate and a passion for closing high-stakes transactions, we want to hear from you.
Key highlights
- Source off-market and listed investment opportunities by building and maintaining a robust network of commercial real estate brokers and property owners.
- Perform detailed financial underwriting and sensitivity analysis using Excel or Argus to determine property value and project internal rates of return.
- Manage the comprehensive due diligence process, including physical inspections, environmental Phase I reports, and zoning compliance reviews.
- Draft and negotiate Letters of Intent (LOI) and Purchase and Sale Agreements (PSA) in coordination with in-house and external legal counsel.
What is a Property Acquisition Specialist?
A Property Acquisition Specialist is a strategic real estate professional responsible for sourcing, evaluating, and closing on high-value properties that align with investment objectives. By conducting rigorous financial modeling, market feasibility studies, and site due diligence, a Property Acquisition Specialist ensures that every asset acquisition offers optimal ROI. Their work bridges the gap between raw market data and tangible physical assets, utilizing tools like CoStar, Yardi, and Argus to forecast long-term performance and mitigate risk for developers and investment firms.
What does a Property Acquisition Specialist do?
On a daily basis, a Property Acquisition Specialist scouts potential markets, builds relationships with brokers and property owners, and prepares comprehensive investment memos for stakeholders. They manage the entire transaction lifecycle—from submitting Letters of Intent (LOI) to coordinating inspections, reviewing title reports, and guiding assets through the closing process. By tracking cap rates, absorption trends, and supply constraints, they provide actionable intelligence that enables firms to scale their portfolios efficiently while remaining compliant with zoning and local real estate regulations.
Key responsibilities
- Source off-market and listed investment opportunities by building and maintaining a robust network of commercial real estate brokers and property owners.
- Perform detailed financial underwriting and sensitivity analysis using Excel or Argus to determine property value and project internal rates of return.
- Draft and negotiate Letters of Intent (LOI) and Purchase and Sale Agreements (PSA) in coordination with in-house and external legal counsel.
- Manage the comprehensive due diligence process, including physical inspections, environmental Phase I reports, and zoning compliance reviews.
- Analyze micro-market trends, including supply-demand dynamics and rent growth, to validate investment assumptions against current economic benchmarks.
- Present investment summaries, risks, and projected cash flow models to the Investment Committee to secure final capital allocation approval.
- Coordinate with title companies, lenders, and escrow agents to ensure seamless closing processes within strict acquisition timelines.
- Track and update the acquisition pipeline in CRM platforms like Salesforce to maintain accurate reporting for executive leadership.
Requirements and skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Finance, Economics, or a related quantitative field.
- 3+ years of experience in real estate acquisitions, investment banking, or commercial brokerage with a track record of closed transactions.
- Advanced proficiency in financial modeling, including discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis and waterfall structures, within Microsoft Excel.
- Demonstrated expertise in utilizing real estate research platforms such as CoStar, Reonomy, or Moody’s Analytics to drive acquisition decisions.
- Deep understanding of commercial real estate asset classes, including multifamily, industrial, or retail, and their respective operational drivers.
- Professional certification such as CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) or progress toward a CFA designation is highly preferred.
- Ability to articulate complex technical and financial investment risks clearly to non-technical stakeholders and external partners.
- Strong grasp of legal terminology and property law, specifically regarding contract structures and title/survey contingency periods.
FAQs
What does a Property Acquisition Specialist do?
A Property Acquisition Specialist identifies, evaluates, and secures real estate assets for investment portfolios. They are responsible for the entire acquisition lifecycle, which includes site sourcing, financial underwriting, conducting due diligence, and negotiating purchase contracts. Their ultimate goal is to acquire properties that meet the firm's specific return criteria and strategic goals.
What are the essential skills for a Property Acquisition Specialist?
Key skills include advanced financial modeling, proficiency in tools like Excel and Argus, and a deep understanding of market analysis. Additionally, strong interpersonal and negotiation skills are critical for building broker relationships and closing deals. Candidates must also possess high attention to detail regarding contracts, zoning laws, and physical property inspection reports.
Who does a Property Acquisition Specialist work with?
A Property Acquisition Specialist functions as a central hub, collaborating with internal Investment Committees, legal teams, and asset managers. Externally, they maintain daily contact with commercial brokers, property sellers, lenders, title insurance officers, and third-party inspectors. This collaborative nature ensures that all parties are aligned during the complex process of moving an asset from an initial lead to a finalized closing.
How does a Property Acquisition Specialist contribute to business value?
This role is vital to business growth, as the quality of acquisitions directly impacts the long-term success and profitability of a real estate portfolio. By identifying undervalued assets and accurately modeling future cash flows, the specialist prevents overpaying for properties and minimizes investment risk. Their ability to secure high-performing assets effectively scales the organization's total value and competitive market position.