How to Become a Real Estate Developer

Our latest edition of Home Town Heroes comes courtesy of the turbulent city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At the age of 31 Brandon Rule is a business prodigy. He is a commercial real estate developer with an extremely impressive resume. He has developed $50 million in affordable housing projects in Milwaukee through his company Rule Enterprises and has an additional $180 million in projects currently in his development pipeline.

A few weeks ago Brandon went viral on social media after news broke that the city of Madison, WI recommended that he be awarded a contract to develop a 30,000-square-foot grocery store, 150-unit apartment building and 345-space parking garage on a city-owned lot.

There aren’t too many black commercial real estate developers, and they’re definitely aren’t a lot his age. One of the reasons why there are so few black developers is that there isn’t a lot of exposure given to successful individuals in the industry. Most people think about real estate from an investor’s perspective very few aspire to be big-time commercial developers.

In episode 54 of @earnyourleisure Brandon broke down the ins and outs of commercial real estate development, he explained how affordable housing credits work, he talked about financing and he gave an in-depth look into his journey into becoming an icon in the industry. #realestate #realestatedeveloper

Guest IG: @b_rule
Book Tip: Think and Grow Rich a Black Choice

[Raymondjohn]

Real Estate provides cashflow, tax benefits, equity building, competitive risk-adjusted returns, and inflation protection on its own. Whether you invest in physical properties or REITs, real estate may help you diversify your portfolio and reduce volatility. Dividends are what got me into investing in REITs, great way to secure the accumulate wealth, I hold AMT, CCI & PSA. $290k in profits made in 2022.

[LegendaryRob]

This was really inspiring.

I’m an emerging MWBE certified real estate developer in NYC. My company is approved to be a minority contractor. 🙋🏾‍♂️

[mooremillions]

The realest and worst part of this is “ they can get loans, we can’t get loans. So I partner with the people that can get loans “.

[CREDirect]

Brandon kept it 100 all the way through and he’s humble enough to share the knowledge! Rare brother you interviewed. He understands the abundance of opportunity that’s out here! I’m a commercial broker/budding developer and it’s out here for us to get as a developer, real estate investor, broker or entrepreneur. The common denominator is the real estate. Great interview!!

[tinathegc]

I wish I could like this video a million times! As a house flipper/GC now turning builder here in GA this was valuable information. I recently purchased 3 vacant lots in an opportunity zone area that nobody is touching right now to build multifamily property. Construction is underway. Once complete, I'll have 3 new duplex buildings in my RE Portfolio. We've been trying to figure out how we can scale up...this interview has me looking at development as an avenue for sure.

[chuksdfutur]

Every interview is more eye opening and enlightening than the last. Well done, brothers, and thank you.

[HonchoJay]

Definitely a goal, I'm 18 in college right now for architecture, looking into investing in real estate this is the stuff im tryna do in my future man

[kimberlycobbs]

I've come to realize as an investor that instead of letting my money sit idle in my savings account it is more productive to invest the little available and build a portfolio from the accumulated profit of investment

[everythingbyjohn]

Man i just gotta comment again lol. I mean, Earn your leisure, like max Maxwell said, in 20 years, people are going to look at platforms like this and say, wow, this was the start of the moment, as shift in life for us as a people. #heavy 🌎

[JTCoinRings]

I’m so glad he mentioned The Color of Law.. a must read!

[MiningforGems]

There were Major GEMS dropped in this episode. This is very inspirational!! As a young black developer myself Brandon is really doing some game changing things and bringing light to the profession of commercial real estate development. There are a very limited about of black developers. My company the community team is looking to build similar developments in the Carolinas and GA.

[kingwilliams]

I’m 31 too and I’m just now starting my career in the development sector.. this was huge for me.. y’all are changing the world as cliche as it sound lol

[NZXAL]

I’m Realtor in DC. This is my end goal. Thank you for laying out the plan in an easy, understandable manner. #BLACKEXCELLENCE !

[ghjsdkfs]

Love this story, Short-plating my lot, now. I have two developers interested in purchasing. Turned them both down, working with architects building on my own and doubling my profits.

[WeBuyFast]

One of the dopest interviews I've ever seen and very inspiring. I'm from DC, it would be good to meet Brandon and pick his brain. Keep these joints coming!!

[mizchocolate]

This was well appreciated knowledge. Brandon dropped some real jewels for his people. Thanks, to all the men on the panel.

[louisburbank]

I’ve watched this video as of now 20 times

[Nancys_minion]

Always wanted to be a developer but got too scared because I’m black. I knew they block you. I chose a different business. I feel stupid for that but I’m going after it this time.

[malthecpa]

I’m a CPA and this is easily one of the most useful videos on YouTube

[jamaladams]

In Detroit there's a program to teach black people real estate development.