Commercial properties include buildings and businesses that people purchase as an investment. Investors can rent their commercial properties to tenants who seek a place to house offices and other businesses, or they can use the properties to operate the businesses themselves.

Most agents who sell strictly commercial properties began their careers as residential sales agents, then switched to a commercial specialization after they acquired a good understanding of the skills required to do that job effectively. In small towns or other areas where commercial opportunities aren't as plentiful, many agents sell both residential and commercial real estate, rather than specializing in one or the other.

Commercial real estate agents must be able to analyze the potential income returns an investor can expect from a commercial property. They must be aware of zoning issues and local laws that affect real estate and business owners. Commercial agents are privy to details about their clients' finances, so they must be people who can be trusted with confidential information. They aren't expected to be tax professionals, but they must have a good understanding of tax laws and how those laws impact their clients.

Finding a mentor who is successful in commercial real estate (and who wants to pass on her knowledge) can be an important training tool. You can learn the ins and outs of commercial real estate on your own, but it is so much easier and less time consuming if you have someone you know you can call when you have a question.

Most commercial agents do not hold the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation, but it is an excellent education program that everyone who is serious about commercial real estate should explore. The CCIM organization offers its members more than educational opportunities. It's a network of professionals who interact with and promote one another's businesses. The designation is not easy to obtain, but you'll learn what you need to know about commercial real estate and make important contacts during the process.