Industrial properties are a special type of commercial real estate. Industrial sites are not usually places where you would go to buy a product or find a service. They are often the places where products are made or distributed. Small and large factories and distribution centers for retail or wholesale products are all examples of industrial properties. Industrial properties vary, but they have one thing in common — most require a great deal of investment funds and know-how from their owners. They are best avoided until you feel certain you can tackle a large project.

Industrial buildings that have been used to make a product can be burdened by environmental issues that must be resolved before you buy. This is especially true if you plan to convert the property so that it's suitable for a different industry than it presently serves. What was manufactured there, and did the area around the building suffer from the dumping of any kind of waste?

Zoning regulations are critical, and you must work effectively with planning boards and other agencies on the local, state, and federal levels. Move slowly and carefully. Don't tackle any type of industrial project until you acquire plenty of experience, and even then seek additional advice from experts in the field.