Commercial property management can be a tremendously rewarding and profitable exercise. However, it must be done in the right way and for the right reasons. It is tremendously time and energy-consuming, the economic opportunity costs can be astoundingly high, and there is always the risk of losing some part of the investment.

There are very few ways to be more directly involved with the community than by owning a piece of property within it. Investment in commercial property opens one up to a world of direct engagement with neighbors, tenants, tradespeople, officials, and customers. This is an extroverted lifestyle, and it might not be for everyone. Those who do not want to deal with people should perhaps not delve too deeply into the world of commercial property investment. However, for those who enjoy social interaction, ownership of commercial property creates boundless opportunities.

This is also an expensive lifestyle. The amounts of money required for commercial real estate transactions will surprise those used to personal finance. Commercial property can cost millions for even modest real estate. Although the economic conditions of commercial property ownership are self-sustaining, they can be daunting to enter for the first time. It simply requires a large sum of money to begin, and any interruption in the flow of business can make it difficult to resume at that level.

Intelligent investors can shelter in personal property from any risk. Basic legal structures such as the limited liability corporation can be used to keep the commercial real estate business completely separate from the home and accouterments of the investors. However, those who forego such simple legal protections may find themselves financially injured by financial loss from their enterprise. It is essential for any nascent investor to take basic steps to prevent their commercial transactions from carrying over to their personal life, and those who neglect this protection may find themselves in dire straits.