Learn Commercial Real Estate Finance with CFI

Topic Overview

Commercial real estate analysis is a vital tool for organizations with property holdings. Using data, commercial real estate analysts prepare reports for stakeholders to inform business decisions and formulate methods of minimizing risk and ensuring stability. Read more
With 100-percent online courses, CFI ensures you can learn commercial real estate finance from anywhere. All of our courses are self-paced and taught by leading instructors for maximum learning, retention, and applicability.

11 courses

Consisting of over 420+ lessons

30+ interactive exercises

Learn by doing with guided simulations

Expert instructors

Learn from the very best

New courses monthly

On need-to-know subject matter

Blockchain certificate

To verify your skills

500,000+ 5 star ratings

Best-in-class training, as rated by you

Discover Free Commercial Real Estate Resources

Explore all of CFI's Commercial Real Estate learning and development resources.

Commercial Lending Career Profile: Roles, Skills, and Career Paths in Business Finance

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Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities (CMBS): A Beginner's Guide

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Calculate Gross Rent Multiplier and How It Is Used by Investors

Calculating and using the Gross Rent Multiplier
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Real Estate Investment Firms

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Price Per Square Foot Calculator

A guide to one of the most commonly used real estate metrics
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Best Commercial Real Estate Certifications and Designations

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Real Estate Private Equity (REPE): Investment Strategies and Careers

Real estate private equity is a highly desired role but has some differences from traditional private equity
commercial-real-estate career articles lending-industry-specific

Real Estate Appraiser

An individual with appropriate qualifications and credentials to estimate the fair market value of a real estate asset
commercial-lending commercial-real-estate career articles

Appraisal

A qualified and unbiased expert estimate of an asset’s value
commercial-lending commercial-real-estate articles

Fixed-Rate Mortgage

A type of mortgage loan where the interest rate remains the same throughout the loan term
commercial-lending commercial-real-estate articles lending-industry-specific

Qualified Appraisal

The valuation of various assets and property in order to meet the requirements set out by the IRS
commercial-lending commercial-real-estate articles

Cross Collateralization

A financing technique that leverages the same asset as collateral to secure multiple loans
commercial-lending commercial-real-estate articles credit-analysis

Why Learn Commercial Real Estate with CFI?

As a leading provider of online financial analyst certification programs and courses, CFI offers a comprehensive library of curricula designed in collaboration with industry professionals and Wall Street trainers with decades of experience teaching bankers at top financial institutions.

Our commercial real estate finance courses offer a combination of theory and application to prepare you for a career in commercial real estate, commercial lending, or commercial mortgage brokering. All programs are flexible and self-paced, allowing you to learn from anywhere at any time.

Over 75% of CFI learners report improved productivity or competency within weeks.

With our Commercial Real Estate Finance courses, you can learn to:

Analyze a prospective development opportunity
Understand the construction process and how to structure financing to mitigate risk
Interpret findings from a commercial real estate appraisal
Define multiple valuation approaches
Compare different types of real estate loans
Identify key underwriting parameters for commercial real estate lending

Who should take these courses?

CFI’s commercial real estate finance courses are ideal for current and aspiring professionals in real estate finance. The concepts presented throughout the curricula offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced level modeling techniques, banking and credit-related concepts, and a variety of other technical skills that will support your career growth.

Investment professionals

Management consultants

Financial analysts

Registered Provider: National Association of State Boards of Accountancy

All courses are accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), CPA Institutions in Canada, and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) in the US. Most courses qualify for verified CPE credits for CPA charter holders.

Courses include video lessons, interactive quizzes, modeling exercises, case studies, and final assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you haven’t found your answer from our FAQ, please send us a message.
What is commercial real estate?

Commercial real estate refers to property used for business purposes such as offices, retail spaces, warehouses, or multifamily buildings. It plays a key role in global economies, involving the financing, development, and management of income-producing assets. Understanding its financial and investment fundamentals helps professionals evaluate opportunities and risks effectively.

What does a commercial real estate analyst do?

A commercial real estate professional analyzes, finances, and manages business properties to maximize their income potential. This career path can include roles in lending, investment, valuation, and asset management. Analysts apply financial modeling, market research, and negotiation skills to guide strategic real estate decisions for investors or organizations.

How long does it take to learn commercial real estate online?

The time it takes to learn commercial real estate online depends on your background, study habits, and the depth of training you choose. Many learners can complete foundational material within several weeks of consistent study, while more advanced topics may require additional time. Flexible online formats make it easier to balance coursework with other commitments and revisit lessons to reinforce key skills.

CFI’s Commercial Real Estate Finance Specialization offers this same flexibility, allowing you to build practical knowledge at your own pace. 

How does commercial real estate training support career growth?

Commercial real estate training helps professionals build technical and analytical skills that open doors to roles in banking, lending, investment, and development. By mastering financial modeling, appraisal interpretation, and risk assessment, you’ll be prepared to make data-driven decisions that employers value. 

Earning a CFI certificate signals job-ready expertise and ambition for career advancement.

Can beginners start with CFI’s commercial real estate courses?

Yes. CFI’s commercial real estate courses are designed for learners at every level, including beginners. You’ll start with foundational topics in valuation, credit analysis, and loan structuring, then progress to advanced modeling and scenario-based exercises. Each course is self-paced and supported by real-world examples to build confidence and practical knowledge.

What skills do you learn in commercial real estate training with CFI?

You’ll gain hands-on skills in financial modeling, credit and loan analysis, valuation, and environmental due diligence. The program focuses on applying these tools to real-world property scenarios so you can evaluate deals with confidence. These capabilities strengthen both your technical proficiency and your ability to deliver impact in finance and real estate roles.

Is a commercial real estate certification worth it?

Yes, a commercial real estate certification can be a valuable investment for professionals looking to strengthen their analytical and financial skills in property markets. It demonstrates your ability to evaluate deals, structure loans, and assess investment opportunities—key competencies employers look for in the field. Certification also signals dedication to continued learning and professional growth. 

CFI’s Commercial Real Estate Finance Specialist Program provides hands-on training that helps learners develop these essential, job-ready capabilities.

If you haven’t found your answer from our FAQ, please send us a message.
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