Series: How to Analyze the Economics of Commercial Real Estate-Part 3

Before you make your next investment move, it’s critical to know the direction your market is heading. And that means going beyond your gut—into the actual data.

In part 1 and part 2 of this series, we looked at supply, demand, local trends, cash flow, and economic forces. Today, we’re digging into what separates guesswork from strategy: your ability to read, research, and interpret real estate economics.

Start With the Story Behind the City

Whether you’re looking at Tulsa or Tampa, your first priority is to understand where the city is going—not just where it’s been. Ask the same questions a city planner or developer would:

• What’s being built, and why?
• Who’s moving in—and what industries are growing?
• Where are new permits being approved?
• What’s the zoning outlook for the next 3–5 years?

These clues paint a powerful picture. You're not just buying a building—you’re buying into a future. And that means st...