Who Do I Need on My Real Estate Development Team?

October 6, 2025 | Kristi Kandel

ASK:

Who are the first hires or partners I should bring in as a beginner developer?

ANSWER:

One of the most common myths in real estate development is that you need to know everything OR you need a big, expensive team to even get started. The truth? You don’t. Most beginner developers build their first project with just a handful of trusted professionals who can help them see around corners.

Think of your first team as your “deal-checking squad”. The people who make sure you’re not missing something obvious or expensive before you move forward. Here are the must-haves:

1. Civil Engineer or Architect (depends on the project type & market)
   • A civil engineer can quickly flag issues with grading, drainage, easements, and utilities that could derail your deal.
   • An architect can sketch out simple site layouts or test-fit plans so you know if your vision even fits the lot.
   • You don’t always need both upfront. Pick the one that fits your project type best.
2. Real Estate Attorney
   • This is non-negotiable. An attorney helps with contracts, entity setup, purchase agreements, and entitlements.
   • They’re also your first line of defense when something goes sideways with sellers, partners, or the city.
3. Contractor (or General Contractor)
   • Even early on, having a contractor give you rough construction pricing (SWAG numbers) can keep you from chasing deals that will never pencil.
   • Good contractors will also help you understand realistic timelines and material/labor constraints in your market.
4. Broker
   • A broker with development experience can help you source off-market properties, validate comps, and even negotiate land deals.
   • They often know zoning quirks & have local agency relationships saving you time and headaches.
5. Mentor or Experienced Advisor
   • A mentor doesn’t have to be on your payroll. They may be another developer, an experienced builder, or someone in your network.
   • Their role is to help you spot mistakes before you make them, and to provide shortcuts you’d otherwise learn the hard way.

Notice what’s missing: you don’t need full-time employees. Your first “team” is a network of consultants and advisors you bring in as needed. Build lean, one project at a time.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Civil engineer + attorney = non-negotiable starting points.
• Brokers and mentors give you leverage and insight.
• Keep it lean. Grow your team deal by deal, not all at once.
• Pay for expertise, not for salaries you don’t yet need.

PEOPLE ALSO ASK:

How much should I budget for legal help?

• For small projects, plan on $5K–$15K for entity setup, contracts, and closings. If your project involves rezoning or entitlement fights, that can climb to $25K+. Don’t cut corners as skimping here usually costs more later.

Can I develop without a full-time partner?

• Absolutely. Many first-time developers go solo, pulling in part-time consultants and advisors as needed. A full-time partner becomes useful once you’re handling multiple deals at once or raising larger sums of capital.

Do I need a property manager at the start?

• No. Property managers only come into play once you’ve built or acquired something that produces income. During the design and construction phases, they’re not needed. Bring one in once your property is stabilized and tenants are moving in.

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