Joe Killinger - Insider Secrets: Building a Power Network for Commercial Real Estate Success

Ever wonder why some commercial real estate agents skyrocket while others barely make it past year two? Turns out, it’s not just about making calls or knowing your market (though that helps). There’s one thing most brokerages never tell you upfront—and it’s the real reason turnover rates are through the roof. Plus, there’s a surprisingly simple way young agents can start stacking future deals before even graduating college—yep, seriously. We’ll get into the network-building move almost nobody talks about, and why choosing the wrong brokerage could cost you more than just your time. Ready to find out what actually moves the needle if you want to go from agent to broker owner? Stick around, because you’re about to hear the kind of advice even seasoned pros wish they’d had from day one…

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover how choosing the right commercial real estate brokerage can fast-track your career growth and open doors to valuable opportunities.

• Build a powerful network that becomes your secret weapon for long-term success in commercial real estate.

• Understand why investing in single tenant net leases could be a game-changer for steady income and portfolio stability.

• Navigate the transition from real estate agent to broker owner with insights that set you up for leadership and independence.

Joe Killinger brings over 30 years of hands-on experience in commercial real estate, and his journey really covers it all—from working in the auction business and closing deals to co-founding his own brokerage, Commercial Brokers International. Joe’s background is rooted in small-town Nebraska, where he first caught the real estate bug watching his dad work as an auctioneer. Since then, he’s built a career on the west coast, not just running successful brokerages, but also diving into real estate investing and launching educational platforms for agents. Joe is all about practical advice and helping people actually succeed in the industry, whether that means choosing the right brokerage, building strong networks, or even transitioning into being a broker-owner. His no-nonsense approach and commitment to mentoring newer agents make him a trusted voice in the commercial real estate world.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction to Commercial Real Estate and Joe Killinger’s Background
00:08:30 - Overcoming Early Career Challenges and Cold Calling Strategies
00:11:00 - Mastering Market Knowledge and Developing a Strong ‘Why’ for Success
00:16:47 - Out-of-State Investment Trends in Commercial Real Estate
00:26:09 - The Role of Brokerage, Marketing, and Operations in Commercial Real Estate
00:34:38 - Advice for New Commercial Real Estate Brokers and Investors
00:39:05 - Communication is Key: Return Calls Promptly and Be Transparent

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Visit JoeKillinger.co for free tools, scripts, documents for investors, and downloadable resources such as Your First 90 Days in Commercial Real Estate and How to Transition from Agent to Broker Owner.

• Contact Joe directly with questions at [e-mail].

• Get more information about passive investing and mortgage funds at PineFinancialGroup.com.

• Leave a 5-star review and share the Real Estate Educators Podcast with a friend.

• Follow the Real Estate Educators Podcast on your preferred platform.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.