Real Estate Underwriting Associate

Selby Jennings is partnering with a well-capitalized, vertically integrated real estate investment firm based in Austin, Texas. The firm specializes in opportunistic real estate and credit investments across the United States, focusing on complex and value-add situations where creativity, disciplined underwriting, and hands-on execution drive attractive risk-adjusted returns. The platform invests across a broad range of strategies, including land development, distressed and special situations, structured finance, and direct real estate investments. Backed by an experienced leadership team and a strong track record, the firm offers a highly entrepreneurial environment where investment professionals are given meaningful responsibility and exposure across the full investment lifecycle.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and analytical Associate to join a dynamic investment team. This individual will play an integral role in evaluating, underwriting, executing, and managing investments across both real estate and credit strategies. The position offers broad exposure to acquisitions, development, structured finance, capital markets, and asset management initiatives, making it an attractive opportunity for candidates looking to accelerate their investment careers within a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

The successful candidate will work closely with senior investment professionals and participate in all stages of the transaction process, from sourcing opportunities and building financial models to conducting due diligence, supporting execution efforts, and monitoring portfolio performance. This role is ideal for a self-starter who thrives in an entrepreneurial setting and enjoys solving complex investment challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed financial SCRATCH models and investment analyses for acquisitions, developments, recapitalizations, and credit-related investment opportunities.
• Perform property-level, market-level, and portfolio-level underwriting across multiple asset classes and investment strategies.
• Evaluate potential investment opportunities through financial analysis, market research, due diligence reviews, and risk assessments.
• Assist with the preparation of investment committee presentations, internal memoranda, and supporting materials for transaction approvals.
• Support transaction execution efforts, including financing processes, legal documentation review, third-party diligence coordination, and closing activities.
• Work alongside asset management teams to monitor operating performance, business plans, capital projects, and strategic initiatives across the portfolio.
• Analyze debt and equity financing alternatives and assist in evaluating capital structure decisions.
• Monitor market trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging investment opportunities to support sourcing and portfolio strategy initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners including lenders, brokers, attorneys, consultants, and operating partners.

Qualifications

• 3-4 years of experience in real estate private equity, real estate investment management, investment banking, or a related principal investing environment.
• Experience underwriting investments across multiple real estate asset classes, with exposure to both equity and debt transactions preferred.
• Advanced financial modeling, valuation, and analytical capabilities. Preference will be given to candidates with the ability to build detailed models from scratch rather than relying solely on existing templates.
• Strong understanding of real estate fundamentals, capital markets, investment analysis, and transaction structuring.
• Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams and execute effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Real Estate, Economics, Accounting, or a related field. Advanced designations such as an MBA, CFA, or CAIA are a plus.
• Self-starter with strong attention to detail, intellectual curiosity, and a desire to take ownership of responsibilities.