Acquisitions Associate

Propel Recruitment; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Propel Recruitment is partnering with a Peninsula-based Real Estate Investment and Development firm to hire an Acquisitions Associate. The role focuses on the analytical side of real estate investing and hands-on evaluation of land acquisitions.

You’ll build financial models, underwrite investments, analyze market data and support senior leadership through the acquisitions process. A long‑term, career‑oriented path with exposure to sophisticated deals is offered.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of real estate experience, ideally with acquisitions or investment analysis.
• Ability to build sophisticated real estate financial models independently.
• Strong understanding of real estate valuation, investment returns and underwriting.
• Experience evaluating real estate investments and communicating findings clearly.
• Comfort with market analysis and risk assessment in investment decisions.

Responsibilities

• Independently build financial models to evaluate prospective land acquisitions and investment opportunities.
• Underwrite potential investments, including development assumptions, project costs, investment returns and sensitivity analyses.
• Analyze market fundamentals, comparable transactions and property-level financial information to support acquisition decisions.
• Evaluate opportunities throughout the acquisitions process, from initial underwriting through due diligence.
• Identify investment risks, test assumptions and provide recommendations to acquisitions leadership.
• Prepare investment analyses and supporting materials for internal discussions and decision‑making.
• Collaborate directly with senior acquisitions professionals on prospective investments.
• Support additional investment analysis and strategic initiatives as acquisition activity and market conditions evolve.

Skills

Real estate experience

Financial modeling

Underwriting

Investment analysis

Market analysis

Job description

Acquisitions Associate

Strong financial modeling skills. Sound investment judgment. A seat at the table where acquisition decisions are made.

Propel Recruitment is partnering with a Peninsula-based Real Estate Investment and Development firm seeking an Acquisitions Associate to join its team.

This opportunity is for someone who enjoys the analytical side of real estate investing and wants to play a hands‑on role in evaluating land acquisition opportunities.

You’ll work directly with acquisitions leadership, building financial models, evaluating potential investments and helping determine which opportunities make sense to pursue.

We’re looking for someone who can think beyond the spreadsheet, challenge assumptions and approach investments with a long-term perspective.

What You’ll Do

• Independently build financial models to evaluate prospective land acquisitions and investment opportunities.
• Underwrite potential investments, including development assumptions, project costs, investment returns and sensitivity analyses.
• Analyze market fundamentals, comparable transactions and property-level financial information to support acquisition decisions.
• Evaluate opportunities throughout the acquisitions process, from initial underwriting through due diligence.
• Identify investment risks, test assumptions and provide recommendations to acquisitions leadership.
• Prepare investment analyses and supporting materials for internal discussions and decision‑making.
• Collaborate directly with senior acquisitions professionals on prospective investments.
• Support additional investment analysis and strategic initiatives as acquisition activity and market conditions evolve.

What We’re Looking For

• 4 years of relevant real estate experience, ideally closer to 7 years, in acquisitions, investment analysis, underwriting or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to build sophisticated real estate financial models independently, rather than relying exclusively on existing templates.
• Strong understanding of real estate valuation, investment returns and acquisition underwriting.
• Experience evaluating potential real estate investments, whether or not those opportunities ultimately closed.
• Ability to assess investment assumptions, identify potential risks and communicate findings effectively.
• A resourceful, adaptable approach and willingness to contribute across the acquisitions function.
• Interest in joining a collaborative investment team and building a long‑term career with the organization.

Preferred, but not required:

• Multifamily investment or underwriting experience.
• Land acquisitions or development‑site underwriting exposure.
• Experience with a real estate investment firm, owner or developer.
• Exposure to opportunistic, distressed or complex real estate investments.

Why This Opportunity?

The value of an acquisitions professional isn’t measured solely by the number of deals that close.

This team places a premium on thoughtful underwriting, disciplined investment decisions and professionals who take ownership of their work.

You’ll have direct access to experienced acquisitions leadership and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to investment decisions. The environment offers hands‑on responsibility and the ability to develop your career within a real estate organization focused on long‑term success.

This could be a compelling next step for an experienced analyst ready for an associate‑level opportunity or an associate who wants to remain closely involved in the technical side of acquisitions.

Location & Compensation

Location: Peninsula

Schedule: Four days per week onsite

Target Base Salary: $120–$140K

Additional Compensation: May be considered based on the candidate’s experience and overall compensation structure.

This compensation range is a good faith estimate of the expected wage range you can expect to be paid upon hire.