Jake Heller: The AI Tools Reshaping Real Estate Development

Description

For most real estate professionals, using AI might look like asking ChatGPT to tidy up grammar on an email, but that’s just scratching the surface of what’s possible. Jake Heller, co-founder of AI for CRE Collective, argues that the true utility of these tools lies in automating tedious tasks, freeing up valuable resources to build relationships and strategies that actually get deals across the finish line.

Jake is a third-generation builder navigating the complex realities of Los Angeles development. He’s experienced firsthand how AI tools have become a necessary partner for developers as expenses rise and rental growth stagnates. Crucially, we discuss the friction of AI adoption within large institutions and how successful integration doesn't mean forcing teams to learn entirely new software, but rather deploying tools that seamlessly fit into the workflows we already rely on.

We also touch on the nuanced regulatory landscape of LA and how Jake is utilizing specific machine learning models to mitigate inefficiencies that usually kill deals. He details his personal toolkit, walking us through platforms like Gamma for instant investor decks and Endex AI that streamlines institutional-level underwriting.

Episode Outline

(01:05) Creating a hub for AI and technology in real estate

(05:39) LADWP, offsite improvements, and the "LA Regulatory Risk"

(23:11) AI essentials: Gamma, Claude, Endex AI, and Shortcut AI

(31:37) The implementation gap and the reality of data infrastructure

(34:53) Why prompt engineering is the new essential skill for analysts

(38:20) Will General Contractors benefit the most from AI?

(44:40) The roadmap for non-technical professionals to get started

Resources Mentioned

AI for CRE Collective

Gamma - AI Deck Creator

Endex AI - Excel AI Super Agent