ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Real Estate Financial Analyst Jobs in Chicago, IL

Vestian

Commercial Real Estate Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Commercial Real Estate Analyst - Chicago Location: Chicago (In Office) Role Type: Full-Time ... Build and maintain Excel-based financial models supporting: * Lease vs. own analyses * Renewal vs ...

Polsinelli

Real Estate Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

We have an immediate opening for an Analyst to assist our Real Estate attorneys in our Real Estate Finance Practice Group. This position requires experience in commercial real estate transactions and ...

cpy

Real Estate Manager

Chicago, IL

Strong financial and analytical skills necessary to present financial business case for new studios. * Prior experience presenting sites in Real Estate Committee * Negotiate all provisions of leases ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsFreelance Real Estate Financial Analyst JobsFreelance Real Estate Financial Analyst Jobs in Chicago, IL

Freelance Real Estate Financial Analyst information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$47.4K

$84.2K

$146.3K

How much do freelance real estate financial analyst jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance real estate financial analyst in Chicago, IL is $84,222.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,700.00 and $103,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Real Estate Financial Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Real Estate Financial Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of real estate markets, and a background in finance or accounting, often supported by a relevant degree or prior experience. Familiarity with financial modeling software (like Excel or ARGUS), market analysis tools, and sometimes certifications such as CFA or real estate finance credentials is typically required. Excellent communication, self-motivation, and client management skills help you stand out in this independent role. These competencies ensure accurate analysis, effective client relationships, and successful project outcomes in a dynamic real estate environment.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance real estate financial analysts, and how can they be managed?

Freelance real estate financial analysts often face challenges such as inconsistent workload, limited access to proprietary data, and the need to efficiently communicate with multiple clients simultaneously. Managing these challenges involves building a robust professional network to secure steady projects, staying up-to-date with industry tools and databases, and developing strong organizational skills to handle competing deadlines. Proactively setting clear expectations with clients and maintaining transparent communication can also help ensure smooth project completion and client satisfaction.

What does a Freelance Real Estate Financial Analyst do?

A Freelance Real Estate Financial Analyst evaluates the financial aspects of property investments and development projects on a contract or project basis. They analyze market trends, assess property values, create financial models, and provide recommendations to clients such as investors, developers, or real estate firms. Their work helps clients make informed decisions about buying, selling, or developing real estate. Freelance analysts often work independently and may support multiple clients at once.

What is the difference between Freelance Real Estate Financial Analyst vs Real Estate Investment Analyst?

AspectFreelance Real Estate Financial AnalystReal Estate Investment Analyst
CredentialsTypically requires finance, real estate, or related certifications; often self-taught or with specialized coursesUsually holds degrees in finance, real estate, or related fields; certifications like CFA are common
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, remote or client-site workEmployed by firms or investment companies, often in office settings
Employer & Industry UsageServes multiple clients, including developers, investors, and brokersWorks within investment firms, REITs, or private equity firms

While both roles analyze real estate investments, a Freelance Real Estate Financial Analyst operates independently on various projects, whereas a Real Estate Investment Analyst typically works within a company to evaluate and manage investment portfolios.

What are the most commonly searched types of Real Estate Financial Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Real Estate Financial Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Real Estate Financial Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL? For Freelance Real Estate Financial Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Real Estate Financial Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Real Estate Financial Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Freelance Real Estate Financial Analyst jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Freelance Real Estate Financial Analyst job openings:
Freelance Real Estate Financial Analyst jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Real Estate Financial Analyst job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,222 per year, or $40.5 per hour.
Real Estate Financial Analyst

Real Estate Financial Analyst

Cabrera Capital Markets

Chicago, IL • On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Cabrera Capital Partners is a national real estate development and investment platform focused on disciplined growth through long-term relationships. We partner with institutional capital and local stakeholders to originate and execute real estate opportunities across diverse markets. Our platform-driven strategy spans multiple real estate sectors, and emphasizes fundamentals, alignment, and repeatability, delivering durable assets and sustainable value.
The Real Estate Financial Analyst is a core contributor to how we source, underwrite, and execute deals. You will work directly with senior leadership across the full transaction lifecycle, from initial market screening through investment committee approval and into asset management. The work is fast-moving, intellectually demanding, and consequential. Operates with a high degree of autonomy in financial analysis and deal support. Exercises judgment in underwriting assumptions, analytical framing, and investment recommendations provided to senior leadership. We are a small team, which means your output matters immediately and visibility is high.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Underwriting & Financial Analysis:
  • Build and own complex cash flow models across property types including industrial, multifamily, student housing, and mixed use
  • Develop, review, and stress test operating pro formas and investment return models (IRR, equity multiple, cash on cash) across a range of capital structures
  • Sensitize assumptions across key variables (e.g., rent growth, vacancy, cap rates, construction costs, financing terms) and translate outputs into relevant investment conclusions
  • Support debt and equity structuring analysis, including joint venture and waterfall modeling

Market & Property Research:
  • Conduct primary and secondary market research using institutional data platforms (e.g., CoStar, Green Street, MSCI, or equivalent), as well as site visits, broker conversations, and local market intelligence
  • Synthesize research into clear written investment theses and underwriting memoranda with a defined point of view
  • Track sector, submarket, and competitive trends and maintain comparable and benchmarking analyses

Deal Execution & Investment Process:
  • Support transactions from initial screening through LOI, due diligence, and closing
  • Prepare investment committee materials including executive summaries, underwriting exhibits, risk assessment, and recommendation frameworks
  • Coordinate with third party consultants, brokers, lenders, and legal counsel throughout the diligence and closing process
  • Maintain pipeline tracking, deal logs, and internal investment databases

Property / JV / Platform FP&A & Reporting:
  • Support property and JV level financial performance analysis, connecting underwriting assumptions to actual and forecasted results
  • Analyze and communicate deal cash flows and partner economics, clearly showing sources and uses of capital across CCP and its partners
  • Prepare property, JV, and portfolio level reporting that explains performance, returns, and variance to plan for internal and external stakeholders

Presentation & Communication:
  • Build polished, boardroom ready investment decks and IC approval materials
  • Distill complex financial and market analysis into clear, decision oriented narratives for senior leadership and external stakeholders
  • Support preparation of materials for LP reporting, investor communications, and capital raising initiatives as needed

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Requirements:
Technical Skills:
  • Advanced Excel required, including dynamic model building and the ability to build models from scratch
  • PowerPoint fluency, with the ability to develop clear, well structured presentations that effectively communicate analysis and recommendations
  • Ability to automate repetitive analytical tasks (Python, VBA, or equivalent) is a meaningful differentiator
  • Actively uses AI tools to accelerate research, drafting, and analysis, thoughtfully balancing their use with independent thinking

Professional Qualities:
  • Exercises sound judgment, with the ability to identify key insights, prioritize relevant information, and filter out noise in both data and discussions
  • Strong written communication skills demonstrated through clear, analytical memos, emails, and presentation materials
  • Resourceful and self directed, with a demonstrated ability to find answers independently
  • Intellectual curiosity about markets, capital flows, and the drivers of real estate value
  • Comfortable operating in ambiguous environments and building process where none exists
  • Demonstrates persistence and follow through to bring work to completion without requiring close oversight

Education & Work Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree required in finance, real estate, economics, or a related analytical field
  • 2 to 4 years of experience at an institutional real estate firm (investor, owner, operator, developer, REPE, REIT, or institutional advisory)
  • Demonstrated experience owning financial models, not just populating templates
  • Exposure to multiple property types and full cycle transaction experience through closing strongly preferred
  • CFA candidacy, MSRE, or MBA a plus, but not required

Benefits Package:
We offer a competitive and well-rounded benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial future:
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
  • Paid Time Off & Holidays
  • 401(k) with Employer Match
  • Profit Sharing Program
  • Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts (FSA/HSA)
  • Commuter Benefits (Pre-tax transit & parking)
  • Short- & Long-Term Disability Coverage
  • Life & AD&D Insurance Options
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Pet Care Discount Program

Apply