Behind the Deals: Development Insights from NC CCIM Lunch & Learn

Apr 30, 2026 | News

Recent NC CCIM Triangle Lunch & Learn brought together local and national perspectives on development—from 50+ years of experience to institutional underwriting discipline.

Real-world lessons: navigating cycles, risk, and “unpredictable” deal dynamics
Underwriting focus: structured “deal deck” approach as a single source of truth
Site evaluation: raw land vs. entitled vs. finished lots carry very different risk profiles
Ongoing friction: zoning, UDOs, and municipal approvals remain key variables

For property owners :
• Understanding a developer’s buy box + underwriting criteria can position assets more effectively
• Entitlement status and clarity can directly impact value and liquidity

For business owners :
• Mixed-use and residential growth continues to shape retail and service demand
• Development timelines are increasingly tied to regulatory and cost constraints

Bottom line: deals are won or lost in the underwriting—and in how well a site aligns with evolving criteria.

Dylan Cunningham

J Dylan Cunningham, CCIM is the founder of Oak Street Commercial Real Estate, LLC, a firm located in Apex, NC on a mission to help business owners and commercial real estate owners create long-term strategies that align with their objectives through real estate.

We believe in going beyond the transaction, taking a deep look at where you want to be in five, ten or even twenty years from now—and how we can help you get there with thoughtful, strategic decisions today.