Too many small developers and business owners lose money in commercial real estate — not because the deal was bad, but because the paperwork, zoning, and financing weren’t protected.In this episode of The Commercial Builders’ Network, I sit down with Aisha J. Thomas — a Commercial Real Estate Broker and Real Estate Attorney (Thomas Agency & AJT Law) — to break down the legal mistakes that cost people their buildings, their businesses, and their peace.Aisha has 20+ years in the game, has sat in every seat at the table, and is licensed in Michigan, Georgia, and California. She’s seen it all — from zoning disasters and bad leases to financing clauses that let banks call loans even when payments are current.We talk about: 🔹 Why REOs (real estate owned / foreclosures) still matter — and how to approach them 🔹 The zoning mistakes that can shut your business down after you’ve built out 🔹 Why “commercial” isn’t specific enough (and how to really check use & parking requirements) 🔹 The truth about using agents vs “going straight to the bank” 🔹 How to build the right team: attorney, CPA, contractors, mentors, partners 🔹 Structuring partnerships & protecting yourself when things go wrong 🔹 Key red flags in leases and loan documents most small owners never catch 🔹 Fear after being scammed & how to move forward without letting fear guide you 🔹 Building legacy, not just doing deals — especially for Black owners and minority-led businessesIf you’re a: 🏗️ Small developer 🏢 First-time commercial buyer 🧱 Minority-owned business owner signing your first lease 🏦 Nonprofit or community developer…this episode might save you thousands of dollars and years of stress.

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