Mission and Values
The Restart San Diego’s efforts combine in a purpose to give a new start in life to those whose lives have been affected by unemployment, homelessness, domestic violence, substance abuse, and poverty. Our hopes and our dreams for REstart are captured in our mission statement:
“Empowering individuals through education and career opportunities in real estate management.”
REstart Leadership is committed to bringing integrity, compassion and professionalism to challenged individuals as we provide the personal growth and marketable skills necessary to obtain jobs, careers and homes. We are dedicated to this purpose through knowledge, education and networking with the support of the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM).
VISION
To leverage real estate industry resources to assist people in the local housing programs to achieve a new start through education, training, and mentors; aiding them in finding employment to change their circumstances.
Program Overview
REstart is made possible through strategic partnerships with community service organizations that share our commitment to supporting individuals preparing for their next stage. These partnerships ensure participants are thoughtfully selected and well-positioned to succeed in the program.
Each participant is paired with a dedicated coach for the duration of the classroom phase and, for those selected, throughout the internship phase. Coaches are experienced industry professionals who generously volunteer their time to provide guidance, mentorship, and real-world insight.
Classroom Phase (4 Weeks)
The REstart program begins with an immersive classroom experience designed to build a strong foundation in property management. Students receive comprehensive instruction in core industry principles, incorporating elements of the IREM RES201 Managing Residential Properties curriculum, a commercial property management module, and an introduction to key industry partners—including vendors that support the real estate community.
All courses are taught by credentialed industry professionals holding active designations in commercial, residential, and brokerage disciplines, ensuring students receive relevant, high-quality instruction grounded in current industry practices.
At the conclusion of the classroom phase, students must successfully pass a comprehensive final examination. The top five students advance to the internship phase of the program. Students who do not pass the exam are provided a second opportunity to retest.
Internship Phase (2–4 Weeks)
The top five students are placed in a 2–4 week internship designed to provide hands-on, practical experience. Internship placements may include apartment communities, self-storage facilities, commercial buildings, or corporate offices. During this phase, students apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings while gaining valuable on-the-job training.
Program Completion & Graduation
The program culminates in a formal graduation ceremony held in conjunction with an IREM luncheon. This celebratory event recognizes student achievements and provides graduates with meaningful opportunities to network with real estate professionals and industry leaders as they prepare for the next stage of their careers.
