Applied Real Estate Academy

Course Description

The rise of AI, cloud computing, and streaming has made data centers one of the most valuable and misunderstood asset classes in the world. Behind every hyperscale campus or edge deployment is a complex mix of real estate, infrastructure, and energy strategy.

This course breaks down the entire development lifecycle of a data center, from identifying the right location and securing entitlements to structuring deals, leasing to hyperscalers, and integrating renewable power. You will learn how power, fiber, and cooling requirements drive site selection, how stakeholders and capital align, and how to evaluate opportunities in colocation, edge, and speculative builds.

Through detailed case studies and practical frameworks, you will develop the ability to assess risks, forecast returns, and position yourself in one of the fastest growing segments of real estate and infrastructure investment.

The global data center market is set to double within the decade, driven by AI workloads, cloud migration, and the need for resilient infrastructure. Developers and investors who understand the unique mix of real estate, energy, and technology factors will be positioned to capture extraordinary opportunities.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the role and types of data centers, including hyperscale, colocation, and edge models
• Evaluate site selection criteria including power, fiber, cooling, and geopolitical factors
• Navigate zoning, entitlements, and environmental reviews
• Understand data center economics, lease models, and capital structures
• Identify public, private, and joint venture stakeholders and their roles
• Assess power procurement strategies including renewable integration
• Plan for construction sequencing, commissioning, and tenant fit out
• Explore revenue strategies, incentives, and exit options