Based in Houston, Charles Shears is an economics graduate of the University of Texas. Since 1998, Charles Shears has been a managing partner at SDI Realty Advisors, where one of his responsibilities is acquiring real estate sites.

Acquiring real estate sites involves several activities, such as budgeting, financing, and due diligence. Due diligence is crucial, as it helps verify the investment and identify potential risks. Sellers and real estate agents often portray properties for sale in the most favorable light when advertising. Therefore, before making a purchase decision, proper research and verification are necessary to verify the information in the marketing documents.

A buyer can carry out pre-offer due diligence by conducting an area and neighborhood analysis to verify information such as area population, property value trends, and crime rates. During this time, the buyer can forecast the property's value using the information included in the marketing documents and review their financing options.

After making an offer, the due diligence period may be defined or agreed upon between the buyer and seller. The buyer then has to do physical inspections and financial due diligence using actual documents such as bank statements and bills. The buyer must also verify the lease and contract for financial liability and potential legal issues. If the buyer discovers a problem, such as a needed repair, they can choose to take care of it, renegotiate the offer, or leave the transaction.