I would like to learn about commercial real estate. I am especially
interested in learning about buying and selling existing retail strip
malls. I would like at least three recommendations for books or other
resources to help me gain a strong working understanding of these
sorts of transactions. The resources should include theoretical
underpinnings, valuation models, and practical advice.

Where are you located? I am a commercial broker in Massachusetts and
I'd be glad to be a resource for you. We specialize in investment
properties specifically office buildings. We offer management, leasing
services, valuation, and many other services.

Let me know what you are interested in.

Maybe I can help

-Rob

I am located just south of Sarasota in Florida. Construction began
about two months ago on a Super Walmart in Osprey, Florida. The area
is undergoing a substantial wave of residential and commercial
development. While it's been "discovered" from a residential
perspective, I believe that there remains substantial upside in the
commercial arena. I have posted a separate Google question regarding
Walmart's impact on surrounding commercial property values. I have
substantial experience in corporate deal making and execution (i.e.,
I'm extremely comfortable with transactions), but I have very little
practical real estate experience. I believe there are attractive
opportunities to buy (or secure control over) lower-end commercial
properties to flip them in a few years when retailers, service
providers, and professional service providers look to locate
themselves proximate to the Walmart induced traffic.

Thoughts?

If you don't get a response to your other question, you could do some
investigation of your own.  There was a new Walmart established just
north of Jacksonville a couple of years ago (east of the Interstate)
and there is still undeveloped land near it that is on the market.  I
have no idea what else has happened around the Walmart, but you could
see, and talk to realtors, justified easily by the obviously
undeveloped property.
Your concept makes sense to me.
Good luck