Okay, let’s break it down. Eric has a solid foundation in financial services and commercial real estate, which are in demand. He also has leadership and communication skills, which are valuable in many industries. However, his skills don't seem to be in high-demand areas like tech or software development. Considering his experience and education, I'd estimate his hourly rate to be around $125, which is slightly below average for a financial analyst or mergers and acquisitions specialist in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. This rate is also lower than what experts in these fields with more experience might charge, but it's still a competitive rate for someone with Eric's background and skills.