Hilton joined the New York office of Eastdil Secured,[4] a real estate investment banking firm and spinoff of Eastman Dillon.

He specialized in securing participation of institutional investors and pension funds in various transactions.

In 1984, he formed Hilton Realty Investment to handle commercial real estate.

[7] Former Million Dollar Listing cast members Chad Rogers and Josh Altman; Frank Robinson's daughter, Nichelle; Ron Kass's son, Robert; Anne Heche's former husband, Coleman Laffoon; Rayni Romito Williams and Branden Brent Williams,[8][9] Richard D. Zanuck's daughter-in-law, Marisa, are among Hilton & Hyland's 106 salespeople.

Both companies joined forces to develop and distribute projects in the highly competitive real estate luxury market.