Lender Then Agent or Vice Versa or Combo

[Jeremy W.]

I have owned homes in the past always saying "I should rent them out," then I sold them, then I regretted it.  Now I am single, business owner of 10+ years and ready to get into the real estate investment world through rentals (open to any type, will start with house hacking).  I've been a member of BP for 2 years, sitting back and watching from the outside, but now is the time!

Question:  Should I 1) Find a few lenders, get pre-approved then look for a good agent OR 2) Find an agent and see if they have lenders they work with? 

P.S. I am here to learn, but not take.  If there is anyone in the Denver/Metro area that has capacity for some mentoring/guidance and needs help with anything that someone with little to no experience can do, I am willing to help (demos, moving, assembling, etc.).  Could be a mutually beneficial endeavor....   Just a thought!  None-the-less, the journey is beginning.  TODAY.