Acquisition process... What comes first!?

[Skyler Carpenter]

Hey all,

Been a while since I have been on here. I purchased my first property a few months ago and looking to expand. I have continued learning and think I think I need to come up with a better plan for the future. I am most intrigued by mutli-family using a buy and hold strategy. I am contemplating going into a different market (lack of options in rural areas) and am not sure where to start. Here are my thoughts...  I am torn between a realtor and financing. I want to start the process of finding a good realtor so I can learn the market a little better and get "deal flow" started. However, because I don't have financing lined up I don't want to ruin the relationship by appearing to be a tire kicker. I do feel like there are deals out there that creative financing will work and there for, I don't need financing figured out until I find a deal. The situation will warrant what will work best. On the other hand, I don't want to work on getting financing lined up and then it washes up, for example with private funding, before I can find a deal. Maybe neither of these two are the spot to start either?? Any and all opinions are greatly appreciated!

Skyler