Agencies that also invest in rental properties - should I care?

[Connor Hailey]

Hi,

I live in TX and I'm looking to buy a rental property. I'm finding that a lot of real estate agencies also own rental properties/invest their own money. It seems like there could be a conflict of interest (e.g. the agency's investment arm finds the best deals/properties for themselves and pushes properties onto clients that their investment arm has already passed on).

Is this an issue or is there something I'm missing that makes the conflict of interest uncommon?

[Theresa Harris]

If that is the case, why not ask them how they avoid a conflict of interest because as a client you expect them to show you places that are a good rental; however, if they are also looking to buy those places then you don't want to work with them as they will put their interest ahead of yours (the client).