DFW starting out

[Jeff Caldwell]

Looking for some advice/recommendations for getting going in this area.

Want to get my first buy and hold property by the end of the year hopefully and am planning to live in it for a time, until I get my second. Rinse and repeat. Planning to use conventional financing, and should have that squared away in the next couple days.

I am looking to either do a duplex or a 3/2 and interested in pretty much anywhere north of I30 and west of 75. 3/2 I'm wanting lower $100s, not sure about duplex pricing.

I'm confident in my financing and analysis of deals once I find one, but the next step I need to take is actually finding them.

This being my first dive in I'd really like to use a realtor to find the houses, give accurate rental comps etc., would just make me feel a little more comfortable. Also I'm assuming not having a lot of disposable time and not being a cash buyer will knock out most non-MLS options. Not sure about the chances of getting a duplex without a cash offer, any input?

So, can anyone in the area recommend an investor savvy realtor? I've read a few threads recently about no good deals being had in DFW through the MLS, but also I'm not looking for a homerun, just taking the first step. I figure once I get to my 2nd or 3rd I can start going after stuff that needs rehabbing or different purchase tactics looking for increased returns.

Hopefully I'm not too far off base here. TIA