Finding a real estate agent?

Question

If I'm looking into rental properties in other areas where I have no connections whatsoever, what's the best way to find good real estate agents that I can trust?

If I find a property management company first and then ask them to recommend some agents, is there any potential conflict of interest there?

Thanks,

Ray

Brandon L. · Answer

@Ray Li I think finding an agent in an area you are not familiar with will be difficult if you do not take the time to visit the area.

You could find the largest REIA group in the area and take some time to attend a meeting to get some referrals. Yea it will take some money and time, but the legit investors will know a good person to hook you up with.

Melba Baquero · Answer

Hello Ray-

It can be challenging to find an agent, especially if you're not familiar with the area in question. Sometimes your best bet is to ask any of your local agents if they can recommend someone in your target market area.

As a broker, I work a huge area personally, but because of my networking, I know people in the field in other cities and states, and will always call them to ask for a referral if one of my clients is looking for someone in their area.

All that being said, if you need help looking for someone, let me know what area interests you and I will see if I can find someone for you. Once you have their contact info, you can speak to them directly and see if it's a fit.

Rosston Smith · Answer

I recommend just calling multiple agents off of listings and speaking to them for awhile.Share you ideals and goals and see how they respond. Ask them how they can help service you.

Ray Li · Answer

The reason I'm hesitant about turnkey companies is that I don't know about the property management company they contract with in general, since that's probably the most important aspect of buy and hold. How do people who buy from turn-key companies deal with the property management?

Thanks,

Ray

Andrew Michael · Answer

@Ray Li Perhaps you want to research reputable turn key companies in the area of interest.  That way you can vet an entire team at once rather than building your team  piece by piece.