Where to start?! Realtor/Local Investor/Lender?!?

[Eliza Puente]

Hello everyone, 

So my partner and I have decided to start our real estate investment journey, but we have sooooo many questions!

Where should I start? I have been looking at multi-family and single family units, any idea where would be best for a beginner to start? I have some properties that are in "up and coming areas" that are dirt cheap due to being in horrible condition, and others in well-developed areas, but they cost more and the cash flow would be less due to the higher sale price.

Realtors- I know I need to find a realtor that is familiar with my desired area and works well with investors. But how do I know I got a good realtor? Are there questions I should be asking so I don't look clueless??

Lenders- I have some money saved to a downpayment, so I need to talk to a bank about financing, but what types of questions should I be asking?  Commercial Loans (for bigger multi-family properties) vs. Residential loans? Different types of loan for investors?

Once I get the bank to finance a house, how should I fund the rehab? Hard Money Lenders or another private bank loan?

Rehab/contractors- What are the type of questions I should be asking to make sure I'm getting a good reliable contractor that isn't ripping me off? Should I have this contractor before I buy a house to make sure I have some type of a good idea of the cost of rehab?

LLC/S-Corp or not?- I have read mixed review on this but should start a company before buying big properties (or any at all)? Can my company get a mortgage/loan?

Any feedback would help! Thanks!!!

Eliza & Michael