What's the order of operations when contacting others involved?

[Jared G.]

I'm just in the research and learning stages, but I've heard a lot about the eventual need for buy-and-hold investors to contact many different people: lendors, realtors, contractors, lawyers, property management companies, and others.

At what stages of the process, from initial research to becoming a landlord, do all of the members of your eventual team come into play? How early should I be forming these connections, and how far along should I be in seriousness of buying? Would it make sense to be speaking with any of these people while I'm just learning about neighborhoods?

More importantly: are these teammates there to help/work with you to close in on a property and buy it, or do you call on them when you already KNOW what you need them for specifically?

I have a friend of a friend contact who is a realtor and who has forwarded me some listings. I am not ready to buy yet and she knows that, so I'm treating this as some friendly mentor-style help. But what does the realtor actually do and when does she do it? I don't want her to get the wrong idea if I keep taking help without "hiring" her (I know I don't pay her directly).

Just wondering about when each person here comes into play, and how much "help" they provide rather than just providing a direct service.

Thanks, all.