I don't feel like I'm being take seriously

[William Nestlehutt]

Hello all,

Hope everyone is doing well! This is my first post here. I guess I should give some background on myself.

I've been listening to the BP podcast for years, read most (there are so many on my list) of the recommended books and tons of other research. I don't have a mentor or know anyone personally that is investing in real estate yet (Pandemic ruled out meetups for me). I'm 30, engaged, have a great job in the tv / film industry in Los Angeles, good credit, and have about $30k I'm looking to invest if needed (though not the preferred option). My fiancee also has a good job and great credit. We are both debt free except for our student loans (feels like we'll never be rid of those...). We are looking to buy a house (modified house hack) here in Los Angeles towards the end of the year after the wedding.

I'm looking to invest in out of state rental properties or to fix and flip (at least the first one or 2). I have been looking in the central Arkansas area where I have family and have personally spent a lot of time there so I have a better idea of the neighborhoods vs picking somewhere random on a map that we can afford. Looking to buy under $100k. I've recently started calling real estate companies looking for Agents who invest themselves or have at least worked with real estate investors a decent amount. Because this is my first investment property I feel like I am not being taken seriously, and am usually pawned off on the new guy which is especially frustrating because I'm looking to get started on this ASAP. Someone who will work with me even if they need to show me the ropes a bit. I want to do this before I have a Los Angeles mortgage and a family and can't take (calculated) risks with my money as much as I can now.

I guess I'm looking for any advice, as I know I can't be the only one who felt this way when they started, especially from people investing in this central Arkansas area (or Georgia). Any recommendations of property managers or real estate agents who follow through when they say they are going to do something. Any agents themselves in this area. Or anyone looking to mentor a new out of state investor. The latter being the preferred choice!

Sorry, I know this is long but if you made it through, I look forward to hearing your thoughts!