How early do you build your team?

[Malia Miyashiro-Harmon]

Curious on how early is acceptable to start talking to lenders and real estate agents about getting things going.. my husband and I are in the works of doing a house hack hopefully with either a duplex or multiple units on a piece of land out in the Los Angeles area.  The thing is, we aren't in a rush.  I would rather wait and work w an agent who understands what we are looking for (we are pretty specific) and if it takes 4 months, 6 months, so be it.  We will be working w a family member as a co borrower as well, and the are in no rush either.  I don't want to waste peoples time, but I don't want to rush and jump into the wrong deal.  Thoughts?