Investor focussed Real Estate Agent

[Account Closed]

I've read several posts from investors that indicate that real estate agents are of little to no use to them. I concur. I'm a licensed real estate agent in Pennsylvania and have found that most agents I come in contact with have little experience working with investors. I joined a firm that has several agents who own real estate (mostly rental properties) in addition to selling it. I hope to learn a lot from them but am interested in what other seasoned investors look for in a good investor focused real estate agent.

I've worked with rental properties since graduating in 2005. I worked at a property management company prior to working as a real estate analyst for a company in Washington DC that focuses on multifamily LIHTC and market rate apartment properties. My primary focus was completing market feasibility studies and assisting on appraisals for investors, developers, banks, and syndicators.

I recently moved back to Pittsburgh, PA and became a real estate agent. I continue to do contract work for my old company but the work is not always steady. I would like to focus my residential sales business on investor clients (primarily buy/hold and flippers). I have taken several CCIM and Appraisal Institute classes and am learning as much as possible about short sales, foreclosures, and REOs. I'm looking for my first investment property (2-4 unit rental) but am not currently an active investor.

I understand that most real estate agents lack investment knowledge in many areas. My questions are - What can I do to become an asset for an investor? What qualities do most real estate agents lack that most investors want? What do you want out of your real estate agent?

Thanks!