Investing at a distance... When to find a property manager?

[Anne Chiramberro]

Hello, wise people of Bigger Pockets!

I'm looking to buy a small multi-family in Chico, CA, which is a three hour drive from my place. I plan on getting a property manager for my future investment, so I'm wondering when I should start looking into that. Would you recommend I start interviewing property managers early in the process (e.g. now, before I've even offered on a place) or later down the line? Thanks for your guidance!