finding good rental property

[Ashley S.]

Does anyone hire someone to find and evaluate profitable rental property for them?  I don't mean a real estate agent.  I mean someone who is not trying to sell me a house, but simply using their expertise to make sure I don't make a bad decision.  This could possibly be a stupid question, but I'm brand new at this and have never purchased anything.

[Justin R.]

@Ashley S. How would you imagine compensating this person?  Pay them a monthly amount?  Pay them only when you purchase a property?

I ask because that's really the role of a real estate agent ... or at least what a good one should be doing.  They should understand your investment goals and find you properties that would meet them.  When people say "an investor-friendly agent," that's usually what they mean.  Guess the big difference is that agents are going to only look in one geographic area and you're probably looking for more of a business strategy than just a single property.  (?)

I suppose you could go to someone who invests their own money and ask for their help, but most people I know would rather just do you a favor than get into a business relationship.  Or, hire someone who advertises themselves as an "advisor" or "coach" ... but so hard to know whether you're going to get someone who has enough experience and has YOUR best interest in mind.