Agents Won't Take My Money

[Derek Okahashi]

I baited you a bit with that title. I'm not looking to get taken for a ride, but this is what's on my mind. I have been listening to podcasts, reading books, networking and being mentored to a degree, and analyzing deals. I'm also in a state of working two jobs with a 3 year old and a newborn at home so that I can reach my ambitious savings goal. Agents I've talked to seem a bit flaky though. Although I have some money, credit is great, and do want to do a deal, it seems agents can't be bothered with too much more than their automated email lists. When I ask about things like deferred maintenance/cap ex on a deal I'm analyzing, I often get crickets. I will succeed in growing a portfolio. I have never failed in something I've set my mind to (I think we are all capable of this; no arrogance intended). I'm just a little surprised at how unresponsive people tend to be when someone is looking to invest large amounts of money.

[Russell Brazil]

An agent isn't going to be able to provide you information on deferred maintenance or possible cap ex.  If it's the list side agent, they should never provide that kind of info, and the buy side agent won't have any idea if they havnt seen the property.