Finding a "Superstar" Real Estate Agent

[Kevin Hoodwin]

Howdy community!

I've been trying to build my REI team these past few months. Core Four as BiggerPockets Podcast, Brandon Turner, and David Greene would call it XD! I've got my GCs, creditors, and PMs in place and I'm now looking for realtors. I live and invest in the Dallas area.

Now my problem (opportunity really)...  I've been contacting realtors from BiggerPockets, my local REIAs, and word of mouth.  So far, I have had one meeting and that's it...  I look for realtors that are investors themselves and I express my interest in creating a mutually profitable relationship.

My questions for the community are how do I find my "superstar" realtor?  How have y'all found yours?  How do I win them over to be on my team and want to start building a relationship?

Looking forward to seeing what y'all have to say!

[Ronan Donnelly]

@Kevin Hoodwin, thanks for posting such a great question and I see that you have already got some great advice from @Abel Curiel and @Karl B. I find it helpful to think about these questions from an inverse perspective, i.e. what would a superstar buyer look like to an agent. If you can nail that then you will attract the superstar agents. Here is what I think an agent would look for in a superstar buyer.

1) Verification that they are able to fund the deal - prepare a financial statement and have it signed off on by your CPA to show that you are able to complete the kind of deal that you are looking for

2) Very specific requirements - know exactly what you want so that you can make it very easy for the agent to focus their search efforts

3) Be responsive and provide clear feedback - e.g. I will pass on that deal because it does not meet criteria x

4) Actually close some deals to build a track record

5) Articulate your business plan clearly so as to empower the agents to understand what your future needs are

Apart from that my advice would be to use an agent as just part of your search plan. Look for properties yourself by direct mailings, driving for dollars etc. Nobody cares more about you finding a deal than you :) Good luck!