Getting Pre-Approved and making offers on Multi family Apartments - 4-12 units

[Will F.]

Hey gang,

So I was wondering about the process for making offers on Multi-Family apartments.

I've had experience with purchasing small office and 1-4 unit properties in past.

I was wondering what the process is for getting Pre-Approved and submitting offers for 5-15 unit apartments.

1. Do you usually get a commercial RE agent first? or do you make offers direct?

2. What is process for pre-approval, do you just go to the Big banks and get pre approved similar to small residential loans?

3. Where are some places you find deals? I've been looking at MLS and Loopnet only. Anyone make direct offers to investors or anything creative to get a deal?

4. As far as representation, do you have your agent make offers or do you go directly to the selling commercial agent? (i'm guessing a lot will pocket list and want to get duel-representation to get a larger commission? )

Thanks in advance