How to find a commercial real estate agent/broker?

[Rebecca G.]

Hello All, 

Question for the forum: How do you find a good commercial real estate realtor/broker in any market? Especially those who have deep connections in the market that will potentially pass your off-market deals before it hits internet. 

Our situation is: My husband and I have invested in residential properties and syndications, and now we really want to move into owning small multi-family/commercial properties. The hardest part we found is not analyzing a property or understanding the terms, but to find a realtor/agent that helps us breakthrough, given the CRE circle has its own world and connections, and they are not as open-ended as residential realtors. We tried to reach out a few firms in the market that we desire, but coming from nowhere made us sound unreliable even though we're totally real investors.

Appreciate your thoughts and answers!

Rebecca