Tips on finding a RE Agent, moving across country, knowing nobody

[Kevin M.]

OK so I am going to slow things down a bit here.

We are not talking about some $1.2m syndication deal with 400 units and $500k/m cashflow. 

I am looking for a future investment property as my company is planning on relocating me across country to either Texas or a satellite office in Florida and I want to get advice on going about finding a great Real Estate Agent? I do not know anyone in these areas. I have no relatives/friends in these areas. All the people I work with currently rent and have no Real Estate knowledge. I am unfamiliar with the areas besides Google and even with crime maps nothing replaces actually walking the streets. Weather is also a concern as homes usually do not float.

I am trying to avoid the Broker/Agent to be so hungry they'll sell me anything. I also will be actually living in the unit for at least a year before renting it. So I want it to be fairly nice. Nice condition, nice neighborhood. Maybe some amenities.

We are talking about a Townhome situation. 

Has anyone ever picked up and moved across country to an unfamiliar area using your bank's lender and a found Broker? (How did you find the broker?) And maybe there might even be someone who has been successful and maybe even done it sight unseen? How many times did you visit the property. How did your inspection go and how did you find the inspector? Did you have to visit the area several times or did you live in your car for 30 days while you scouted out the area?

I want the good and the bad. Successes and even horrible failures.

Has anyone done a Skype walkthrough? How willing are Agents to help with this type of situation?

What types of characteristics and knowledge did you look for in your Realtor? What kind of verification/vetting did you perform?

I know there are "relocation experts" but someone passing a 60 question quiz doesn't seem like much of a guarantee they are any good.

How did you find them? How did you verify they were any good? What type of outcome did you have? Did you pay too much? Did your home end up in Tornado alley, in the swamp or in a storm surge area that washed your precious family and all your worldly belongings away?

Where would be a good place to start? What leverage could you use to ensure your agent would be looking out for your best interest and not conspiring with locals just to make a sale. Or not getting you the best price because their 3% would be less. Are there ways to counteract this type of situation and still have the Agent and yourself come out on top? (A mortgage amount lasts 30 years, a 3% payment is a one time payment.)

What are some due diligence steps?

What are some best practices?

A little background on me. I am single, 40s, no family, no children, just me and my junk. Looking for a livable Townhome. Looking in the max. $160k, HOA under $500 (preferably under $350), Rental clause after one year with no option to change in the future, 2 floors, 2+ bedroom, No dog size restriction.

Any words of wisdom are greatly valued and thank you in advance.