New from Cedar Rapids, Iowa

[Mogen Keene]

Hello,

My name is Mogen Keene, I actually live in a very small town in southeast Iowa, but due to lack of inventory my husband and I are looking to invest nearby in the Cedar Rapids area. 

We are looking to start with fix and flips (as my husband is a contractor) and then buy some rental properties. We have been working on some pre-foreclosures, but have not had any luck with them going anywhere.

I have been reading the BP articles and forums for months now and realized I might learn more if I join in!

Our New Years resolution is that we can close on our first investment property in the next few months!

Can anyone give a recommendation about whether or not to use a real estate agent when looking to invest in an area that you don't live? We live about an hour away, but are not familar with neighborhoods etc.

Thanks for the great site!