Best practices consulting with a PM/Co-Host when I don't have a property yet

[Thu Pham]

Hi community, I'm in the process of acquiring my first STR property in Joshua Tree and have met with a co-host that I really liked. I'd love to utilize their expertise when assessing a property since they are local but I'm not sure what the general expectation is when I don't have a tangible property and I have not entered into contract to work with them yet.

Some questions I have are: local regulations/permitting timeline, property's potential from their perspective, landscaping/amenities cost estimate (they also help facilitate this). Should I offer to pay them for their consultation, or are these types of questions common as part of the PM vetting process and is a "courtesy service"?

Any and all advice are welcome as this is my first time working with a PM/co-host. Thank you in advance!