Hey @Kieler Stubbs!
Personally, I would recommend finding an agent first. They typically have a lender that they have a close relationship with and know how they work. This will simplify the process as the agent and the lender will already be in communication and will know what step of the home buying process you are in at all times, making the whole process smoother and quicker for you as the home buyer.
You should always shop around outside the agent's lender, and see how their rates compare, but typically for ease of the transaction, it's nice to go with a recommended lender.
I agree with @Stuart Grazier that finding an agent that shares your values and understands your goals is the most important thing to look for. Having a residential agent work with you on a house hack may not be the best option, while they know the market, and know-how to walk through a house they won't understand the rental markets, occupancy limits, how to maximize a home for rent by the room, and how it will work after you move out (as most single-family homes don't cashflow as single-family rentals). They should also be able to work with you to understand what part of the house hacking spectrum suits your needs since there are so many different avenues to take!
I would also focus on finding an agent that you enjoy to work with, while everyone wants to work with the best, it will be better and nicer to find someone that you get along with and truly like working with. If you don't enjoy spending the weekends touring properties with them, or talking with them, then it will hinder both of your progress.
Lastly, I would find an agent that is there for more than just closing a deal with you. Someone who isn't just out for that paycheck, and will tell you if a deal isn't worth it. They should care about fostering and mentoring you as an investor, and helping even beyond your deal has closed, and be able to provide you resources and contacts so you aren't struggling to get off the ground on that first property.
It isn't as important to find the best agent, it's about finding the agent that works for you. And if you are serious about investing you will want to have one that you enjoy working with, as you will most likely keep them around for a long time, and they will be the centerpiece for your team, and will usually have all other players in their back pocket (Lenders, Contractors, property managers, and so on). This is the main reason I say to find an agent first, as they will usually have already done the searching for all the other players for you.
Sorry for the lengthy post, and I wish you the best of luck! You will never regret house hacking here in Denver!
