Hi, I'm a Broker in MA with just one agent in the company (my admin).

If there were ever a time to shop multiple carriers and even multiple agents (if necessary), that time is now. 

These can be great for making initial connections and learning about specific markets.Since you're thinking long-term, consider spending some time in your target markets to build relationships with agents, property managers, and contractors.

While it will likely give you more confidence and answer a lot of questions, I would say that talking to a seasoned investor, or even agent that works with investors, is a way better idea than spending 8K on something that you don't know too much about, especially before your first deal is done.

I am BP's Premiere Featured Agent for the WMass area.

Quote from @Jonathan Grzeszczyk: David Greene has a series (Sold, Skilled, Scale) that teaches agents how to run their business like a business.

I would start speaking with residential / commercial agents and property management companies close by and get a feeling if something closer by will meet your criteria.

I pitched her even getting a real estate agent license to contribute to the venture as she used to sell new construction when she first started out in sales.Ultimately, you are asking them to put a huge amount of trust in you and go along with making a large financial commitment with you.

One of my friend happens to be a RE agent, landlord and a property manager himself and he seems to feel that as long as she pays rent on time and does not create nuisance, not to worry much and just keep do a quarterly property inspection.

The best deals I find are usually due to agent negligence of the area and a very poor listing presentation.