I use Zillow (and its network) exclusively now and have not had any issues finding tenants.

Network for collaboration, learn from successful investors, and discuss ROI and financing techniques for meaningful conversations with Houston investors.Good Luck!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

You might also consider using the BiggerPockets Pro tools to analyze specific properties and connect with investors who have experience in those regions.Additionally, networking locally through real estate meetups or investor groups in your target area can be invaluable.

With a trusted team, you might avoid delays or unexpected costs.Advice: If you lean toward BRRRR, build a solid local network.

Right now, focus on learning, networking, and landing your first deal.

The majority of buyers appreciate the expertise that a good agent provides (local market knowledge that can only be gained by being active in the market buying and selling all the time, looking at most of the new listings in person or at least online daily, a background in or at least understanding of building construction, relationships within the network of professionals in the industry doing deals, vendor referrals, legal protection through E&O insurance and keeping up with constant changes in approved contracts and required disclosures and forms, negotiating skills (the average person is terrible at negotiating directly and has no desire to, I find Americans are uniquely averse to negotiating and prefer to outsource it but I digress), etc.).

I also get a TON of off-market, fully furnished STR listings through my network here, which can be lifechanging deals.

Then as you mentioned-- from there, I would network to absolutely find him a few mentors that would allow him to just shadow him.

Hi!  I'm in the Detroit area and have completed a few flips, but now looking to make more a business, not a hobby.  We have HML's and cash to buy homes.  We'll be progressing into Brrr's, multi-family, etc.