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.

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.  

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

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

Consult a real estate CPA or tax attorney to assess if the benefits outweigh the fees and risks for your situation, and consider alternatives like 1031 exchanges or installment sales for simpler strategies.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

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

A balanced approach, combining financing with a cash reserve for stability, maximizes tax efficiency, inflation protection, and aligns with your goal of retiring sooner.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

Many investors do this and don’t see issues, but it’s best to proceed carefully and know there’s some risk.You don’t necessarily have to inform the lender, but it's wise to consult a real estate attorney or CPA to guide the process and minimize risk.

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.).