As far as lenders and agents, if the lender refers an agent to me do I have to use that agent or can I use a completely different agent then the one the lender tells me about?

@Scott Mac When you say sole proprietor are you referring to owning real estate in your name or as a single member LLC?

No one has more "skin in the game" than a PMC as they have to deal with the property every day until an owner sells or fires them.Also recommend finding your own Inspector and not one referred by an agent.

I invest here in Columbus, Ohio and I can help refer you the CORE 4 that you need: Agent, PM, Contractor, and Attorney.

This will allow you give a reference point on how much potential rent you can receive.

If it's a Mainstream bank like WF, BofA, Chase they'll likely be most worthwhile on a plain vanilla primary purchase, and provide a good frame of reference as you shop for mortgage options.

Which is why I've always referred to qualified buyers, and the agent can insist on a documented relationship (as a lawyer, I'm big on documentation) after the potential buyer is qualified.

@Terra Padgett most "gurus" are referring to either:1) Class A properties & tenants - which perform very well2) Portfolios of at least 10, if not, 20+ properties.

Even then most refuse and refer you to heir lawyers.

This LeasingToBuy course, as well as his seminars, are a complete ripoff and waste of time.....Lease options more than 180 days are also illegal in TX (AND OTHER STATES) as are the "sandwich contracts' that he repeatedly refers to.