Avoid using email as much as possible, beware of attachments, get any wiring instructions over the phone and verify those wiring instructions by calling the bank back at the number on their website. 

Trick that I am learning:  work on overcoming your fears, pull leads, get on the phone, talk to sellers, local brokers, other investors, other RE partners, etc. 

The question originally asked implies, that the only difference between a good investor finding a property to buy and a good agent getting a listing is in who is knowledgeable and who will put in the work.NAR says there are about 1,580,000 members in 2022 (latest I could find)80% of those do little to no transactions - that's a huge failure rate-about 1,264,000 agents suck at their job.There is no other occupation that tolerates that high of a level of failure.You have to be crazy to have a real estate agent list your house.I can’t even get agents to return phone calls.

His paperwork is a bit better and he gives his phone number and email address and is willing to hold your hand and support you.

The VAs will handle guest communications, coordinating cleaners and handyman calls, calendar management, ordering supplies, claims and resolutions, admin tasks etc. ”Unlimited” hours. 

And yes, Portugal absolutely and I'm more than happy to share what I know.Many real estate investors have connected with me about International real estate but they rarely live in Montreal so we've had to use Zoom or the phone. 

Like the car salesman/hustler who converts “ups” at a super high rate; or the guys hustling oil well participations over the phone.  

DO NOT trust what he says over the phone.

After initial phone talks and we decided that it is a good match, I informed them about my goal: I have Y amount of money and I would like to purchase houses that have 2X% (two times X, not 20+) net cap rate.

The MLS rules prevent your contact information from appearing on websites, but websites are required to show the listing broker phone number.