And it's actually scary that he controls the acquisition and rehab part of the process.

An agent will significantly help you through the offer process.

As a company we are considering a third party that offers virtual/face time walk thru's where human engagement occurs from the first phone call, until 11pm, weekends, holidays included- where the prospective tenant is loosely (virtually) tethered all the way through showings, feedback, follow ups and ultimately application process.

@Miki SheinaizenI recommend finding local meetups to attend. https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521I have found all of my best connections at local meetups.For your BRRRR strategy, partnering with a local property manager and connecting with contractors early on can help streamline your rehab process, especially if you’re not local.

It went through this process myself and found that it was much easier for me to start my investing career after.

Optionality is a good thing and gets overlooked often. 

It enables me to market properties effectively while also managing application screenings, processing monthly payments, and accepting maintenance work orders.

It could be something that I overlooked.

Operated on a fiduciary capacityin other words if the above was done and the investment still went south, then that’s just x% outcome (risk) occurring, and a natural part of the investment process.  

You’re thought process is good, BUT, if your market timing is incorrect, or the specific property you purchase lacks tenant demand, you can get stuck with an “alligator” for a long time.