I have solid property management in place with my portfolio so the time commitment is minimal but it still takes up space in my brain.

I think alleging fake it to you make it just hugely rampant in the MF syndication space..

Leverage your existing equity to invest in smaller properties, such as a mixed-use or retail space, to gain experience and cash flow.

Figure out a question set that helps dive into their expertise as investor-friendly agents, ask about their experience in the investment real estate space, and have them send you a few properties that could meet your goals to show that they can provide quality properties for your to analyze (hint: this is also good to see if they overpromised on their market [ex - Raleigh for cash flow]).Also with the new lawsuit, any agent that knows what they're doing will require you to sign an agency agreement prior to viewing a home.

Your best bet is to ask for referrals from professionals in the space: realtors, other investors, this forum, FB groups, etc.

.Keep in mind that most illegals are / were given free housing in hotels, group homes and many families living in the same space.

How big is the space they are renting? 

I see you are in the State of Georgia and it is a great place to invest.I’ve been in this space for a long time, coaching and investing, and I love helping people get started.

I found what seemed to be a great property with a house for an STR and other space that I could expand for camping/RV sites and a barn that could be converted into a venue for events. 

When I got into the STR space in 2015, I needed my daughter to be available on a full ti e basis as PM.