There’s a lot of competition in Portland so it was hard at first and we did not get properties as quickly as we projected to but once we got going, referrals and word of mouth helped us a lot.

.- If we use an RIA (registered investment advisor) it adds a layer of insulation if we were to get sued but it also adds a "mouth to feed".

Or is that just through word of mouth / talking to the agent?

He would hire people he would network with from other countries that were nurses, where a 50,000 dollar salary here to bring back to their families was a multitude of money in their home country, and how the Folks living in the Assisted Living Home were much happier to be in an actual house, with a nice yard, and only a few people instead of hundreds.

You'll never successfully ask someone out if the first words out of your mouth are, "will you be my girlfriend?"

Prices are rising so that won't last forever, but it is there.Big difference - 1) The police respond and are active in enforcing laws to protect your tenants and homes2)  The schools are much better3)  The crime is MUCH lower  4)  You will be happier with your property manager5)  The homes will actually sell to end buyers, not just out of state investors.6)  People pay taxes and water bills in every city other then Detroit nearly all of the timeCan you make a HUGE return in Detroit! 

I was hoping to find someone via word of mouth and experience working with a specific company.

And my favorite ex wife's boyfriend sells used cars....he puts up with her, we shouldn't bad mouth him either.

Is it possible sure but as mike Tyson says “ everyone goes in with a plan till they get punched in the mouth “ 

It could be his mouth has overloaded his back.