Here’s how to find a broker you can trust:Ask for Referrals: Reach out to fellow investors or real estate agents for recommendations.Check Credentials: Look for brokers who are licensed and members of professional organizations, such as the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB).Review Their Track Record: Ask about their experience with real estate investment loans and request client testimonials.Interview Multiple Brokers: Prepare questions about their lender network, fees, and typical loan turnaround times.Evaluate Their Communication: Choose someone who listens to your needs and provides clear, honest advice.4.

Have you spoken with an agent or others to see if its the area?

Now more than ever, I am seeing offers required to be submitted through a portal where the listing agents want no business being involved with up front negotiations.

talk to agents. 

Do you rely on inspections, local contractors, the agent, or property managers to get eyes on it?

Syndication Reporting IssuesMissing Form 8918 for reportable transactionsInconsistent investor disclosuresRequired registrations skippedWhat Doesn't Actually Matter:(Despite What Your Uncle's CPA Says)Special AllocationsNormal promote structuresStandard waterfall provisionsTypical developer promotesReality: Unless extremely aggressive, IRS rarely caresTechnical DocumentationMinor §704(b) gapsCapital account glitchesTechnical allocation languageTruth: Unless hiding something biggerProperty Value AllocationsNormal basis step-upsTypical appreciation splitsStandard promote calculationsReal World Example:🏢 100-unit apartment complex4 partners, $5M dealDeveloper promote structure= Zero IRS interestSame Deal With Red Flags:🏢 100-unit apartment complexHidden partner arrangementsArtificial loss allocationsUnreported debt shifts= IRS AttentionPractical Protection Steps:Basic Documentation✅ Clean operating agreement✅ Economic substance✅ Partner contributions tracked(Don't need War & Peace complexity)Economic Reality✅ Allocations match economics✅ Real money movement✅ Actual partner participationClean Reporting✅ Consistent K-1s✅ Required forms filed✅ Clear communicationThe "Sleep Well" Test:Can you explain your structure to an IRS agent without sweating?

One of the worst mistakes you can make is hire an agent to do PM.

These figures are even higher than those that were used by unscrupulous local developers, master brokers and local real estate agents a few years ago to lure unsuspected foreign buyers.

We would appreciate recommendations for either insurance companies and/or agents. 

@Jacob Dalton - I have been a landlord in Chicago for 13 years and as an investor agent I have worked with 200+ investors on the north side of Chicago over the last 10 years.