You are right that you want some kind of relationship started before you need the help, but if you push too hard too early, they will feel they are being dragged along and having their time wasted.

Before all the Realtors here jump down my throat, I have good relationships with 2 or 3 local Realtors that know if they help me get into a foreclosure to rehab I will list it with them on the sale end and they will be compensated.

We have identified a CPA, a real estate attorney, and are establishing relationships with real estate agents.

It’s great to be nice and have a good relationship with tenants but don’t get involved in their personal wants.

Make sure they know what you're trying to do and start building that relationship.

We also have excellent credit, good relationships with Hard Money lenders, and access to approximately 100K credit for rehabbing. 

@Michael Plaks, @Brian Schmelzlen , @Jana Cain , @Matt WardI would like a long term relationship with a CPA / Tax planner who I can bounce ideas off of throughout the year.

Wouldn’t I have to have a pre existing relationship with any new investor?

A conversation with the underwriter would be my next step to see what they would accept Depending on their relationship with stepmom, stepmom may bequeath back to those children.

Find a small private bank or credit union, it all works on relationships once you are starting to scale in my opinion, but it’s all going to come down to the type of asset it is!