I noticed when looking at the local tax assessor that my name (purchaser) was listed as 50% while someone else was listed as the other 50%.

=> I would get a local lawyer spun up on the situation when the investor is ready to go.

@Dionne Ladson The proof of the pudding is in the eating.True private money (e.g. a high-net worth at your local REIA) is going to be more flexible, but make you vet them before diving into a borrowing relationship.

We worked with a realtor that sent out auto-mailers from our local MLS.

@Cleiton LevinskiThe best way to find mentors in your area is to attend local meetups.

As you get ready to start investing I'd encourage you to connect with a local agent in the area that you are looking to invest and they can connect you with other professionals you'll need like a good lender, insurance person, property manager, etc...

That's where crunching numbers and making connections with the locals come in.

Call a local commercial real estate broker and get a Broker's Opinion of Value, or ask for current cap rates based on the Class of property.

If you go online to Otis, Schindler, or Thyssen Krupp you should be able to find the number of a local rep who can give you a solid ballpark number for your area.

Houston house hacking lets you be hands-on, live in your investment, and know your local area, but it might not make as much money and can be a bit competitive.