BiggerPockets

Assembling Your Real Estate Investing Team

There are several important things you need to be successful in real estate, one of which is a great team. I'm going to talk briefly about who should be on the winning team:

1. Your Mentor - every successful entrepreneur needs a good mentor. A guide. By training under the watchful eye of one smarter then us, we can only get smarter. Start at your local investment club.

2. Mortgage Broker - you want someone who has the experience of working with other investors. They need to be creative and smart!

3. Real Estate Attorney - it is really important to have someone on the team who can go through contracts, and who knows the legalities of all your moves.

4. Escrow Officer or Title Rep - having a good one on the team helps to close deals that much quicker. You always want people looking out for YOUR interests.

5. Accountant - Preferably a CPA (Certified Public Accountant). Your numbers guy should also be well aware of the ins and outs of real estate. Come tax time, this is the man to help you through the write-offs!

6. Insurance Agent - It is always better having an insurance rep that is looking out for you when things hit the fan.

7. Contractor - The good contractor seems like the hardest one to find, but can often make or break your profit margin. You want someone who gets things done on time and under budget!

8. Supportive Family & Friends - Having the support and backing of loved ones is important in any endeavor.

Other Optional Team Members:

8. Realtor - someone keeping an eye out for you
9. Property Manager - someone to watch over your investments
10. Great Handyman - Someone to take care of the little things that come up on a daily basis.

Assembling the team will not happen overnight, but once together, they will give you the backing and help you'll need to make your real estate investing dreams come true. If there are any other team members you use, please tell us about them!

Comments

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  Account Closed — almost 5 years ago

  If you are a busy professional, assembling a real estate investing team is a must! They have the know how, time and experience that sometimes the investor does not. Plus, how important is your time? The opportunity cost of time vs. doing it yourself is a big question you must ask yourself.

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  Joshua Dorkin — almost 5 years ago

  Thanks for the comments, Denton.

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  Craigly J — over 4 years ago

  Is an Escrow Officer or Title Rep what I've often heard others refer to as a Closing Agent with a title company?

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  Mark Davis — over 4 years ago

  They would be essentially the same thing, Craig.

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  Will Barnard — over 4 years ago

  Great list. I would add to it an alternative lending source (either HML or private investor) Access to funds is much more important than the cost of the funds.

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  Tim Taggett — over 4 years ago

  I maybe partially bias here but you put Realtor as an optional team member. Personally I think the right one can make a lot of difference and the best part, it is a free education when buying. In fact personally I believe if you get the right Agent you will work 1/2 the amount of hours trying to get your properties. Just make sure it is not a Realtor whose clients are mostly regular buyers and sellers because most of them have no clue how an investor needs, should and does think. Great Article Josh!

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  Kyle C. — about 3 years ago

  Hey Josh, Great article! I think all of these people are extremely important, but how does one go about finding these intricate people?!?! In my case, I am young with not much cash, how do you convince someone to be on your team and devote resources to my success?

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  Joshua Dorkin — about 3 years ago

  Great Addition, Will! Thanks, Tim! Kyle - You can find them all right here on BP. I'd start by filling in your profile with your background and needs. I'd then start participating on the forums and blogs. Get out there and be visible. If you're looking for someone in particular, post your needs in the SEEKING MENTORS forum, and you'll likely get some responses.

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  N/A N/A — almost 2 years ago

  Thanks Josh,again you are always on point.I am just returning after some serious health issues.I am starting from square one and BP continues to be more important than ever.The expertise on the forum is by far the best in the business.The willingness and direction is testimony to some of the greatest people i have met.Start here, open hearts and hands are waiting

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  Lilia Russell — 10 months ago

  Hello Josh. Thank you for sharing. I am new in Las Vegas and would love to connbect with active investors in the area. Some recommnendations? Thank you much Lilia

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  Joshua Dorkin — 10 months ago

  Lila - Jump on the forums and use the site's search functions to help you locate other investors wherever you're looking. Good luck.