Should I find the agent first or general contractor?

[Bhagya Saha]

This will be our first investment property and we are looking for a property which can be converted into duplex from a single family home. Should we find an agent first, who can help us identify these properties and can get us these properties in competitive market or should we start looking into these properties with a general contractor who can help us figure out how much work/flipping cost will be required?

[Dave Kush]

I would recommend locating a good agent first.  They often know the contractors.