Building the right team
I'm a young soon-to-be investor in Cleveland planning on buying my first rental property in the next 10-18 months. I have a secure well paying job that'll mainly fund my real estate endeavors, I been studying real estate and I see how building a strong team is key to long-term success, especially if done right at a young age. I'd love some advice on which team members I should prioritize first, how to spot the right contractors, and more specifically how to overcome the "young & new" perception when approaching them?
Most Popular Reply
Hey Nayeen,
You’re thinking in the right direction — building your team early is huge, especially starting young. For your first rental, prioritize:
1.Real estate agent – ideally someone who knows investment properties in Cleveland and can spot good deals.
2. Lender – get pre-approved and establish a relationship with someone who understands investor financing.
3. Property manager or contractor network – even if you self-manage at first, having trusted contractors lined up saves headaches later.
To find the right contractors: ask for referrals from local investors, check reviews, and start small with one-off jobs to test reliability.
As for the “young & new” perception: come prepared, be professional, and show that you’ve done your homework. Present clear numbers, have financing in place, and respect their time. Confidence and preparation go a long way, even without years of experience.
Start with these relationships first, and your team can grow as your portfolio grows.