Building a team around West Michigan

[Shannon Stoneback]

Hey everyone,

After months of analysis paralysis, I'm finally pulling the trigger on my first Michigan tax foreclosure auctions this August. Figured it was time to stop reading threads and start writing one.

I'm targeting properties across Barry County (Aug 5), Ionia County (Aug 7), Kent County (Aug 26), and Ottawa County (Aug 26). I've spent a lot of time going through the parcels — reading CIS comments, comparing SEVs to minimum bids, looking at satellite imagery, identifying the ones that are actually worth pursuing. I've got a short list and capital ready. Mix of occupied homes and vacant land.

Now I'm at the part where I need actual boots on the ground.

Looking for:

• Realtor — Someone in the GR metro / West Michigan area who works with investors. I need help validating ARVs and will need someone to list properties post-acquisition. Bonus points if you know Hastings, Middleville, Grandville, Rockford, Zeeland, or Hudsonville well.
• Attorney — Someone who's handled Michigan tax foreclosure purchases before. Thinking title clearing, quiet title, eviction if needed.

Questions for those who've been through this:

1. How competitive are Kent/Ottawa auctions compared to the more rural counties? Am I going to be in a bidding war, or do some of these actually go near minimum?
2. Quiet title — are you using tax title services or another company? 
3. For occupied properties — has Cash for Keys worked for you in West Michigan, or do you usually end up going the formal eviction route?
4. Any realtor or attorney recommendations in the GR or Hastings area?

Planning to start with 1-2 properties, figure out what I don't know, and build from there. Would love to connect with anyone who's active in these counties or has been through a Michigan tax auction before.

Appreciate the help.