When to Hire a Property Manager

[Matt Rubin]

I'm planning on purchasing a rental property in the near-ish future and will most likely want to hire a property manager to take care it. Since A.) I don't have any landlord experience and B.) It will not be convenient for me to manage it myself my work schedule and lack of car. My question is when should I look for a property manager? Will they be interested in talking with me even before I have a property to manage? what is the usual process here?

Thanks!

[Ali Boone]

I agree with @Armindo Gonzalez Jr. Go ahead and reach out, mostly because a lot of PMs can sell you properties too and if you can land one of them to be your agent, you're already ahead of the game because they likely have more investor experience than your typical agent. But also, you can ask their opinions on the best areas to own rentals in. Rentability is a huge factor, and they are the best people to speak to that. Absolutely offer to pay them for their time (they may not always make you pay them, but at least offer) since you aren't a current client. But it'd be great to develop a relationship with a good one and have him with you through the whole process.