First time buyer - what to look for in an agent

Madison, Wisconsin
Buying & Selling Real Estate
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First time buyer - what to look for in an agent

Jesil PujaraPro Member
Member since 2026 · 2 posts · 3 votes

Hello, I am looking to acquire a long term rental property and looking for an agent to find the “right” property. Any recommendations on what qualities makes an agent a “good” agent to help with this?

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Janice Carter
Real Estate Broker · Atlanta · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 605 votes
8mo

Jesil, a good investor-friendly agent understands how deals are evaluated, not just how to write offers. Look for someone who can discuss rents, expenses, cash flow and rehab risk and who is comfortable walking properties, flagging red flags and moving quickly. Local market knowledge, honest feedback even when it kills a deal and experience working with investors matter far more than flashy marketing. 

The right agent helps you avoid bad deals as much as they help you find good ones.

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  • Chris Berry
    Investor · Center Moriches, NY · Member since 2016 · 86 posts · 32 votes
    8mo

    Congrats on wanting to get started!  You could start with agent finder here on the platform.  Just put in your zip code and it will provide investor friendly agents.  That would be a good place to start.  Possibly also see if you have any meetups in your area where you can talk to other investors and try to get recommendations on who they use.  That can also be found on the platform by zip codes.  Another option you could do is look thru Zillow for listings in your area of houses that look like they have just been flipped.  Look for a agents that is listing it that you see consistently a number of properties.  You could also look up a title company in your area and give them a call.  Ask if they know of any agents that they see all the time on closings of investment properties.  Let me know if you need any more help.

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  • Rick Albert
    Real Estate Agent · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    8mo

    There are a couple of things that I have looked for in agents when I invest out of state and when clients hire me:

    1. They invest themselves, whether locally or out of state.

    2. Someone who has done a similar track to what you want. For example I work with a lot of house hackers because that's how I got started.

    3. Thinks outside the box and understand credits versus price reductions, buying down the rate versus raising the rate, etc.

    4. Has some idea of construction.

    5. One thing I pride myself on is I'm a smart a$$, not a know it all. If I don't know the answer, I'll find it.

    6. Has access to off market deals through networking with other agents.

    7. Has an understanding of local rental laws.

    Make sure you ask open ended questions. If you ask "yes" or "no" questions, they are likely going to tell you want to hear. Ask questions such as "when have you negotiated a large credit for a client?" or "What are your investing goals?"

    0Reply
  • Jimmy LieuBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    8mo
    Quote from @Jesil Pujara:

    Hello, I am looking to acquire a long term rental property and looking for an agent to find the “right” property. Any recommendations on what qualities makes an agent a “good” agent to help with this?

    Hi Jesil, great question and welcome to BP. For a long-term rental, a good agent is someone who actually understands investing, not just buying homes to live in, so they should be comfortable talking cash flow, rents, expenses, and long-term upside, not just list price and comps. You want someone who knows the local rental neighborhoods well, can explain why one area rents better than another, and is honest if a deal doesn’t make sense instead of trying to push you into something. Responsiveness, clear communication, and having a solid local network like property managers, inspectors, and contractors also matters a lot, especially if you’re buying out of state. This is why a lot of investors I talk to end up looking at Columbus Ohio, since agents here tend to be very investor-focused and the market itself still allows you to find $120k–$180k properties that hit the 1% rule with strong cash flow, while the macroeconomics are on fire with population growth, job growth, and big companies like Intel, Amazon, Google, Honda, Microsoft, and LG expanding here, which adds serious long-term appreciation potential. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

    [email protected]614-300-7535
    Jimmy Lieu, Red 1 Realty4.9120 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
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  • Arman AhmedPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2024 · 2k+ posts · 923 votes
    8mo

    @Jesil Pujara

    Great question. A good investment agent thinks in numbers first, not emotions. They should be honest about cash flow, rents, and risk, know which neighborhoods actually perform (not just look nice), and be willing to tell you “this deal doesn’t work.” The best ones work with investors regularly, understand long-term rentals, and have a solid local network of property managers, contractors, and lenders so you’re not figuring everything out alone.

    [email protected]614-418-6081
    0Reply
  • Remington LymanBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    8mo
    Quote from @Jesil Pujara:

    Hello, I am looking to acquire a long term rental property and looking for an agent to find the “right” property. Any recommendations on what qualities makes an agent a “good” agent to help with this?


     I would work with an agent who has experience working with investors. The BP forums have a find an agent tool you can use

    [email protected]614-541-8475Podcast Guest on Show My Job Laid Me Off, So I Replaced My Salary with Rentals
    Reafco512 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
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  • Jules Aton
    MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    8mo

    Someone who is an investor themself. I want mine able to guestimate reno costs, know the area history, rental and resale climate. 

    0Reply
  • Aleksandra Chomicz - Groten
    Member since 2025 · 8 posts · 3 votes
    8mo

    Hi! Agent here, make sure they understand the numbers, strategies and won't be bothered by lowball offers. There are lots of agents that will get offended by making them send lowball papers. 
    True investor friendly agent doesn't care. We do what's best for our clients, we don't get upset when submitting lowballs or when they are rejected. If the numbers don't work, it's not worth to pursue, onto the next one! 
    Zero emotions, pure business.

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    • Jules Aton
      MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
      8mo
      Quote from @Aleksandra Chomicz - Groten:

      Hi! Agent here, make sure they understand the numbers, strategies and won't be bothered by lowball offers. There are lots of agents that will get offended by making them send lowball papers. 
      True investor friendly agent doesn't care. We do what's best for our clients, we don't get upset when submitting lowballs or when they are rejected. If the numbers don't work, it's not worth to pursue, onto the next one! 
      Zero emotions, pure business.

      This would be an interesting thread on its own. As a buyer I don’t want to waste anyone’s time including my own with ridiculous offers. I am appreciative when my trusted agent is honest if my expectations are unrealistic. Reputations and collegiality are extremely valuable in the areas where I have invested. As a seller if there are multiple offers I consider the delivery as well as which agent is reasonable to work with. 
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    • Aleksandra Chomicz - Groten
      Member since 2025 · 8 posts · 3 votes
      8mo

      @Jules Aton We must define what is ridiculous. Asking 400k below asking is ridiculous. But in my highly priced market I've secured my investors deals up to 100k below asking price, simply because we asked and negotiated. It's not about dishonesty or lack of reputation, it's about knowing the market and run reasonable numbers. I saw deals being done 250k below asking. If anyone wants to mention the reputation, it's the reputation of agents that are "too reputable and offended by asking to submit lowball offers" are the ones that lose for their clients lots of capital.

      0Reply
  • Janice Carter
    Real Estate Broker · Atlanta · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 605 votes
    8mo

    Jesil, a good investor-friendly agent understands how deals are evaluated, not just how to write offers. Look for someone who can discuss rents, expenses, cash flow and rehab risk and who is comfortable walking properties, flagging red flags and moving quickly. Local market knowledge, honest feedback even when it kills a deal and experience working with investors matter far more than flashy marketing. 

    The right agent helps you avoid bad deals as much as they help you find good ones.

    1Reply
  • Sam McCormackBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Cincinnati, OH/NKY · Member since 2021 · 1k+ posts · 833 votes
    8mo
    Quote from @Jesil Pujara:

    Hello, I am looking to acquire a long term rental property and looking for an agent to find the “right” property. Any recommendations on what qualities makes an agent a “good” agent to help with this?


     Not someone who tries to sell you on a market that you aren't interested or show interest in buying. There is a difference in guidance and education, and then an agent that is only seeing you as a number in a pipeline and not personal, like Mr. AI response Jimmy L. Find an agent with good market knowledge and investor focused! Big difference in an everyday agent and an investor focused agent

    [email protected]859-443-4952
    Sam McCormack Realtor
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