Speaking with Property Owners

[Matthew Rogers]

I'm in the process of searching for my first 4 unit. I'm the type of person that likes too know as much information as possible so I can make the best decision possible. 

When you guys purchase investment deals do you typically try to speak to the current property owner or property manager to get a better feeling of how the property has been managed and preformed since ownership? I don't want too go over the listing agents head but at the same time the owner or property manager will have the best information from my view point.

[Corina Eufinger]

As a property manager I have been asked by prospective buyers of properties for information as well as agents. I tell them I cannot disclose any information regarding property financials without the owner's written approval to disclose/discuss items.  I have an ethical and legal obligation to make sure the property financials are kept confidential unless requested otherwise. 

As a side bar, if any property manager were to talk to you without the owner's consent, I would seriously question their ethics and most likely would replace them upon buying the property.