How to find Contacts out of State

[Ryan Gross]

Hey guys, 

I am looking to connect with a agent/broker in the South West corner of Ohio that deals with Multifamily. I'm going to have some 1031 funds here shortly and would like begin researching the area to be prepared. 

I'm looking for properties under the 3 million mark and I feel like I am in a gray area between working with an agent or a broker. I was hoping to get some opinions on which I need to be reaching out to and how the best way to do that is. 

Thanks for your input!