How do you find/vet an operational partner for real estate projects?

[Ashley Smith]

I'm working on affordable housing development projects in Missouri and Arkansas and realizing I need to bring on someone who can handle the execution side - closing deals, managing investor/lender relationships, keeping timelines moving - while I focus on strategy and development.

For those who've brought on operational partners or integrators

What worked for vetting them?

• -Did you start with a trial project or dive straight into partnership?
• -How did you assess execution ability vs. just talking a good game?
• -What red flags did you watch for in the early stages?

How did you structure it initially?

• -Commission-based trial before salary/equity?
• -Specific project to prove capability?
• -Something else?

I'm considering having candidates complete a paid trial project (closing a rental property deal) to see actual follow-through, but curious what's worked for others.

Appreciate any insights from those who've successfully built out their teams.