New Investor / Out of state / Build a Team

Greensboro, North Carolina
General Real Estate Investing
1wFollow

New Investor / Out of state / Build a Team

AJ LongoPro Member
Member since 2025 · 13 posts · 19 votes

Hey all, I am a new investor looking in some NC areas. Anyone up for a new adventure?! I’m seeking out some team members to start this journey and make it successful. I’d love to hear from agents, investors, brokers and even some knowledgeable handy people from the area that could spot those big house problems before they come up down the road!

4Reply
983 views

Most Popular Reply

Jimmy Samaha
Staten Island, NY · Member since 2013 · 125 posts · 59 votes
1w

Welcome AJ. I'd build it in a specific order. Pick the town first, then the agent, because a good agent in that town already knows the inspectors, contractors, and property managers who actually show up.

When you talk to agents, ask how many investor deals they closed in the last year and ask them to send you two rentals that sold recently along with what each one rents for. If they can walk you through the numbers on those without looking everything up, that's probably your person.

For spotting the big problems, a good home inspector plus a sewer scope covers most of it. Roof age, the electrical panel, HVAC age, the water heater, and any foundation cracks are the things that turn a 200 a month cash flow deal into a loss. I'd also have a contractor walk it during your inspection period, even if you have to pay them 150 or 200 for the visit. That's cheap compared to finding a 12k problem after closing.

3Reply
See this reply in the discussion

19 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Elijah RodriguezPro Member
    Investor · Waxahachie, TX · Member since 2025 · 15 posts · 8 votes
    1w

    Hey AJ, im also a new investor. I hope you find the team you're looking for and I wish you luck on your journey. Dont hesistate to reach out.

    1Reply
  • Jill Rhodes
    York, SC · Member since 2026 · 25 posts · 6 votes
    1w

    Hi AJ. I'm a new investor as well. I live outside of the Charlotte, NC area. Wishing you luck and success. Don't hesitate to reach out.

    1Reply
  • Jimmy Samaha
    Staten Island, NY · Member since 2013 · 125 posts · 59 votes
    1w

    Welcome AJ. I'd build it in a specific order. Pick the town first, then the agent, because a good agent in that town already knows the inspectors, contractors, and property managers who actually show up.

    When you talk to agents, ask how many investor deals they closed in the last year and ask them to send you two rentals that sold recently along with what each one rents for. If they can walk you through the numbers on those without looking everything up, that's probably your person.

    For spotting the big problems, a good home inspector plus a sewer scope covers most of it. Roof age, the electrical panel, HVAC age, the water heater, and any foundation cracks are the things that turn a 200 a month cash flow deal into a loss. I'd also have a contractor walk it during your inspection period, even if you have to pay them 150 or 200 for the visit. That's cheap compared to finding a 12k problem after closing.

    3Reply
    • AJ LongoPro Member
      OP
      Member since 2025 · 13 posts · 19 votes
      1w

      Thank you so much for the advise that’s solid and put in such a great way it gives me a better idea of where to really start! what’s your stance on going to visit yourself vs putting all the trust in not physically being present?

      0Reply
  • Brandon Buhl
    Washington State · Member since 2026 · 21 posts · 3 votes
    1w

    AJ Longo — Welcome to the platform! The Triad market in North Carolina (especially Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point) is a fantastic footprint for out-of-state investors. Compared to higher-priced coastal metros, Greensboro offers much better entry points and cap rate room for cash flow and BRRRR plays.

    Being based out of state, the two biggest bottlenecks you'll face aren't just finding contractor/agent partners—they come down to deal execution speed and out-of-state capital qualification:

    1. Local Underwriting Reality: Greensboro is moving toward a more balanced market with inventory giving buyers negotiation leverage. When putting in offers on value-add or distressed inventory, having pre-vetted non-bank capital or proof of funds in hand is what allows out-of-state offers to compete with local cash buyers.

    2. Structuring for Scale: If you plan on buying rentals long-term, make sure your capital stack is set up from Day 1 for smooth transitions into DSCR debt (which qualifies on the property's rental income rather than personal W-2s, allowing out-of-state investors to scale without hitches).

    As a capital advisor operating nationwide, we constantly help out-of-state operators structure their bridge, flip, and DSCR financing to ensure their draw schedules and acquisition timelines run smoothly.

    📩 If you ever need to stress-test your numbers on a Greensboro deal or check DSCR coverage before making an offer, feel free to send me a Direct Message! Best of luck assembling the team!

    0Reply
  • Divin KanyamaBusiness Member
    Accountant · Seattle, WA · Member since 2025 · 600 posts · 252 votes
    1w

    Welcome, @AJ Longo ! Building a reliable local team early can save a new investor a lot of time and expensive mistakes. You may get better responses if you share the specific NC markets you’re considering, your strategy—rentals, flips, or small multifamily—and what kind of help you need first.

    I’d look for an investor-friendly agent, lender or broker, licensed inspector, real-estate attorney, insurance contact, and dependable general contractor or handyman. For anyone evaluating major property issues, make sure they understand foundations, drainage, roofs, HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, permits, and local building practices.

    Take time to vet people before calling them your “team.” Check licenses and insurance where applicable, ask for recent investor references, review past work, and start with a small assignment before trusting someone with a major project or funds. Clear expectations about responsibilities, communication, fees, and decision-making will also prevent problems later.

    If you post your target cities and investment criteria, local members will have a much easier time deciding whether they’re a good fit. Best of luck getting started!

    [email protected]
    WEMBO CPA532 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
    • AJ LongoPro Member
      OP
      Member since 2025 · 13 posts · 19 votes
      1w

      wow thank you so much I’m going to be taking this all into great consideration!!

      0Reply
  • Stacy RaskinBusiness Member
    Lender · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 521 votes
    1w

    For non owner occupied rentals, there are DSCR loan programs that can help with purchases and refinances. Real estate investors like the loan programs as they have generally less paperwork than conventional loans and don't consider personal income or debt to income (DTI) ratios so they can often help investors to scale faster. If working with an experienced mortgage broker that specializes in DSCR loans, that can help to find programs with more favorable terms for the investor. DSCR loans are structured on the actual or projected rents and borrower's credit score. Happy to connect to discuss further.

    [email protected]818-770-0340
    Bright Skyline518 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Matthew MorrowBusiness Member
    Investor · PA - NY - NJ · Member since 2019 · 884 posts · 311 votes
    1w

    @AJ Longo Jimmy's right about picking the town first. Once you have it, I'd line up a contractor and an inspector early, because they're the ones who catch the big problems before you close. Buried capex is what ruins your day, so trust but verify. Sewer scopes and septic inspections are, hands down, the ones not to skip. A good local agent can usually point you to the rest of the team. Looking forward to following your progress.

    [email protected]484-791-6200
    CORE Team | Realty ONE Group Supreme548 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
    • AJ LongoPro Member
      OP
      Member since 2025 · 13 posts · 19 votes
      1w

      thank you for the advice and encouragement Matthew!

      0Reply
  • Nicholas L.Pro Member
    Flipper/Rehabber · Pittsburgh · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    1w

    @AJ Longo

    hello. OOS investing is overrated. can you house hack instead?

    0Reply
  • Jim SternBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · ATLANTA Metro and Surrounding Counties · Member since 2025 · 31 posts · 12 votes
    1w

    Hey AJ,

    One thing I’d add: call two or three property managers in your target town before you lock in an agent. Ask what a typical 3/2 rents for, how long it sits vacant, and what turnover costs. Then ask which agents send them clients who actually close. PMs see who sells investors good deals and who sells them headaches. When you interview agents, ask them to walk you through a deal they told a client to pass on, and why. An agent who’ll talk you out of a bad deal is worth more than one who finds you ten. Once you pick a town, post it here and you’ll get much more specific help.

    678-369-3793
    Atlanta's Investor Friendly Team533 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
    • AJ LongoPro Member
      OP
      Member since 2025 · 13 posts · 19 votes
      1w

      I was always curious about “interviewing” people that are essentially working not just with you but for you. Definitely some good things to consider and questions for me to work off of thank you Jim!

      0Reply
  • Aaron Zucker
    Realtor · New York, NY · Member since 2019 · 71 posts · 28 votes
    1w

    AJ, a couple of things from someone who works with out-of-state buyers:

    First, NC-specific and important: North Carolina contracts use a due diligence fee, paid directly to the seller and generally non-refundable, in exchange for your inspection period. That is different from earnest money in most states, and it surprises every out-of-state buyer the first time. Make sure your agent and closing attorney walk you through how much is typical in Greensboro before you write your first offer, because that money is at risk from day one.

    Second, do not let your agent be your only set of eyes. Your agent gets paid when you close, so pay an inspector or a trusted handyman separately to walk anything you are serious about before you offer, and get their honest list, not the sales version. On video tours, ask for the unglamorous stuff: inside the crawlspace or basement, the panel, under sinks, the street in both directions.

    Third, before you offer on anything, ask your property manager one question in writing: "Would you manage this house, and what would it actually rent for?" Managers inherit your problems, so they will tell you the truth about a street or a house that an agent might gloss over. If two managers pass on managing it, you pass too.

    And make one trip before your first purchase. Meet the team, drive your target neighborhoods at night and on weekends, and sit in the houses. It is the cheapest diligence you will ever buy.

    1Reply
  • Jimmy Samaha
    Staten Island, NY · Member since 2013 · 125 posts · 59 votes
    1w

    AJ, I'd go at least once before you buy the first one. Drive the neighborhoods at night and on a Saturday, meet your agent and property manager face to face, and walk a few houses so you know what a good one and a bad one look like in that market.

    After that you can lean on video walkthroughs and an inspector you trust for the next ones. Most of the people I've seen get burned out of state never set foot there before closing.

    0Reply
  • Terrance ClarkPro Member
    Real Estate Professional · Hickory, NC · Member since 2016 · 175 posts · 47 votes
    1w

    AJ, welcome to NC!

    One thing I’d encourage before assembling your team is getting clear on what you’re actually looking to acquire.

    Markets, property type, condition, price range, capital, and timeline.

    That clarity makes it much easier for agents to recognize opportunities worth bringing you.

    And you don’t necessarily need an exclusive relationship with one agent. Non-exclusive buyer representation can give you flexibility while building relationships with local professionals.

    Which NC markets are you considering?

    0Reply
  • Ali NajjarBusiness Member
    Lender · NJ · Member since 2025 · 66 posts · 28 votes
    1w

    Hey AJ, I’m a lender and we lend in North Carolina, so I’d be glad to be the financing part of your team. Good luck with the first deal.

    Quicker Home Loans527 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Konlaa Bright
    Huston, TX · Member since 2025 · 3 posts · 1 vote
    1w

    Hey AJ, welcome to the journey — NC's a solid market to start in! Happy to connect and see how I might help. I work with a few private/hard money lenders who fund acquisitions and renovations for investors, so if financing ever becomes part of what you're figuring out, feel free to reach out. Good luck building the team!

    1Reply
Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.
Log InJoin for Free