best questions for your first real estate agent

Gilbert, Arizona
Investor Mindset
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best questions for your first real estate agent

Valerie Saldana
Member since 2025 · 2 posts · 2 votes

I want to get into real estate renting out single or multi-family homes in my area. I have a couple of questions I would already like to ask, but what questions do you recommend asking to get more of a feel of if an agent is knowledgeable, reliable and right for you. I know things are variable based on what type of real estate you are looking for, but I'm just curious what types of questions really help you decide to trust one agent with your needs over another.

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Kyle Gardner
Developer · Mesa, Maricopa County · Member since 2019 · 43 posts · 43 votes
1y

I ask them to show me their history of doing what I want to do. Not helping clients, but where they've put their own hard earned money... An agent that only tells others how to invest but doesn't invest their own money, isn't my first choice. My first choice owns healthy investments and helps me follow suit. 

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  • Kyle Gardner
    Developer · Mesa, Maricopa County · Member since 2019 · 43 posts · 43 votes
    1y

    I ask them to show me their history of doing what I want to do. Not helping clients, but where they've put their own hard earned money... An agent that only tells others how to invest but doesn't invest their own money, isn't my first choice. My first choice owns healthy investments and helps me follow suit. 

    2Reply
  • Joe Norman
    Property Manager · Baltimore, MD · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    One of the values I provide my clients is access to my network of other professionals. I would ask for referrals to people like Property Managers, General Contractors, HVAC Techs, Plumbers, etc (doesn't have to be a long list just pick a few pros). If they have great people ready to connect you with then that is a good sign that the agent is well established and professional.

    1Reply
  • Mason WeissBusiness Member
    Realtor · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2021 · 523 posts · 239 votes
    1y

    I would say an agent who invests themselves is important, and then also an agent who has had clients recently achieve the same desired outcome as what you are aiming to achieve. For example, if you want to buy a multifamily property, has this agent recently helped other clients or even purchased a multifamily property in the last 6-12 months? Or if you want to flip, have they recently helped their clients acquire flips. Those would be important questions and then just see what other value they could bring to the table, maybe trusted lender or property management partners.

    [email protected]480-818-7745
    1Reply
  • Adam BartomeoBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Cape Coral, FL · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    Whether you are hiring a company or a person, you are paying them to get a job done. Meaning, execute! The first question is home many houses have you sold in the last year. The second should be about communication and responding in a timely manner.

    [email protected]239-339-3969
    Bartomeo Property Management4.7150 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Valerie Saldana
    OP
    Member since 2025 · 2 posts · 2 votes
    1y

    thank you for all your answers! i never expected such a quick response and really appreciate it, especially as a novice in the field! 

    0Reply
  • Drew SygitBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
    1y

    Some people look for expertise, others expect you to be just a "go'fer".

    You will find you can't be everything to everybody, nor should you.

    Like attracts like, so figure out the target market you want to work with and focus on attracting them and avoiding the rest.

    [email protected]248-209-6824
    Logical Property Management4.9459 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Jeff Roth
    Real Estate Consultant · Ann Arbor, MI · Member since 2022 · 465 posts · 256 votes
    1y

    Hi Valerie from Gilbert, Arizona-

    Congratulations on getting ready to invest in single and multifamily properties.

    You would like to work with a Realtor and wonder what the best questions to ask are.

    Great question! Here is what I recommend:

    1. Have they worked with investors before and their experience doing that?

    2. Have they worked with commercial properties greater than 4 units?

    3. Are they an investor themselves or have personal experience?

    4. What is their process working with investors?

    5. Do they have experienced referral partners like lenders for investors, property inspectors, property managers, insurance providers, and asset protection attorneys?

    To Your Success!

    1Reply
  • Patrick O'SullivanBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2024 · 534 posts · 204 votes
    1y

    Hey Valerie,

    Great question — you’re already on the right track by wanting to really vet an agent before jumping in. Here are a few good questions that can help you figure out if they’re truly a good fit for an investor:

    ✅ 1) Do you invest yourself? — Agents who invest personally tend to understand what makes a good deal, what to avoid, and how to spot red flags.

    ✅ 2) What kinds of investment properties have you helped clients buy or sell in the past year? — Look for examples that match your goals. If you’re aiming for small multifamily rentals, see if they’ve recently closed deals like that. It’s a good sign if they’ve done similar deals recently and know your local market.

    ✅ 3) How do you help investors find deals that aren’t on the MLS? — Good investor-friendly agents often have networks and can bring off-market or pre-market opportunities.

    ✅ 4) Who’s in your network? — Ask if they can recommend trusted lenders, inspectors, contractors, or property managers. A solid agent should have local connections that save you headaches.

    ✅ 5) What’s your communication style? — Investing often moves fast. You’ll want someone who responds quickly and keeps you in the loop.

    ✅ 6) How do you analyze deals with investors? — Some agents will help run numbers with you or can share rental comps, projected cash flow, or ARV estimates.

    Lastly, don’t forget the vibe check — do they listen to your goals or just try to sell you whatever’s easy? A good agent will guide you, not just close a sale.

    Good luck with your first investment — you’ve got this!

    [email protected]480-795-7938
    get MULTIfamily Property Management4.7220 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
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  • Andrew McGuire
    Real Estate Agent · Chandler, AZ · Member since 2022 · 216 posts · 156 votes
    1y

    What is your portfolio made up of and what is your top strategies. How have you failed? 

    0Reply
  • Matt Greer
    Real Estate Agent · Mesa, AZ · Member since 2017 · 231 posts · 169 votes
    11mo

    I would see if they are from that area and work in that area. Here I notice there is a big difference between east and west valley agents. I'd also see how much experience they have in the type of investing you are doing and what help they can provide. For example a good agent will help you structure a deal in a way that makes sense and should be adding value. For example do they know attorneys who can help you set up entities for ownership, can they help you write offers in ways you wouldn't have thought of? Do they have contractor connections that can help you get a property ready for rent?

    0Reply
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