Finding the right out of state teams

San Jose, California
Out of State Investing
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Finding the right out of state teams

Lars Hartvig KristiansenPro Member
Rental Property Investor · CA · Member since 2025 · 7 posts · 12 votes

I have recently bought my first two properties in MI and have been fortunate enough to have found a team that, while largely separate individuals they all know each other and work together. As an example, my agent and PM are in the same team. My agent has a strong network who made the introductions to a full team across lending, LLC set-up, insurance, home inspections very easy and they have all largely been very responsive. Still early days, as I just closed on the two properties and about to get them ready for tenants.

What are some experiences you have all had with this and how have you gone about finding a full team when investing out of state. I am not done in the MI area I am investing in now but, over time, I would want to repeat a similar set up in other areas to diversity geographically too. Would love your advice. 

Lars

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Kerlous TadresBusiness Member
Realtor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
10mo

Hey @Lars Hartvig Kristiansen, in my experience, your best team comes from one rock-solid connection, not trying to build everything at once. Just pay attention to how people communicate early, pick those who actually get investor math, and keep building relationships instead of just collecting contacts.

[email protected]614-490-1163
Kerlous Tadres | Reafco Real Estate541 Reviews
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  • Arman AhmedPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2024 · 2k+ posts · 956 votes
    10mo

    @Lars Hartvig Kristiansen

    Sounds like you’re off to a great start, Lars. For out-of-state investing, having a connected local team is key, and building that often comes from referrals, networking with other investors in the area, and leveraging professional connections like real estate agents, property managers, and lenders who know each other. Repeating this in new markets usually means starting with a trusted local agent or property manager and asking them to introduce you to vetted lenders, contractors, inspectors, and insurance providers. The closer your team communicates and understands your investment goals, the smoother the process will be across multiple markets.

    [email protected]614-418-6081
    1Reply
  • Caleb Brown
    Real Estate Agent · Kansas City · Member since 2018 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    10mo

    Happy to connect. Referrals is often what makes teams that manage from afar best. Often agents, PM's, lenders that work with investors have referrals for each of these pieces. This makes it easier than Googling. As anything though make sure to vet and verify, not just blindly trusting. 

    1Reply
  • Min ZhangBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10mo

    Congrats on locking down your first two properties in MI, Lars! Sounds like you built a solid core team right out the gate. Having people who already know each other makes remote investing so much smoother. In my experience investing in the midwest, the best teams always came from one trusted connection leading to another. I usually start with one key person often the PM or someone on the ground and let their referrals guide the rest of the lineup. It’s pretty much a repeatable process each time I enter a new market: talk to locals, ask who they personally use, test with a small project, then gradually build out the full team. Happy to swap some notes!

    [email protected]614-412-2912
    Reafco.512 Reviews
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  • Alfath AhmedBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10mo
    Quote from @Lars Hartvig Kristiansen:

    I have recently bought my first two properties in MI and have been fortunate enough to have found a team that, while largely separate individuals they all know each other and work together. As an example, my agent and PM are in the same team. My agent has a strong network who made the introductions to a full team across lending, LLC set-up, insurance, home inspections very easy and they have all largely been very responsive. Still early days, as I just closed on the two properties and about to get them ready for tenants.

    What are some experiences you have all had with this and how have you gone about finding a full team when investing out of state. I am not done in the MI area I am investing in now but, over time, I would want to repeat a similar set up in other areas to diversity geographically too. Would love your advice. 

    Lars


     I do the same exact thing in my market so that's awesome. I would connect with good hardmoney, dscr, and conventional lenders that are affordable, connect with 2 good pm companies (find out what they charge and extra fees), get dealflow from your agent. 

    Always ask 

    1. How much is the deal worth at true market value? 

    2. What is the asking? How much is a good offer and why? 

    3. What are the rent comps? what are the sales comps?

    4. Do you have any info on roof, hvac, hot water

    Hope this helps!

    [email protected]614-802-5698
    ReafCo | Ahmed Group 539 Reviews
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    1Reply
  • Kerlous TadresBusiness Member
    Realtor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10mo

    Hey @Lars Hartvig Kristiansen, in my experience, your best team comes from one rock-solid connection, not trying to build everything at once. Just pay attention to how people communicate early, pick those who actually get investor math, and keep building relationships instead of just collecting contacts.

    [email protected]614-490-1163
    Kerlous Tadres | Reafco Real Estate541 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    2Reply
  • Jim Manning
    Saint Louis, MO · Member since 2017 · 14 posts · 3 votes
    10mo

    @Lars Hartvig Kristiansen - great question and congrats on getting theming going - I've found that when building a team starting first with making sure your values are aligned and you can trust the person is paramount in importance  

    1Reply
  • Dominic Marshall
    Investor · Member since 2025 · 17 posts · 4 votes
    10mo

    @Lars Hartvig Kristiansen

    Congratulations on closing your first two properties in Michigan and assembling a cohesive team, having interconnected professionals can significantly streamline operations, especially for out-of-state investors.

    Many investors report positive experiences when replicating similar team structures in new markets by leveraging referrals from established networks, such as online forums or local investor associations, to identify reliable agents who can then connect to property managers, lenders, and other specialists. Common approaches include starting with a vetted real estate agent experienced in investor transactions, who often provides introductions to complementary team members, ensuring alignment in communication and goals. Virtual interviews, reference checks, and small initial engagements, like market analyses, help verify responsiveness and expertise before full commitment.

    For geographic diversification, markets with strong economic drivers and investor-friendly environments can facilitate team building. North Carolina, for instance, offers robust opportunities in single-family rentals due to sustained population growth, diverse job sectors in technology and healthcare, and accessible entry points in cities like Charlotte and Raleigh, where local networks are readily available through active investor communities.

    If you'd like to discuss further, we are happy to help.

    1Reply
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