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Before you analyze deals, before you get pre-approved, before you even go to your first showing-you need your real estate investment team.
Most new investors skip this step. They rush into deals solo, only to hit roadblocks they could’ve avoided with the right people on their side.
At LFG Lending, we know that building your team is step one. So let’s break it down: who should be on your bench, how to find them, and why each person matters.
The Core Members of Your Real Estate Team
1. Investor-Friendly Realtor
Not just any realtor. You need someone who:
- Works with investors regularly
- Understands hard money contracts
- Knows how to calculate ARV
- Has access to on-market and off-market deals
Pro tip: Ask your realtor, “Have you worked with investors before? Do you invest yourself?” That tells you everything.
2. Loan Broker (Like LFG 😉)
We know the programs. We know the lenders. We know how to structure your financing for short-term flips, BRRRRs, DSCRs, and commercial loans.
We’re not just here to fund your deal-we’re here to strategy map your next 10+ deals.
3. CPA or Accountant (Who Gets Real Estate)
Not every CPA understands the complexity of depreciation, cost segregation, or passive income rules.
“If your accountant doesn’t work with investors, they may not be the right fit as you grow.”
The wrong tax advice can cost you thousands. The right accountant can help you build generational wealth.
4. Insurance Agent (That Specializes in Investors)
You’ll need:
- Builder’s risk policies for fix & flips
- Landlord policies for rentals
- Possibly vacant property coverage or umbrella liability
Make sure your insurance pro knows how to protect an investment asset, not just a primary residence.
5. Contractors & Handymen
Yes, they’re different.
- Contractors handle rehabs, additions, full remodels.
- Handymen do maintenance, quick repairs, or tenant turnovers.
Be sure your contractor understands draw schedules if you’re using hard money. If they expect half upfront, it could derail the project.
6. Property Manager
Managing one door? You can probably do it yourself.
Managing five? You’ll need help.
Look for:
- PMs who also invest
- Realtors who also manage
- Companies with experience handling maintenance & tenant issues
Expect to pay around 10% of monthly rent-and yes, it’s worth it.
7. Real Estate Attorney
A good attorney helps you:
- Structure your LLC
- Write or review leases
- Navigate evictions
- Draft partnership agreements
Quick tip: In Ohio, you don’t legally need an operating agreement for a single-member LLC-but every lender will ask for one. Get your documents done properly the first time.
8. Wholesalers
Yes, they’re team players too. Especially if you want off-market deals that don’t hit the MLS.
Join buyers lists in your market
Always vet their deals with your agent
Know that they’ll build in assignment fees-and that’s okay if the numbers still work
“Where Do I Find These People?”
Simple: networking.
- Join Facebook groups for your local market
- Attend REIAs (Real Estate Investor Association meetups)
- Use BiggerPockets
- Google “[Your City] + Real Estate Investing Meetup”
- Start your own if none exist!
“If you build it, they will come.” – Also true for real estate events
You’ll meet contractors, realtors, lenders, insurance agents, wholesalers-everyone you need to build your team.
Your Team = Your Foundation
These are your day-one players. But as you scale, your circle will grow to include:
- Cleaners (for STRs)
- Stagers (for flips)
- Bookkeepers
- Private lenders
- Marketing pros
But you can’t skip the foundation. Your realtor, lender, CPA, insurance agent, contractor, attorney, and property manager will be with you for the long haul.
Ready to Start Building Your Real Estate Team?
We can help. At LFG Lending, we don’t just help you finance deals—we plug you into our trusted network of investor-friendly professionals.