Real estate is a relationship business.  Investors work with a tight knit community of professionals that provide access to numerous on and off market deals.  Novice investors rarely have access to the best deals until they have proven they can be reliable, knowledgeable and trustworthy.

A strong, constant flow of investment opportunities allows investors to focus on managing their current real estate portfolio.  Creating a team of professionals that understands your investment criteria and provides you constant opportunities saves investors time and opens up potentially high return opportunities not available to the general public.

Investors should seek deals and deal makers everywhere.  As a novice investor, it is extremely important to establish a niche and communicate that to all the professionals you encounter.  If you want to specialize in single family rehabs in a specific area, let every investor, real estate agent, accountant, lawyer, etc. know that space is your focus area and that you are actively seeking investment opportunities.

Novice investors must establish a good reputation for deal making as well.  By establishing a reputation for sound investment principles and fair dealing, an investor can build a solid standing in the real estate community.  Traditionally, this takes time and commitment to an investment strategy. 

Fair dealing does not mean being a soft negotiator, but rather it means doing what you say you will do.  Every investor seeks to maximize their own returns and expects others to do the same. 

Local investment clubs and real estate planning board meetings provide additional forums to meet investors locally.  Networking with local professionals keeps you top of mind when investment opportunities arise.