Can a Real Estate Agent Also Be an Investor? Pros and Cons for Your Deal Team
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June 4, 2025

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Educational Content | Not Financial Advice | Connect with Licensed Professionals

When you’re building your real estate investing team, one big question often comes up:

Should your real estate agent also be a real estate investor?

The answer? It depends. There are major upsides—and some important downsides—to working with an agent who also plays the game.

Let’s break it down.

Pros: Why Investor-Agents Can Be a Huge Asset

1. They Speak Your Language

Investor-agents understand terms like:

  • Cap rate, NOI, cash-on-cash return
  • BRRRR strategy
  • DSCR loan qualifications

They won’t blink when you ask about ROI or value-add potential.

2. They Understand Deal Flow and Timing

Because they’re investors themselves, they know:

  • How fast good deals move
  • What makes a property financeable with creative lenders
  • How to evaluate a rental or flip in seconds

3. They Can Bring Off-Market Opportunities

Many investor-agents:

  • Belong to local wholesaler and investor groups
  • Source deals themselves
  • Know contractors, lenders, and property managers

They often bring deal flow beyond what’s on the MLS.

4. They Know the Local Numbers

An agent-investor knows:

  • Which neighborhoods are appreciating
  • Where to find solid rent-to-price ratios
  • What rehab costs look like for different scopes of work

They’ve lived the experience—and that helps them guide you better.

Find Your Ideal Investment Agent

  • Connect with agents who are also investors​
  • Get matched with local market experts
  • Tailored support for strategies like BRRRR, house hacking, and flips​
  • Leverage insights from a community of 3M+ investors

Cons: Watch for Conflicts of Interest

1. Competing for the Same Deals

If your agent is actively investing in your market, there could be:

  • Competition: They might buy deals before showing them to you
  • Prioritization: Their personal portfolio may come first

Ask how they handle lead flow to avoid surprises.

2. Dual Roles Can Blur Boundaries

They might:

  • Push properties they’re selling themselves
  • Downplay negatives on deals they sourced
  • Be less objective in analysis

You want a professional—not just a hustler.

3. Time Constraints

If your agent is:

  • Actively flipping houses
  • Managing tenants
  • Running multiple investments

…they might not be as available as a full-time agent.

What to Ask Before You Hire an Agent-Investor

  • “How do you manage potential conflicts when you want to buy the same deals I do?”
  • “Do you ever buy off-market properties before offering them to clients?”
  • “How do you separate your investing activity from your fiduciary duties to clients?”

The best investor-agents have clear boundaries and fair practices in place.


Bottom Line: It’s About Alignment

A real estate agent who also invests can be a huge advantage—if they’re ethical, transparent, and truly committed to your success.


Want to Work With an Agent Who Knows the Game—And Plays It Fairly?

We’ll match you with investor-savvy real estate agents who understand deals, strategy, and investor goals—without competing against you.

👉 Find a real estate agent who understands investors


Read Next:

Find Your Ideal Investment Agent

  • Connect with agents who are also investors​
  • Get matched with local market experts
  • Tailored support for strategies like BRRRR, house hacking, and flips​
  • Leverage insights from a community of 3M+ investors

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Mortgage rates, terms, and requirements vary by lender and individual circumstances. Always consult with qualified, licensed mortgage professionals before making financial decisions. REInvestorGuide.com may receive compensation from featured lenders and service providers.

Our advise is based on experience in the mortgage industry and we are dedicated to helping you achieve your goal of owning a home. We may receive compensation from partner banks when you view mortgage rates listed on our website.

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