In addition to finding someone you are comfortable with you need to consider on the agent’s focus and skills. If they know an area really well it is likely there are many other areas where their knowledge is not so complete. Many agents specialize in a part of town or a certain type of property.

If you are an investor this becomes even more important. Very few Realtors or agents will invest in real estate and therefore they will not really understand what makes for a good deal or a suitable property for investment.

When speaking with any agent ask for referrals. Then check with the people who are providing the referral to see if their needs were broadly similar to your needs.

I am a RE investor with over 20 years of experience. Some agents I have worked with are real stars. Others are no less professional or lacking in qualifications. They are just not the right person to represent me for investment deals. That is not how they specialize. Find someone who can represent your needs because they have represented people similar to you in the past.