By Property Secrets' Investment Director

We approach every deal with the same motto wherever it is. Sounds like a road safety ad, yes, but it's true nevertheless: Be safe.

We always remember that.

And the number one way to be safe is to get the best people on side. I hit town and I start making calls. What I'm looking for is a great estate agent. A good agent will make my job so much easier - and quicker. And I refuse to work with any that aren't absolutely on the level.

How do I check them out? Well, I interview them. I bombard them with questions about properties until they're sick of the sound of my voice on the phone.

What I'm looking for here is an attitude. This is where my in-built lie-o-meter comes into play.