I'd like to buy 2 investment properties - 1 in Caerphilly (South Wales) and the other in Newcastle Under Lyme. I have used buyers agents before in another country and can't seem to find anyone to help me in these areas.
Some property finders say they do the whole country but they charge huge fees and it just doesn't seem right!

I just want a couple of houses (not flats) that I can have good tennants with a good rental yield. Due to time challenges (and distance) I cannot do al the legwork myself.
Very hesitant to buy unseen hence and do not want to trust an estate agent that works for the seller and not me!
Funding the deposits from re-financing my flat in Cardiff Bay (that bit is kust about sorted!)

Anyone point me in a positive direction?

Thanks loads in advance and any feedback greatly appreciated

So you want to buy properties, don't want to use 'property finders' obviously, , can't do the legwork because of distance, won't buy unseen 'obviously' and do not want to use an agent...? You are being very unrealistic and this cannot be achieved!

You will need to do some legwork or you might as well not bother. Even if you find properties and are able to let them out, you will need an agent to manage them, you will also need to do your legwork throughout the tenancies and keep on top of your letting agent, as good ones are few and far between. You will need to educate yourself, in your legal obligations and landlord/tenant law before you start.

Being a landlord in the UK is not for the feint of heart and you cannot expect to snap up bargains, forget about them and let them out for 10 years. I'm afraid, that due dilligence is essential and if you want to protect your money and later your property it should be you that does it.

There is no excuse for not doing this research yourself, you have the web at your fingertips and every estate agent in the country has a website and in your circumstances, you will need to use one. For every house that you consider, do not be emotive, look at the facts and do your due dilligence and your rental calc. Agents will soon learn who is the boss.

If these people exist, well no wonder they charge huge fees. I just wouldn't entertain the idea myself, if I were in your situation I would do the legwork for actual purchases and then put the properties in the hands of local rental agents to handle the rest.

However, I live in Newcastle under Lyme and can possibly help with giving you an idea of different areas in the locality.

Can I ask why you are doing this? I presume as an investment for the future with the minimum of effort? I'm afraid there is no such thing as easy money.

Thanks for the information pugwash and stomper. I live in Australia and have used buyers agents for a couple of properties over here. For a fee of about £3000, I let them know the area and my needs and they source the properties under market value and work for me as oppose to the seller. They are on site, at location, know the area, know the market, know rental managers, all independantly and want to provide a good service for the fee they charge. Even this fee is claimable against capital gains tax over here. I have spoken with a number of real estate agents in Caerphilly, Cardiff and I think because I am the other side of the world do not take the sale seriously as I'm just not real. I have done the legwork in where I want to buy and know what I want to spend. I own 4 rental properties altogether and yes I have challenges with legal and property manager issues along with international tax law. I think there's a big market in the UK for buyers agents as it is untapped. Many people would like someone (at a fee) to provide all this. I am now contemplating buying a new house and land package in a new development in the UK once the areas I have mentioned once the american fiasco has setlled. Thanks again and any more comments would be welcomed