Intern vs. VA vs. Pre-Trained VA – Which One is Best for Your Search?

When searchers realize they need extra hands to manage outreach, data, and admin work, they typically consider three options:

1️⃣ Hiring an intern (paid or unpaid)
2️⃣ Hiring a VA and training them from scratch
3️⃣ Working with a pre-trained VA team experienced in search fund tasks

Each choice has pros and cons, and picking the right one can make or break your efficiency.

Option 1: Hiring an Intern (Paid or Unpaid)
✅ Can be cost-effective (or even unpaid)
✅ Might have local market knowledge
✅ Can assist with general admin tasks
✅ Can be physically present (if in-office)

❌ High training & oversight required – You’ll spend weeks teaching them search-specific tasks.
❌ Limited commitment – Many interns leave after a few months, forcing you to start over.
❌ Lack of reliability – Unpaid interns often prioritize other opportunities and may not take ownership of tasks.
❌ Limited experience in search fund processes


Option 2: Hiring a VA & Training Them Yourself
✅ More affordable than a full-time hire
✅ Can adapt to your work style
✅ Can be long-term if retention is good

❌ Risk of losing them before they contribute – Many VAs realize search fund work is not for them and quit.
❌ Time-consuming training – Takes weeks (or months) before they become productive.
❌ No structured support – If they leave, you’re back to square one.
❌ Requires a learning curve & quality monitoring.

Option 3: Hiring a Pre-Trained VA Team for Search Funds
✅ Already trained in search-specific tasks (list-building, outreach, CRM, etc.)
✅ Minimal training required – They start contributing immediately.
✅ Structured long-term support – If one VA leaves, we internally train a replacement at no cost to you.
✅ More efficient than interns or general VAs – No wasted time or effort.
✅ No overhead costs of hiring a full-time employee

❌ Slightly higher cost than a general VA

What’s the Right Choice for You?
If you have time to train and don’t mind turnover, an intern or general VA could work.
If you want a low-maintenance, reliable, and fast solution, a pre-trained VA team is your best bet.

Many searchers lose precious time on hiring, training, and turnover when they could be focusing on conversations with sellers and investors.

If you want to skip the hassle and start getting results, we provide a team of trained VAs with long-term reliability.

Reach out at redacted to learn more.

What’s been your experience with hiring support? Drop your thoughts in the comments!