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How do you guys actually find off-market deals?

real estateinvestingproperty deals
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Elena_Sofia
Joined:
30.11.2019
Posts: 1858
Topic Starter
15.01.2025 10:52
I've been scouring Zillow and Redfin for months, but everything I find is already picked over or way overpriced. I keep hearing experienced investors talk about 'off-market' deals, but I'm struggling to figure out how to actually find them. Are you guys just mailing letters to homeowners, or is there some secret networking strategy I'm missing? I'd love to hear how you source your leads without competing with everyone on the MLS.
15 replies in this topic
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Zuzi_P
Joined:
28.06.2021
Posts: 1401
12.02.2025 20:35
Honestly, Zillow is the graveyard of deals. If it's on there, the margins are already gone. You need to start talking to wholesalers in your area.
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damian_varna
Joined:
13.03.2021
Posts: 1197
29.03.2025 13:45
In reply to a previous post
Direct mail still works, but it's a numbers game. Don't expect a 1% response rate right away, you have to be consistent for months.
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gost_nedelq
Joined:
21.08.2024
Posts: 766
31.03.2025 02:33
Networking with local probate attorneys has been my gold mine. People inherit houses they don't want to deal with and just want them gone fast.
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Goshko_Bolo
Joined:
06.11.2022
Posts: 795
29.04.2025 21:58
In reply to a previous post
That's a solid tip. How do you usually approach them? Do you just call their offices?
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robert_d
Joined:
12.01.2022
Posts: 768
28.05.2025 17:06
Drive for dollars, man. Literally just drive around neighborhoods you like and look for houses that look neglected. It’s low-tech but it works.
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Misho_B
Joined:
28.06.2020
Posts: 984
12.06.2025 01:50
In reply to a previous post
I've tried driving for dollars, but it feels so inefficient. Anyone using software for this?
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agata_k
Joined:
11.08.2023
Posts: 1021
16.06.2025 06:32
In reply to a previous post
Look into PropStream. It helps you pull lists of pre-foreclosures and tax liens so you aren't just guessing while driving around.
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Fari_P
Joined:
30.10.2020
Posts: 2191
01.07.2025 16:58
Honestly, 90% of my off-market stuff comes from building relationships with local contractors. They know who is struggling to finish a renovation and might be looking to sell.
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Poli_H
Joined:
12.11.2021
Posts: 896
02.07.2025 00:19
In reply to a previous post
This is the best advice here. Contractors and real estate agents who specialize in distressed properties are your best friends.
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jacek_bg
Joined:
28.04.2021
Posts: 1463
30.08.2025 22:21
Stop looking for 'secrets' and start looking for problems. If someone has a problem, you provide the solution. That's the secret.
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Maistor_Ivan
Joined:
06.04.2025
Posts: 2178
22.09.2025 03:57
In reply to a previous post
Well said. It's not about the MLS, it's about being the person who can close with cash when the bank says no.
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Yulia_M
Joined:
18.07.2020
Posts: 613
23.09.2025 02:22
Check out local REIA meetings. You’ll meet people there who have leads they don't have the bandwidth to close. Sometimes they’ll wholesale them to you.
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Krasen_K
Joined:
08.11.2023
Posts: 110
31.10.2025 00:03
In reply to a previous post
I've been to a few REIA meetings, but they feel like just a bunch of gurus trying to sell courses. Are they all like that?
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Brayan_Z
Joined:
18.09.2022
Posts: 495
23.11.2025 20:00
In reply to a previous post
Some are, but stick around. The real investors are usually the ones sitting in the back, not the ones on stage.
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redoven
Joined:
12.02.2021
Posts: 2494
27.01.2026 10:43
Cold calling is tough but it gets results. If you have the stomach for it, pull a list of tired landlords and just start dialing.

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