How to Find an Investment Property

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3 Strategies to Find an Investment Property

Effective approaches to locate investment properties

Finding an investment property is wholly different from finding a home. Some factors typically wouldn't be considered if the property you're looking for isn't for investment.

In this post, you'll find different ways to find investment properties. Keep reading to the end for three tips to identify a property worth investing in.

Where to Find Investment Properties

Online Listings and Real Estate Websites

Utilize popular online platforms and real estate websites, such as Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin, to search for available properties in your target area. These websites provide comprehensive listings, including property details, photos, pricing, and contact information for sellers or agents.

Real Estate Agents and Brokers

Engage with experienced real estate agents or brokers specializing in investment properties. They have extensive market knowledge and access to exclusive listings and can help you find properties that match your investment criteria. Build relationships with agents who understand your investment goals and can alert you to new opportunities.

Networking and Word-of-Mouth

Tap into your network of friends, colleagues, and professionals involved in the real estate industry. Attend local real estate networking events, join investor groups or associations, and participate in online forums or social media communities. Networking can lead to valuable connections and insider information on potential investment properties.

Direct Marketing and Mail Campaigns

Consider implementing direct marketing strategies, such as sending targeted mail campaigns or postcards to property owners in your desired area. Express your interest in purchasing investment properties and inquire about potential off-market or distressed properties that may not be publicly listed.

Driving for Dollars

Take to the streets and scout potential investment properties in person. Drive through neighborhoods of interest, look for vacant or distressed properties, and take note of contact information displayed on "For Sale" signs. This hands-on approach can uncover hidden gems and opportunities that may not be readily available online.

Foreclosures and Auctions

Monitor foreclosure listings or attend foreclosure auctions in your area. Distressed properties or properties in foreclosure can often be acquired at discounted prices, presenting potential investment opportunities. However, thorough due diligence is crucial when considering properties obtained through foreclosure or auctions.

Wholesalers and Real Estate Investment Networks

Collaborate with real estate wholesalers or join local real estate investment networks. Wholesalers specialize in finding distressed properties and typically have a list of potential investment opportunities. Networking with wholesalers and other investors can provide access to off-market properties and valuable insights.

Local Government and MLS Listings

Check local government resources, such as the city's planning and zoning department or the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), for potential investment properties. MLS listings are often accessible through real estate agent websites or specific MLS platforms. These sources can provide up-to-date information on properties available for sale.

How to Identify a Real Estate Investment Opportunity

There are three ways to identify an opportunity for a real estate investment.

  1. Identify if the property is in distress.

    Identifying if a property is distressed is easy as you can quickly see visual cues like deferred maintenance. From the outside, you may notice that the front lawn is overgrown and not well-kept. There may be mail on the front stoop or broken windows.

  2. If the homeowner has owned it for an extended period.

    If this is the case, there's likely significant equity in the house. You can check this by taking a look at the public tax records.

  3. If the homeowner has a motivation to sell.

    A seller with a solid motivation to sell means there's a high likelihood that you can get a good deal on the home.

If you need assistance finding and buying a real estate investment property in Northern Virginia, Washington DC, or Maryland, call me at (703) 346-2776 or email me at Dan@greetingsvirginia.com.

Dan Rochon

Dan Rochon is an Associate Broker in VA, Broker in MD; Owner of Rochon Investments, LLC; Owner and Co-founder of www.GreetingsVirginia.com and Owner of other Joint Ventures as well as a real estate principles instructor at Moseley Real Estate Schools.

As a real estate sales agent, Dan and his team are consistently top producers in their marketplace and provide solutions for their clients. Through their investing company, Dan and Traci Rochon have been investing in residential and commercial real estate ventures for more than the past decade.

Dan and his wife Traci are frequent speakers and are often quoted in media stories about the current real estate market. The Rochon's have been featured on The Nightly News with Brian Williams, The Today Show, CNBC, The Washington Post, The Washington Examiner, WTOP News, Voted as The Best of DC Real Estate Agent in the Washington City Paper Readers Poll, and more...