Found something while driving for dollars. Now what?

[Michael Lambert]

I have been able to locate a property here in San Diego county that I want to do some homework on. All I know about the property is what I can see from the street: The fence is falling over, the yard has not been maintained, the pool is a swamp, there are several garbage cans in the driveway, and a toilet in the yard. The neighbor seemed happy to talk about the house and gave me all this: "It's an eye sore" "The husband passed away a while back and the wife isn't (or wasn't) healthy." "It doesn't look like anyone's living there." "Only see people taking out trash." "The city is coming out to clean the pool." "If its not already in probate it probably will be soon."

I kinda felt like a vulture as I was looking at the property but I realize this is what I'm looking for.

Now what? 

What would your next steps be?

[Nathan Gesner]

Review the county records to find the owner. Send them a personal letter explaining that you are an investor that specializes in buying homes and fixing them up. You drove by and noticed their home and wonder if they are interested in selling. Let them know what you bring to the table and how you may be able to help them. Do they want hard cash to cover expenses? Do they want to owner-finance so they can avoid taxes and produce steady income?

Don't over-think it. Just do something and you'll eventually get some deals or figure out what works.