Targeting Craigslist 'for rent' adds to find deals

[Jordan Gregg]

Hello all. New investor in Jersey City, NJ looking to purchase my first multi-unit property (2-4 units) and house hack. I am getting MLS alerts but the more I research on forums, listening to recent podcasts, etc.. it seems like MLS deals exist in my area but may be pretty challenging to come by... and that sometimes it pays to be creative.

One of the strategies that has been mentioned is to target craigslist 'for rent' ads that seem like Mom and Pop owners that may not be managing the property well or might want to exit for whatever reason.

Outside of the basic "Hi, I saw your listing.  I'm not in the market to rent but I was wondering if you would be interested in selling?"  followed by.. "Do you have any other properties or know anyone who may be looking to sell?"

... What are some strategies that could persuade an owner to consider selling when they might not have been considering it prior?

I guess this same question applies to driving for dollars as well.