Why can't I find a deal?

[Jackson Pontsler]

I see a lot of members of Bigger Pockets asking why they aren't finding deals. As a rehabber I can appreciate and understand the struggles that come from actively investing in real estate and finding a deal that makes sense. I just wanted to echo that it is possible and post a few tips on how you can find a deal.

1. Tell everyone you know that you are a REAL ESTATE INVESTOR
   
   • You never know where you deal may come from it could be a friend of a friend of a friend but you'll never meet that person if people don't know what you are doing.
2. Get your finances lined up
   • Do you go fishing without a pole or net? Many people say they want to buy a rental but in the off chance a deal comes their way they have nothing set up to capitalize on it. Preparation is key get your ducks in a row so you don't risk losing a deal because you have no financing available.
3. Educate yourself ABOUT YOUR MARKET
   
   • I don't care about tax lien notes, because I'm a flipper. I don't need to know that. What I need to know is what is a deal in my area and how I can execute my plan.
4. Market old school
   
   • You should always be looking for deals. This involves getting off your but write some letters, drive for dollars, knock doors, hang door hangers I DON'T CARE. The universe will not just magically put a property in your lap unless you are prepared
5. Market new school
   
   • I put another marketing in here because YOU SHOULD ALWAYS BE MARKETING but there are many ways to market. Build a website, post ads, post of forums the options are endless.
6. Get a good realtor
   
   • You need to have a good realtor on your team because you need to submit offers and a lot of them for lower than asking price. You agent needs to understand you don't low ball. You as a business are taking risk of buying an item and try to change it into an asset.
7. Find the power players in your field.
   
   • Someone is crushing it. Your job is to find out who and ADD VALUE TO THEM! Be their best friend clean their jobsite for free whatever it takes. As you network and build friendships with a person they can help you with a deal. I have a friend who got his first deal because he went skiing with a baller up here and because of that friendship he was sent a deal.
8. Join your REIA
   
   • Basically this is to surround you with people who think similarly, who encourage you. Your REIA is a great place to start and who knows you might find a deal there.
9. Get a good title company
   
   • You need a good title company for your deals, especially if you're a wholesaler. Not only that but when you start to really move and groove when deals fall out or if they have a short sale area in their company that is potential leads that you can work with.
10. Give to everyone!
    
    • This is part of networking and business in general but no one wants to work with some stuffy prick who only looks out for themselves.
11.  (Bonus) Be patient!
    • More than likely you won't find a deal super fast. I know its not the most sexy thing to say but heck It took my wife and I 50 offers on the MLS to get a deal. If you aren't ACTIVELY WORKING then you will get nothing; and when you are actively working you will be rejected alot. It is by working and being prepared that when a deal finally comes down your way you can do something about it.

Good luck to everyone who read this post and if you found this helpful please let me know or vote it up. If you have other suggestions for the people waiting to get their first deal please post them below.