Real estate photo/video as a method of finding deals?

Question

Hey friends 👋 Do you think becoming a real estate photographer would be a good method of finding deals? If so, how? For context, I'm 29, live in Denver, and am looking to purchase my first house hack.

I'm just now becoming interested in RE and I have a deep skillset in photo/video. I'm thinking that becoming a part time (or even full time) real estate photographer/videographer could be the best way for me to meet agents, learn the market/area, and hopefully find deals.

If I do move forward with this, what beyond telling listing agents what I'm looking for should I do to find deals?

Thanks for the help and let me know if I can ever provide advice on anything on photo/video!

Matt M. · Answer

I think it's a waste of time. If you want to find deals, then go out and get them or hire someone. Find an agent that will work for you and can actually find deals.

Ben Rhodin · Answer

Hey @Michael Henry! Welcome to the forums and I love the creative thinking in leveraging your photo/video skills. I come from a similar background in the film and photography space, so always love connecting with like-minded creative people!

I'm going to disagree with most others on this forum, and say it would be a great way to start the process. However, I wouldn't see the photo/video business as a way to actively find deals, but more of an indirect way because you'll be networking and meeting people in the space. The properties you are photographing and videoing are probably already heading to listing so unless it's a good property it won't necessarily be a "Deal" but if you talk to the agent, the homeowner, and so forth and tell them what you are looking for and what you are hoping to do, you will start to build an insider track and a network that can help foster your investor career.Not to mention all the other ways you can use it as well. Can offer to shoot meetups and events for other investors, and talk to people and meet them that way. This position wouldn't be a deal in finding a career, but it's a way to get yourself in the door with people in the space that you want to be in and get them to remember you. As you aren't just reaching out and asking to buy them a coffee, you are actively offering them a service and they will happily reciprocate with mentorship, information, or deals. I know in my business if someone came and offered to handle my video and photo I would take them up on it!

Michael Henry · Answer

Thanks, everyone for weighing in on this. It seems that most think that becoming a part-time real estate photographer would be a roundabout way of finding deals.I do appreciate @Ben Rhodin's take in particular though - photo/video services could help me network generally, instead of directly finding a deal. Makes sense.

I'll circle back if I have any learnings to share, thanks again all!

Alvin Sylvain · Answer

OK bear in mind that this opinion has absolutely no basis in fact. Indeed, you won't hurt my feelings if you stop reading NOW.

But that said:

I think you need to decide to go photography, or some other business, full-time, and don't worry about using that as an "inside track" to RE deals. First off, I'm thinking as one of your customers, and I'm thinking, why should I hire this guy? He might just steal my deal out from under me. All I want is somebody to take pictures, not compete against me.

If you want to meet agents, learn the market, and find deals, the thing to do is meet agents, learn the market, and find deals. Attend a local RE club meeting. Talk to agents in your area. You don't need an excuse, most people will be glad to share their expertise with you, if you have the right attitude.

Also, visit BP and check the "classified" section, where agents, lenders, contractors, etc. are peddling their wares. If they're on BP, then you already know they have an investor's mindset. Contact any of those in your area, maybe even meet some in person if you want. Keep looking, stay positive, you'll eventually find somebody willing to share off-market deals, and those tend to be much, much better than deals that make it to Zillow or the MLS.

Then just go out and photograph nakid wimmin, like everybody else. :-)

Ben Einspahr · Answer

@Michael Henry From a pure outsiders business prospective no :/ I am not sure what your current job is but taking a 180 career change will kill your chance of getting financing. Also, 99.99 percent of the deals for HH'ing can be found directly off the MLS.

Buy the HH's first to boost your savings and wealth then go into photography if that is a calling.

Best of luck!

Chris Davidson · Answer

@Michael Henry Might not be the best use of time, but it could get you in the space you are looking for. Find the type of deals you are wanting to pursue and see who is doing those deals. If you just become a photographer for agents and PM's that are working in spaces you aren't interested in or where deals will be found you likely won't find them.

Be interested to hear if it works or why you decided not to try it. Best of luck!

Eliott Elias · Answer

This is a great way to find deals, if you're busy enough you will start to get a ton of clients who are in the industry that can help you. Offer services where you take free photos for leads or free realtor services.

Real estate photo/video as a method of finding deals?

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