Developing the community around a park

[Jonathan Goudy]

I would like to look for flips in a neighborhood that has an undeveloped park nearby. When I am knocking on doors, I plan to ask the neighbors to let me know when they hear of a neighbor that is looking to sell, to let me know first and I can give them a $250 bonus for giving me the lead, and put $750 toward the local park. Whenever I make an improvement to the park, I plan to send a post card out to all of the neighbors that I have talked to, to let them know how my business is improving their neighborhood, and (hopefully) bringing everyone's property values up. These constant mailers should keep my firm as the one they call when they know of a deal.

I have a few questions about pulling this off. The primary one is, what can I do with these advanced leads if the owner wants more than I am willing to offer myself? I would like to honor my word and reward the person who gave me the lead and improve the park. Should I try to negotiate the deal and wholesale it with the $1000 coming out of my cut, or should I give the lead to my agent and try to work out a "finders fee" or something in the sale of the property?

I feel that this concept has the potential to snowball over time. I am approaching the owner as not a buyer for their property, but as a park improvement guy looking for leads.

What advice do you have to be able to pull of this scenario...or am I off my rocker. Your input is greatly appreciated.