Finding Leads/Motivated Sellers

[Kimberly Farrally]

Hi,

I've been figuring out what marketing method I want to focus on.  I've been told several times that one should focus on one main method and really learn it until it's working right.  Kind of a proven fact in marketing in general.  But, I see people all the time saying go to your county courthouse, tax assessor's office etc to get a list of vacants, probates, tax sales and what not.

My question is, can you just walk up to one of these places and be like, "hey, can you give me a list of this...." and they just give them to you?  Or, do you have to be someone specific, give a specific reason, fill out paperwork, or what?

My RE lawyer mentioned that usually you have to have a name of who you're trying to look up before they'll give you the file on that ONE property.  So, I don't see how this works.

Does anyone have any experience with this in Johnson County, KS or Jackson County, MO?

Thanks!

[Rick H.]

The keyword "probate" brought me here.

If you're just starting out, probate deals may not be the best place. 

It's definitely a good niche for an experienced investor with long term ambitions. 

However, there are many more moving parts and the seller's motivation and ability to sell can be slow and problematic. 

I stated working with homeowners (with equity) in default in 1978. They're motivation to sell was pretty clear if the situation was not sustainable. 

I only started working probates by accident around 1990 as this is where the equity was in a declining market (then). Lots of title problems, puzzles and missing pieces.

Also, probate deals do not always lend themselves to be good candidates for wholesaling.