Data lists

[Heather Medina]

So after some research I have a pretty long list of those I should be directly targeting with a mail campaign. A lot of people on my list I can find through the yellow pages, but some I do not know where to access this information. Can someone point me in the right direction of a reliable data service for the following:

Bankruptcy List

Eviction List

Divorce Lists

Tax Deed List

Fire Damage Property List

Probate List

Code Violation List

30-60-90 List

Out of State Owners List

Vacant Property List

Abandoned Properties

I am a newbie, I haven't even been able to get one property under contract yet. Any help is really appreciated. Thank you.

[Rick H.]

Heather - I encourage you to "start where you are" and begin with a single list.

I started with foreclosures; Notice of Defaults, to be specific. Learn the laws, the timeline, the forms and the remedies.

Check out ForeclosureForum (dot) com and PropertyRadar (dot) com. I've omitted website portions that seems to trigger redaction by BP moderators. Also, First Tuesday Publishing sells a book on purchasing properties in default that's a bargain at under $50.

If you try and do it all, you will quickly burn out and do nothing well. Learn to become an opportunity detective. You are either trying to buy equity at a discount or cash flow at a discount.

In a hot market like this, you will most likely starve unless you focus on niches. I suggest high equity, low balance/old loan foreclosures. You will encounter problems like you won't believe and must become a problem solver, especially a people problem solver.

Remember, most would-be investors poop out and are luckily if they ever buy a single property or ever do a deal. You must be willing to prove "them" wrong and never give up, no matter what.

Also remember that real estate cycles, hot or cold, don't last forever but serious investors do. Lastly, I make money in ALL markets and so can you.