Seeking Private Investigator to Assist with Probate Properties in Florida

[Dylan Murphy]

Hello BiggerPockets community!

I own a real estate investment and wholesaling group based in Florida. We specialize in probate cases where the property owner has passed away, and no one is taking care of the property. Oftentimes, the rightful heirs are unaware that the property is now theirs, they don't have the means to take care of it, or the heirs have also passed away.

Our team has worked with many cases where we were able to skiptrace and help the heirs probate the property, then purchase it from them to avoid losing it to delinquent taxes or bank foreclosure. However, we have quite a few properties on our radar that will require deeper due diligence and resources.

We are currently seeking a licensed private investigator and/or genealogist who can help us find and get in contact with missing heirs. We want to help families avoid losing their inherited properties to delinquent taxes or foreclosure.

If you are a private investigator or genealogist who has experience working with these types of cases and can help us locate missing heirs, I'd love to have a conversation. I'm interested in exploring the possibility of working together.

[Rick H.]

It’s sounds more like you “intend” to work pre-probates and similar opportunities. It can be a lucrative field (I started in 1978 and have completed thousands, so I’m qualified…)

You really don’t need a licensed P.I. and will often regret using their services if you do. Most are pretty lazy and overvalue their services and are very difficult to manage and keep focused on mission. What you need are skiptracers. Initially, outsource them before getting staff members with a knack trained. Start by checking PI Magazine where you’ll have plenty to choose from.

Most of the subscription-based data providers advertise there, too. They will have annual inspections at your office to confirm you have proper data protection areas and policies in place and are not some wannabe.

Similarly for genealogists. An all-access account from Ancestry ($400/yr+) will go a long way and you will occasionally hit the jackpot when you discover “trees” created by others who’ve identified your target. I have a retired attorney friend who’s at a conference in SLC Utah now learning more. 

When I was more active on B.P. I posted research methods before the moderators got nasty about resources that I shared (so I stopped sharing them !).