Finding Wholesale deals

[Josh Knutson]

I am a new investor trying to get my first deal. I attended a 3 day retreat, but still trying to understand getting a deal. I contacted the code enforcement bureau, public records and tax assessors office. How would I analyze the sheets they give me to understand what I'm looking for. I'd be willing to share any good deals I find until I can understand the full process.

[Karen Rittenhouse]

@Josh Knutson

Using any list is pretty worthless. Once a property is on a list, you're competing with everyone who has the list and a lot of investors buy lists thinking this is a great way to find deals - it isn't.

The best way to find deals is as @Scott Jelinek said, market. That does not mean you're contacting people, you market to get your name out and people contact you. It is an investment, but making money takes money. Doesn't have to cost much, but pick a few areas where you want to buy and market the heck out of those areas - post cards; put out flyers and business cards; walk neighborhoods and talk to people who live there; write articles for neighborhood newsletters; put magnets on your car doors, etc., etc. 

People must know what you do before they will reach out to you. The absolute best deals are the ones that find you.

Good luck and let us know how you progress!