All Forum Posts by: Ty Hines

Recently I have read many post asking the question "What is the best way to find deals"? or "How do I find deals before they hit the MLS"?
Let me begin by saying that in no way do I consider myself a teacher of any sort but I have practiced a technique that has always brought me success. And that is to really study and research a particular area. Many of us have gotten away from the basics of "farming" specific neighborhoods and this means more than looking at neighborhood statistics on the computer. You will need to get out and "pound the pavement" in order to find the best deals. This includes meeting neighbors, talking to business owners, riding the streets both day and night, etc.

Also I have nothing against an investor trying to expand their territory in order to increase profits but when you have people buying property in other states and neither they or anyone they know has actually drove by the property and seen the neighborhood I think you are asking for trouble. Believe me I know because Ive been contacted by investors in other states that "thought" they had a steal in Georgia because the house looks nice but the neighborhood is a completely different story and now they are stuck holding "nice" houses in really bad neighborhoods.
If you take time to really get to know a particular area and its residents, this will be your best shot at finding the best deals.
Again this is just my opinion. Anyone feel differently???

Congrats Samuel!!! Thats actually not bad for your first check.

Steve, You are very very welcome. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned since joining BP is that there are more than enough opportunities to go around. Many BP members have given me priceless information so I have no problem sharing the little I know.

In addition to the agents and brokers, another strategy would be to contact property preservation contractors in your area and let them know you will gladly pay a small fee for a list of houses that they are servicing.

Because most times these contractors work for more than one broker enabling you access to ALL properties coming to market.

Great Job!!!!!
Great example of how
"NOT TO BE GREEDY"!!!!!

Lynn- Thanks. Im sure you will profit in many ways from your membership @ BP and you are right this is a GREAT time to be involved in real estate.

Dawn- I would love the opportunity to work with you in any way possible.Also I have a few young ones that make SURE I remember whats really important in the grand scheme of things and not work myself to death.

Ken,
Alot of great suggestions. I recently entered in the property preservation business and see how time consuming it can be to reach asset managers. If possible I would also like to see your powerpoint presentation. I sent you an email.

WOW!!
Michael that is very very funny!
But very true!

Hi Donna,
Welcome to BiggerPockets!
I recently entered the field service arena to do property preservation along with another BP member. In our marketing efforts to major asset managers we have come across many,many companies that need agents to do BPOs. Here is a list of associations that might be able to help.

Cubic Yard.com
Society of Independent Representatives (SIRS4Quality.org)
TheRepReport.com
National Association of Mortgage Field Services (NAMFS.com)
Society of Field Inspectors (SOFI.com)

Once you get a list of national asset management companies you can market to them.
One other tip GOOGLE
"national property preservation contractors"
"national field service contractors"

Hope this helps you &
any and all that read it!!!

A quick update on our progress of the property preservation business. Prior to being involved in the business I could not find adequate information on the subject but now that Im involved there seems to be an overflow. If this is a business that you would like to become involved in please take your time and do your due diligence on every company that you try and work for. We have been "lucky" in the since that so far we haven't experienced any real issues.

On the other hand we along with the Georgia Dept. of Labor held a job recruitment for 20 job openings which started at 10am. When we arrived at 9:30 there were more than 200 people waiting to be interviewed. You read the unemployment statistics but until you see the effects of the economy for yourself you really have no idea!!!!