They do fish for higher offer.

Go on a fishing trip, go to Mexico, go to Europe, etc.

The fishing is great!

For the past two years, we have looked forward to gaining access to the pond so we can fish and enjoy the surroundings.

Like shooting fish in a barrel!

If anyone has a problem with you making a profit, then move on to the next house -- there are plenty of fish in the short sale ocean.The seller does not get money -- but they get relief, closure, and a chance to restore their credit in 2-3 years as opposed to 7 years in a foreclosure.

Those give me a high volume of incoming leads however a small percentage are motivated sellers.I also do penny saver adds with we buy house, those are being evaluated as well because I get a lot of calls from rural areas with folks looking to dump junk trailors and I politely turn those down.I am in search of sub2 deals and I also use word of mouth from relationships with homeowners, if I cant get an option on the homes I pass them to my wife who takes the owner finance listing.Finally I do a craigslist campaign for owner finance buyers, this keeps the phones ringing as well but many buyers are unloyal and seem to be fishing for something for nothing however I keep a steady flow to choose from I just need to get just as many homes to sell to them owner finance.I am curious to find out a ball park figure most spend on direct mail, SEO search engine optimization and other techniques mention in this thread.I really feel that relationship building is the key ingredient and if I can hangout with bankers then I think my network will = my networth.

You're standing at the edge of the pond, it's stocked with fish, and you have a rod in your hand.

The hosuing authority usually has a bulletin board, put up the info and make sure they are giving out your name.Knock off some rent for your tenants who find you a quaified tenant, they'll do it looking for their neighbors.Call the building regs office, see about properties recently red tagged, that can be grounds to break a lease and fish for those tenants.

I do remember that from earlier days.. a good agent leads you to so many other good people... inspectors, contractors, lawyers, money, etc.Right now I'm making phone calls and emailing agents, fishing for a good match.