I've tried gifts but it didn't amount to squat, although I have one tenant I bring over free fast-food coupons from the newspaper when I go by to collect rent.

However, throw in some of that guru style letter campaign marketing; an ad in the newspaper; some fuel to drive to look at some of the properties; entity maintenance; legal expenses from time to time; phone expenses; office expenses; etc, etc, etc and that number could be significantly lower.

Direct marketing,online ad sites and your local newspaper are great to market for deals.

You could use the normal advertising methods, loopnet, agent, MLS, newspapers, magazines, etc.Your listed 3rd option may be feasible to "trade", but may be difficult to find someone wanting to move in the opposite direction of you.

You can also put a generic ad (like Andrew's bandit sign ad) in newspapers, free publications, etc.Hope this helps!

I consistently get twice as many tenants with my free craigslist ad, paper flyers at the grocery store and $14 sign in the yard than my $500 a month newspaper advertising. 4.

I use yard signs, directionals, newspaper, and craigslist

This week, the Northwestern newspaper of Oshkosh, WI., ran an article that stated, the city of Oshkosh was going to buy up to 19 HUD properties that the banks have on the books for more than 6 months.

Talk to the newspaper!

Luckily my new mortgage was $189/month, and I had enough left over to buy a subscription to the bi weekly newspaper.