How to Find Off-Market Deals by Driving for Dollars and Contacting Owners Directly

By Joy Gebarah

In today’s market, many of the best real estate opportunities never hit the MLS. These “off-market” deals can lead to greater profit margins, less competition, and more negotiation power. One of the simplest ways to find them? Driving for dollars.

At our real estate investment company, we specialize in helping homeowners sell fast and as-is. A large number of our acquisitions started with nothing more than a drive around the neighborhood and a keen eye.

Step 1: Spot Distressed Properties

Drive through areas with investment potential—rising home values, nearby renovations, or rental demand. Look for signs of neglect:

- Overgrown yards
- Boarded or broken windows
- Chipped paint
- Overflowing mailboxes
- General disrepair

These signs may point to a tired or absentee owner who could be ready to sell.

Step 2: Get Owner Info from the Tax Assessor

Once you’ve got a list of addresses, look up the property owner through your county’s tax assessor site. You’ll usually find:

- Owner’s name
- Mailing address
- Property details
- Tax status

A different mailing address often means the home is vacant or tenant-occupied—making it more likely the owner might sell.

Step 3: Use Skip Tracing to Find Contact Info

Skip tracing tools like PropStream, BatchSkipTracing, or Whitepages Premium can help you find a phone number or email address linked to the owner. Even free tools like FastPeopleSearch can yield results.

Reach out with a simple, respectful message:

Hi [Owner’s Name], my name is Joy. I came across your property at [Address] and wanted to see if you’d ever consider selling. If so, I’d love to make a cash offer—no pressure at all.

Step 4: Mail a Personalized Letter

If calls don’t work—or if you prefer a less direct approach—send a letter. Keep it friendly and personal. Mention the property by address and offer flexibility, such as buying as-is or closing on their timeline.

Tip: Handwrite or use a handwritten font for better response rates. Add a sticky note or business card inside the envelope.

Step 5: Track Everything

Use a simple CRM or spreadsheet to log:

- Property address
- Owner’s name
- Contact attempts
- Notes and follow-up needs

It may take 2–3 touches to get a reply, so stay organized and consistent.

Final Thought

Driving for dollars is one of the most cost-effective ways to find real estate deals—especially for investors willing to do the legwork. With a list, a little research, and thoughtful outreach, you’ll uncover opportunities others overlook.

If you’re a California homeowner looking to sell quickly or avoid repairs, check out our team. We offer fair cash offers with no fees, no pressure—just options.