How to Find Real Estate Investments in Any Market

Real estate continues to be one of the most powerful ways to build long-term wealth. It offers opportunities for passive income, financial freedom, and even early retirement. But many people run into the same roadblock: how to find real estate investments that are actually worth the time and money.

There are many options to choose from. These include rental properties, fix-and-flips, and off-market deals. It can be overwhelming to know where to begin.

The good news is that there are proven methods and tools that can help you make smart investment decisions. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your portfolio, the right strategies can make a big difference.

In this blog, we’ll break down several of the most common and effective ways to find investment properties. We’ll cover practical tips, highlight best practices, and introduce tools like DealMachine that simplify the process by giving you access to property and owner data. From spotting good rental deals to contacting motivated sellers, you’ll learn how to turn smart searching into profitable results.

If you're serious about learning how to find real estate investments, this guide is built for you.

Why Real Estate Is a Great Investment

If you’re reading this, chances are you already understand the appeal of real estate. It’s one of the few investment types that can generate cash flow, grow in value, and offer tax advantages—all at the same time.

Rental properties, in particular, allow investors to earn steady monthly income while building equity. With smart financing, many properties can be purchased using other people’s money, such as bank loans or private funding. This makes it possible to scale up over time and create long-term wealth.

Real estate also gives you control. You choose the market, the property, and how to manage it. And with the right tools and data, finding high-potential deals has never been more accessible.

Still, even the best investment won’t work without the right strategy. So let’s get into what really matters—how to find real estate investments that fit your goals.

Common Ways to Find Real Estate Investment Properties

There’s no single way to find the perfect investment property. The best investors use a mix of traditional techniques and modern tools to uncover deals that others miss. Whether you’re looking for your first rental or expanding your portfolio, here are some of the most common and effective strategies.

Driving for Dollars

This method is a favorite among real estate investors—and for good reason. Driving for dollars involves exploring neighborhoods and looking for properties that show signs of distress or neglect. These might include:

• Overgrown yards
• Broken windows
• Mail piling up
• Empty driveways for long periods

Properties like these often belong to owners who may be motivated to sell. With the right approach, these can turn into profitable off-market deals.

Today, tools like DealMachine make this method faster and more organized. Instead of writing down addresses or trying to track down owners manually, you can use your phone to log properties, access ownership information, and even send direct mail all on the spot.

Search the MLS (Multiple Listing Service)

The MLS is a database of properties listed for sale by licensed real estate agents. It’s where most on-market homes can be found, and it can be a useful place to start, especially when combined with other strategies.

While competition is usually higher on the MLS, there are still solid investment opportunities—especially in slower markets or areas with price drops. You can also set up alerts for listings that meet your criteria.

Direct Mail Campaigns

Another proven strategy is sending direct mail to property owners who may be willing to sell. These owners might not have their homes listed, but they could be open to an offer under the right conditions.

This approach works best when you target specific property types, like absentee owners, vacant homes, or inherited properties. Again, DealMachine simplifies this by allowing you to create lists and send letters automatically, saving time and increasing your chances of a response.

Networking with Other Investors

Sometimes, the best deals never hit the market at all. Instead, they’re passed from one investor to another through networking.

Consider joining local real estate investment groups, meetups, or online forums. Attend real estate events or connect with wholesalers who specialize in finding discounted properties. Building relationships in the real estate community often leads to early access to deals or partnerships on larger projects.

Using Property and Contact Data Tools

Technology has changed the game for investors. Platforms like DealMachine offer access to property records, owner contact info, and built-in tools for outreach and analysis. With just a few clicks, you can:

• Research property values and ownership history
• Identify off-market opportunities
• Estimate potential cash flow or returns
• Contact owners directly by mail or phone

Having access to this kind of data helps you work smarter—not harder. You spend less time chasing leads and more time evaluating real opportunities.

Public Records and County Data

You can also search public records to find pre-foreclosures, tax delinquent properties, or probate cases. These records are often available through county offices or online databases.

While this method can take more time and effort, it’s another way to uncover motivated sellers before they list their property on the open market.

In short, the key to success is knowing where to look and having the right tools to act quickly. Whether you’re driving for dollars, sending mail, or diving into data, each of these methods can help you find real estate investment properties that match your goals.

How to Find Rental Properties Using Property and Contact Data

We’ve already mentioned how tools like DealMachine make it easier to access owner information and property details. But let’s take a closer look at how to actually use that data to find rental investments specifically.

Here are a few targeted ways investors use property and contact data to locate solid rental opportunities:

Spotting High-Rent Areas

By combining public data with local rental trends, you can identify neighborhoods with strong rental demand. Look for areas with:

• High population growth
• Good schools or public transit
• Low vacancy rates
• Steady job markets

This helps you focus on properties that are more likely to stay rented long-term, reducing risk.

Filtering for Landlord-Friendly Properties

Use filters to identify property types ideal for rentals, such as multi-family homes, single-family units in working-class neighborhoods, or duplexes with low turnover.

Many investors also use data to find:

• Properties owned by absentee landlords (often ready to sell)
• Homes held in trusts or LLCs
• Recently inherited properties

These filters help you narrow your search to motivated sellers.

Outreach at the Right Time

Contact data helps you act before a property hits the market. With tools that provide phone numbers, emails, or mailing addresses, you can reach out directly and start a conversation with the owner.

And because you’ve already reviewed the property’s size, location, and value, you can speak confidently about your interest and make a serious offer faster than the competition.

Even if you’re new to investing, using real-time property and contact data puts you a step ahead. It’s not just about finding any property—it’s about finding the right one and having the tools to move quickly.

Off-Market vs. On-Market: Where the Deals Are

When it comes to finding real estate investment properties, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to focus on on-market or off-market deals. Both have their place, but understanding the difference can help you decide which approach is better for your goals.

On-Market Properties

On-market properties are listed publicly—usually on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). These are the homes you’ll find on major websites like Zillow or Realtor.com.

Pros:

• Easy to access with or without an agent
• Clear pricing and photos
• Can move quickly if you’re already pre-approved

Cons:

• High competition
• Less room to negotiate
• Properties may be picked over

If you’re just starting out and want to learn the process, the MLS can be a helpful place to begin. But seasoned investors often find that on-market properties are less likely to offer deep discounts or strong cash flow.

Off-Market Properties

Off-market properties are not listed for sale publicly. These homes are often owned by people who might be willing to sell, but haven’t taken the step to list them yet.

Pros:

• Less competition
• More negotiating power
• Better chance to buy below market value

Cons:

• Requires more effort to find and contact owners
• No listing photos or ready-made info
• You’ll need to do more due diligence

This is where tools like DealMachine shine. By helping you identify off-market leads—including vacant homes, absentee owners, and properties in pre-foreclosure—you can reach motivated sellers directly and create your own opportunities.

For investors wondering how to find real estate investments that offer better margins and less competition, off-market deals are often the answer.

Mistakes to Avoid When Looking for Investment Properties

As you learn how to find real estate investments, it’s just as important to know what not to do. Avoiding these common mistakes can save you time, money, and frustration.

• Not running the numbers: Don’t guess. Always calculate cash flow, expenses, and potential return before making an offer.
• Ignoring the neighborhood: A cheap property in a bad area is still a bad deal. Look at crime rates, schools, and rental demand.
• Underestimating renovation costs: Fixer-uppers can eat up your budget fast. Get estimates upfront and leave room for surprises.
• Waiting too long to act: Good deals move quickly. If a property checks out, don’t hesitate—make a move.
• Doing everything manually: Searching without tools wastes time. Use apps like DealMachine to research, track leads, and contact owners efficiently.

Check out the video below for 5 steps to get started investing.

Conclusion

Finding real estate investments doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a clear strategy, the right tools, and a willingness to take action.

Whether you’re driving for dollars, searching off-market leads, or analyzing rental properties using data, the goal is the same: find deals that align with your financial goals and offer real potential.

If you’ve been wondering how to find real estate investments, the answer is this: combine smart methods with reliable tools, stay consistent, and always do your due diligence.

Start with one property. Then build from there.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the best way to find real estate investment properties?

There’s no one-size-fits-all method. Many investors use a mix of driving for dollars, direct mail campaigns, MLS searches, and off-market data tools like DealMachine to uncover leads.

2. How can I find rental properties that generate cash flow?

Start by identifying high-demand rental areas. Use tools to analyze rent prices, property expenses, and local vacancy rates. Look for properties where rental income exceeds monthly costs.

3. What’s the difference between on-market and off-market properties?

On-market properties are publicly listed for sale (usually on the MLS). Off-market properties are not listed but may be owned by people open to selling. Off-market deals often come with less competition and better pricing.

4. Can beginners find good investment properties?

Yes. With basic knowledge and the right tools, beginners can find solid opportunities. Starting with a simple strategy—like driving for dollars or analyzing local listings—is a great first step.

5. Is DealMachine only for experienced investors?

Not at all. DealMachine is built for investors at all levels. It helps beginners find and evaluate properties quickly while offering more advanced features for experienced users who want to scale.