How To Get Strangers To Send You Real Estate Deals

Finding consistent real estate deals can be tough, especially if you’re just starting out. But what if you could get other people to find deals for you? That’s exactly what David Lecko, the founder of DealMachine, figured out. His system has helped more than 10,000 people across all 50 states close their first wholesale real estate deal.

Lecko’s strategy focuses on a simple but powerful approach known as driving for dollars, a method that helps investors locate off-market properties that are often discounted and ready for a quick sale. The key to scaling this system is learning how to motivate and manage others to consistently find deals for you.

This guide breaks down Lecko’s best advice for building a team that finds real estate deals on your behalf, using fair pay, smart management, and the right tools.

What Is Driving for Dollars?

Aside from wholesaling, driving for dollars is one of the oldest and most reliable methods for finding off-market real estate deals. It’s simple: you or your hired drivers physically drive through neighborhoods looking for vacant or distressed properties.

Here’s what drivers look for:

• Overgrown lawns or neglected landscaping
• Broken windows or boarded-up doors
• Stacks of mail or flyers are piling up
• Roof or siding damage

When a driver spots a property that looks neglected, they write down the address or add it into an app like DealMachine. From there, you can contact the property owner, typically through direct mail or phone, to inquire about their interest in selling.

The goal is to find motivated sellers, homeowners who may want to sell quickly, often below market value. These types of properties are ideal for wholesalers and flippers seeking to establish long-term deal flow.

Choosing the Right Payment Structure for Drivers

If you want to get strangers to send you real estate deals, you need a fair and motivating pay system. According to Lecko, there are three main ways investors typically pay their drivers:

Hourly Pay

Drivers earn a set hourly rate while scouting neighborhoods.

Pros: Consistent pay keeps drivers happy and motivated.

Cons: Requires up-front cash from you.

Pay Per Property

You pay a flat amount for each qualified property the driver adds to your list.

Pros: You only pay for results.

Cons: Can lead to quantity over quality.

Bonus Per Closed Deal

Drivers get paid only when a deal they found actually closes.

Pros: No money spent unless a deal closes.

Cons: Most drivers won’t stick around long enough to get paid.

At first, the bonus structure sounds great, no upfront costs, and drivers only get paid when you do. But in reality, that model rarely works. Drivers need a steady income to pay their bills. If they don’t see quick results, they’ll move on.

Lecko’s experience shows that hourly pay or per-property pay typically yields better results and longer-lasting working relationships.

The Real Costs of Finding Real Estate Deals

Let’s look at some simple math.

To close one profitable wholesale real estate deal, investors often need to target around 300 distressed properties.

If a driver earns $20 per hour and can find about 12 properties per hour, you’ll spend around $500 to have them find 300 properties.

Now, compare that to a $1,000 bonus for a closed deal. Even if you only close one deal from those 300 properties, you’re paying twice as much for the same result.

That’s why Lecko recommends paying hourly or per property. You’ll save money, build trust, and keep your drivers motivated to keep sending you high-quality leads.

Managing and Motivating Your Driving Team

Once you start hiring people to find real estate deals for you, management becomes key. A good pay structure won’t matter if your drivers don’t feel supported or accountable.

Here are some of Lecko’s best management tips for keeping your team productive:

Set a Minimum Weekly Commitment

Ask drivers to commit at least 20 hours per week. This keeps your pipeline full and reduces turnover.

Use Route Tracking

Tools like DealMachine enable you to track the locations of your drivers. This ensures they’re actually scouting and helps you identify productive areas.

Schedule Weekly Check-Ins

Meet once a week to give feedback, share results, and encourage your team. Consistent communication builds loyalty and trust.

Run a Paid Test Project

Start new drivers with a small paid trial, maybe just a few hours of scouting. This weeds out people who aren’t serious.

Use Written Agreements

Have every driver sign a basic contract outlining expectations, pay, and confidentiality. This maintains a professional tone and helps prevent misunderstandings.

When you manage your team effectively, you create a repeatable system that runs smoothly even when you’re not directly involved.

Using Technology to Find More Deals

Technology can significantly accelerate and streamline your driving-for-dollars process. Platforms like DealMachine help investors identify properties, plan routes, and contact owners, all from one dashboard.

Here’s how technology helps you scale:

• Optimized Routes: Drivers can cover more ground in less time.
• Property Tracking: Automatically saves property details, owner info, and notes.
• Automated Outreach: Sends postcards or letters to owners with your contact info.
• Performance Analytics: View the number of leads each driver generates and track conversion rates.

When everything is digital, you can easily track progress and see which areas or drivers are producing the best results. This data helps you make smarter decisions and close more real estate deals with less guesswork.

Building a Reliable Real Estate Deal Pipeline

The most successful investors don’t just rely on luck; they build systems.

By outsourcing your driving for dollars work, you create a pipeline of potential deals that constantly feed your business. The key is consistency. When your drivers know exactly how they’re paid, what’s expected, and how they’re supported, they’ll keep delivering the kind of leads that make your business grow.

Start small, build a trusted team, and refine your system over time. The results can be life-changing.

Key Takeaways

• Paying hourly or per property produces better long-term results than offering deal-based bonuses.
• Require consistent commitment and use technology for tracking and communication.
• Build trust with your drivers by offering fair pay, regular check-ins, and clear written agreements.
• Use apps like DealMachine to organize data, automate outreach, and boost efficiency.

When managed correctly, driving for dollars can become one of the most reliable ways to get strangers to send you real estate deals, turning your local market into a steady stream of off-market opportunities.

FAQs About Getting Real Estate Deals

1. What’s the best way to find off-market real estate deals?

Driving for dollars remains one of the most effective methods because it identifies distressed properties before they are listed on the public market.

2. How much should I pay someone to find deals for me?

Most investors pay $15–$25 per hour or $1–$3 per qualified lead. Avoid bonus-only models unless you already have experienced drivers.

3. Can I drive for dollars without an app?

Yes, but using tools like DealMachine saves time and ensures you don’t miss follow-ups or property details.

4. How do I know if my drivers are doing good work?

Utilize GPS route tracking and weekly reports to verify activity and assess lead quality. Consistent check-ins help maintain accountability.