Newbie looking to start bird dogging for local investors—tips?

Question

Hi everyone,
I’m brand new to real estate investing and looking to get my foot in the door. I want to start out by bird dogging—tracking down off-market deals for busy investors who don't have the time to hunt for them themselves.
Since I'm just starting out, I have a few questions for the experienced folks here:

Finding Investors: What is the best way to connect with active buyers who actually need bird dogs?
Structuring Deals: How do you usually handle the referral/finder's fee so both sides stay protected?
Spotting Deals: What specific red flags should I look for when driving for dollars?

I have plenty of hustle and time to put into this. Any advice, tips, or strategies on how to bring real value to local investors would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,
I’m brand new to real estate investing and looking to get my foot in the door. I want to start out by bird dogging—tracking down off-market deals for busy investors who don't have the time to hunt for them themselves.
Since I'm just starting out, I have a few questions for the experienced folks here:

Finding Investors: What is the best way to connect with active buyers who actually need bird dogs?
Structuring Deals: How do you usually handle the referral/finder's fee so both sides stay protected?
Spotting Deals: What specific red flags should I look for when driving for dollars?

I have plenty of hustle and time to put into this. Any advice, tips, or strategies on how to bring real value to local investors would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

I’m brand new to real estate investing and looking to get my foot in the door. I want to start out by bird dogging—tracking down off-market deals for busy investors who don't have the time to hunt for them themselves.

Since I'm just starting out, I have a few questions for the experienced folks here:

• Finding Investors: What is the best way to connect with active buyers who actually need bird dogs?
• Structuring Deals: How do you usually handle the referral/finder's fee so both sides stay protected?
• Spotting Deals: What specific red flags should I look for when driving for dollars?

I have plenty of hustle and time to put into this. Any advice, tips, or strategies on how to bring real value to local investors would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Mackaylee Beach · Answer

Attend local real estate meetups and investment clubs. These gatherings are goldmines for meeting experienced investors and learning the ropes. Make sure to introduce yourself, express your eagerness to help, and collect contact information.  Establish relationships with agents who often work with investors. They might be able to refer you to clients looking for off-market deals.

For spotting deals and being wary of red flags: Look for signs of neglect such as overgrown lawns, boarded-up windows, or notices on doors. These might indicate motivated sellers. Pay attention to areas with declining property values or excessive vacancies, as these might pose risks or opportunities depending on your strategy. Stay informed about local market trends to distinguish between a true opportunity and a potential pitfall.

Remember, being persistent and providing genuine value to investors can help build a strong reputation in the real estate community. Good luck on your journey!