Specialist · Dallas Fort Worth — Texas Cincinnati — Ohio Cleveland — Ohio Columbus — Ohio Jacksonville — Florida Atlanta — Georgia · Member since 2026 · 148 posts · 29 votes
Build the Relationship Before You Need the Deal
One thing I’m starting to understand about off-market real estate is that relationships can be just as valuable as the leads themselves.
It’s easy to connect with someone and immediately ask:
“Do you have any deals?”
"Can we JV?"
“Can you send me opportunities?”
But I’m realizing that the better approach is to build the relationship before you need anything from the person.
Trust takes time.
Consistency matters.
And your reputation is built through repeated interactions—not one conversation.
If I want to build long-term relationships with acquisition professionals, wholesalers, agents, investors, and other people in the industry, I don’t want every interaction to feel transactional.
I want to learn from people, contribute when I can, share useful information, make introductions, engage with their content, and simply become someone they recognize and trust.
Because when an opportunity eventually comes up, I’d rather have built enough credibility that someone thinks:
“I know this person. I trust them. Let’s talk.”
That seems much more powerful than trying to build a network only when I need a deal.
I’m still early in this journey, so I’m curious:
For those who have built strong long-term relationships in real estate, what networking habits have produced your best business relationships?
I think the important things that helped me early on were becoming active and involved in the community, getting to know the local players, both in work and personal arenas. And being able to provide some value to the new friend and colleague relationships you are building.
I think the important things that helped me early on were becoming active and involved in the community, getting to know the local players, both in work and personal arenas. And being able to provide some value to the new friend and colleague relationships you are building.
@Jules Aton I agree with you as you said providing value to your colleagues and friends. It can be a really nice way to grow. And I don't know if you are open to a college request.
Investor · Hatboro, PA · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 842 votes
1mo
You’re on the right track. A lot of my best relationships in real estate started before there was ever a deal to talk about. Just stay in touch, be helpful when you can, and don’t make every conversation about business. The rest usually comes with time.
You’re on the right track. A lot of my best relationships in real estate started before there was ever a deal to talk about. Just stay in touch, be helpful when you can, and don’t make every conversation about business. The rest usually comes with time.
Really nice comment there and I couldn't agree more