Trouble Finding Deals In a Small/Limited Market

Trouble Finding Deals In a Small/Limited Market

Rental Property Investor · Saint Joseph, MO · Member since 2021 · 22 posts · 7 votes

I am a relatively new investor, looking for deals in a town of about 60-70k. After my wife and I bought our first rental property in 2019, we purchased a duplex in 2020 and currently live on one side while the other side covers our monthly mortgage payment. I'd love to purchase more multi-family properties (duplexes, triplexes, even 4-6 unit buildings). Currently I am sitting on a lot of cash (to me anyway), halfway waiting for the opportunity to purchase a couple more duplexes on our street (I think the owner of a couple will possibly sell within the year) and looking for other deals all the time. There are a lot of single family homes for sale with the potential of cash flowing, but I'd like to get into multifamily. However, multi-family deals in decent areas get sold almost immediately after being listed (not only in town, but surrounding areas as well), and most of the single family homes that will cash flow well are much older than I would prefer.

My question is, should I continue to sit on cash and wait for/pursue more multi-family deals, or should I buy what I can with what I have at the right price in order to start getting a return on my money instead of letting it sit in a bank. 

I don't have any investing mentors, so I'd be curious to see what some of your opinions are, and how you've found your best deals/investments.

Thanks

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  • Jaron WallingPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2018 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    4y

    @Jake Lilly I'm in a similar situation and we share the issue of not having a "deal flow funnel." I'm hesitate to purchase just any ole property that barely breaks even as a rental or doesn't have value add potential. Given the our current market situation I'm realizing most listed properties are a waste of time. I'm spending maybe 25% of my time looking at listings from real estate agents. I'm focusing 75% on off market leads, wholesaler deals, and networking with locals. 

    The good duplexes and multi-family deals are sold that way so I'm going to swim with the current, not against it.  

  • Rental Property Investor · Saint Joseph, MO · Member since 2021 · 22 posts · 7 votes
    4y

    @Jaron Walling I have made some low offers on a couple single family homes that have been turned down, but am beginning to see what you are saying. The MLS is difficult tool to use for finding deals right now. I have mailed some property owners, and spoken on the phone to a couple. I probably need to be more aggressive in putting in the work to locate leads and pursue them in some way or another.

  • Jaron WallingPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2018 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    4y

    @Jake Lilly I need to do the same. I've mailed a few letters but I'm not getting any traction with it. That tactic is so flooded from other investors and agents it makes it tough for us small guys. 

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