Working Remotely as a Property Finder - Best Practices?

Question

I'm based internationally but focusing on finding deals in the DFW market. I know remote investing is common here, so figured I'd ask:

For those who work deals remotely:

How do you verify property condition without being there?

What tools do you use for market research and comps?

How do you build trust with buyers when you're not local?

Any partnerships that have worked well (local agents, inspectors, etc.)?

I'm doing the groundwork - learning the market, studying neighborhoods, practicing deal analysis. Just want to make sure I'm setting myself up right from the start.

Any insights appreciated!

Bo Smith · Answer

One thing that's been a game changer for me doing remote deals: get a handyman or contractor who can FaceTime you walk-throughs. So much better than just photos and you can ask them to check specific stuff in real-time. For building trust, I started being super transparent with my numbers - like showing buyers exactly how I calculated ARV, repair costs, all of it. People trust you way more when they see your work. What's your main strategy gonna be in DFW - wholesale, flips, or buy and hold?

Mike Krieg · Answer

I don't know DFW that well, but I do know of a few good realtors here in Austin that serve investors. I actually think few realtors understand the needs of investors, so it really is a niche, space for realtors.

Izaiah Barba · Answer

Hey Adekunle, great questions. Yes, you can absolutely work deals remotely. I've done it and many in my network do it successfully.For market research, we use Zillow and PropStream for comps, property data, and neighborhood analysis. Propstream is not free but it's comprehensive. You can also use Propwire as a free alternative to start. I have discount links to both I can share if you go that route.For building trust with buyers, it's all about consistent communication and accurate numbers. When your comps are solid and your repair estimates are realistic, buyers will work with you regardless of where you're based. Start by connecting with 5-10 active buyers in DFW, learn their exact buy box, and only bring them deals that fit.For partnerships, join local DFW REI groups on Facebook and network virtually. Many investors prefer working with someone who's hyper-focused on deal flow rather than splitting their time.And lastly you can verify property condition by either paying a contractor or inspector walk the property. Or calling realtors to see if they would be open to checking out the property for you. Or using a photography service to take pictures for you. I have several I can share, let me know!Hope this helps!

Frank Pyle · Answer

You can do this remotely if you build a simple system and stick to it every time. For condition, I treat every house like it needs more work than the photos show until a local inspector and a quick live video walk through prove otherwise, and I always ask for close ups of the roof, plumbing under sinks, the electrical panel, foundation cracks, and any water stains. For research, I compare it to a few similar houses that sold nearby recently and I look at what places are actually renting for, then I do a fast gut check like rent minus mortgage, taxes, insurance, management, and a cushion for repairs and if that number is skinny I pass. Trust comes from being consistent and conservative, sending clean notes with what you know and what you do not know, and not pushing shaky deals. Who do you have lined up locally right now for inspections and walk throughs, and what part of DFW and price range are you hunting in?

Andy Sabisch · Answer

Great to see your interest in getting into US real estate investing but the market has changed over the past few years thanks to technology especially the AI tools.  It is extremely easy now for an investor to evaluate a market and find deals.  Doing remote investing - even a state or two away - is inherently risky since you do not know the details of the market.  A property that looks like a great deal may be one neighborhood away from where you really want to invest and you will find yourself in a C or lower area without knowing that before closing the deal.  Boots on the ground is key.  We have street level maps of areas we invest in and have the areas we want to avoid highlighted as well as the areas we know will generate a profit.  Partnerships can work but expecting them to do the legwork and inspections for free is usually a non-starter.  We have trades we can call who will look at a property because 1) we have used them before and they know we are serious investors and 2) they know when we buy they will get the job.  Even with this, we do not have them chasing rainbows without pulling the trigger - the resource will disappear quickly.

Are you looking at fix-&-flips or buy-&-hold investments?  That makes a difference in terms of tools to use to help focus in on deals.

Not trying to dissuade your efforts but investing from outside the country in a market that has a lot of investors LOCALLY doing what you want to do may result in more of a challenge than might otherwise be the case . . . be prepared for some lessons . . .

Adekunle Babatunde · Answer

Peter, thank you for this piece. I would like to connect .

Adekunle Babatunde · Answer

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my post on BiggerPockets, I really appreciate it! As you know, I work as a property finder, connecting investors with off-market residential properties in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.

I’m currently working with an active buyer looking for properties in DFW, and I’m hoping to expand my network of trusted contacts. If you know any sellers or could introduce me to someone who might have opportunities, I’d be grateful. I always aim to make connections smooth and mutually beneficial.

Thanks again for your time and support.

Working Remotely as a Property Finder - Best Practices?

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