Wholesaler · Dallas, TX · Member since 2011 · 294 posts · 152 votes
I recently purchased a list from listsource.com of absentee owners and so far I am unhappy with my response. I had several (16 out of 439)callers but none of them were motivated. I know that I need to continue to mail to this list and I plan to do so.
I asked the members of BP to help with my mailer and many people suggested that I should build my own list.
I've read of people going to the county court house (County Records Bldg) and looking for leads on back taxes, code violations, and probate leads.
I plan to spend my entire Wednesday at the court house digging through records and asking the workers for leads and/or ideas. My plan is to make friends with someone there and offer them lunch for their advice and/or help. This will all be new to me so I wanted to ask the BP Nation for a little guidance.
Does anyone from BP have any suggestions on how to locate leads at the court house efficiently? Or tips on what I should be looking for when searching through records?
Real Estate Investor · Baltimore, MD · Member since 2008 · 1k+ posts · 268 votes
15y
I doubt that courthouse workers will give you valuable tips on locating deals. That is not included in their job description. If they know something (doubtful) they're likely to keep it to themselves rather than selling short for lunch.
Wholesaler · Dallas, TX · Member since 2011 · 294 posts · 152 votes
15y
I understand that they won't know how to locate deals but I'm hoping they'll give me some ideas on how to search the records quickly based on my search criteria (i.e. absentee owner with code violation).
Im sure some of you guys build your own list via the city records (probate, code, taxes). Any other input?
Real Estate Investor · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2008 · 74 posts · 14 votes
15y
Every city is different but I doubt you're going to find everything at one place or be able to cross reference various things. If only city governments were that organized.
Involved In Real Estate · fort worth, TX · Member since 2011 · 14 posts · 6 votes
15y
it's funny,but I just posted a how to be consistent comment...I see you are located in/near me...I reside in fort worth tx. and have worked for law firms in dallas metroplex...I would like to help you in your search I have some or all of what you need I have people I work with that I pay to get true listing for me...am looking for a friend I can work with in this field...I have a system check,but I need a talker when it comes to the bank.
Homeowner · Garden City, MI · Member since 2011 · 11 posts · 3 votes
15y
Stinson, I know we played phone tag today, but I'll try you in the morning again, unless you have some time tonight. I can help you out with your list, no problem.
Wholesaler · Dallas, TX · Member since 2011 · 294 posts · 152 votes
15y
Jon, Thanks for the link... that helps with probates.
Scott, I will call you shortly.
George, I will be at the records building, not the court house (rescheduled for tomorrow). I don't plan to walk up to a random person and invite them to lunch. I've been to the building many times and there are people working the floor that offer assistance. I will build a relationship with them while asking for help... once we have good rapport; I'll let them know I'm going to lunch and I'd be happy to buy their food for all of their helpful assistance. If they seem interested, I'll invite them to join. I have good people skills, understand communication patterns, and can easily make new friends. It's not really strange (humans are constantly networking and building relationships) and I doubt they would call security on me. I doubt I'll get all of this accomplished in one trip to the building but I'm sure I can gain a friend or two after several trips to the same office with a smile on my face. You'd be surprised what a familiar smile and hand shake can accomplish in business.