How Do You Contact An Unknown Property Owner?

Question

To Experienced Investors: I've read alot about driving for dollars or reaching out to property owners of distressed properties or properties of interest. I'm wondering where you all go to contact or find these owners? Is there a place that I can go to find who owns the property? I'm trying to look for off market deals since zillow and the works typically don't have the best deals available.

Thank you!!

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Here's an article that explains ways to do it for free using public records. If you are doing a lot of searches, it may be worth paying for a service like Joel mentions:

https://www.propertyradar.com/...

Parker Hardy · Answer

no your first answer was actually very helpful. I would be interested in reaching out to owners of my targeted property type. Thank you for the advice on hiring the envelope service...that would be something I would have thought I should do myself.

Chris Seveney · Answer

@Parker Hardy

1. County records - either recorder or look up tax bill

2. Propstream

3. Datatree

Counties for taxes will keep owners name and mailing address. For phone numbers you need to skiptrace them.

Jp Kilduff · Answer

There are several skip tracing companies that you can use. Find one with flexible pricing, and no long-term, high-priced contracts. Once you have the property addresses with owners' names and mailing addresses (from the county tax appraiser's site) it's easy to submit your list and receive landline, wireless numbers, and email addresses. let me know if you'd like more information or a referral code.

Myles O Lalmond · Answer

@Myles O Lalmond mighta misread this post. If you're driving for dollars, I believe you can get owner details via property tax cards from your local town website. Though it may not be the most efficient method. Hope this helps!

Myles O Lalmond · Answer

@Parker Hardy head to the tax assessor's office and request a list of current multifamily property owners that match your specifications (ex: 2-4 unit and 5+). Some cities/towns even have property list request forms available online which you can either email or mail to the county office. In the town I live in, the fee is $35. Then start sending letters on a quarterly basis to all these property owners. Just note... The success rate here is like 1-2% (there's going to be a lot of tire kickers calling) and stamps cost 60¢ (use a stamp with someone's face). I'd also suggest using a envelope addressing and stuffing service. Doing that work yourself is tiring and your time will be better spent elsewhere (ex: finding more deals). There should be more information on this topic on YouTube. It works!

Parker Hardy · Answer

That article is very helpful thank you

Amy Bailey · Answer

I have used TruePeopleSearch with decent success. It is a free tool, so a way to sort of dip your toe into the world without a fee, but certainly is not as accurate on details as other paid apps may be. However, you can search by address, and it typically comes up with owner name, and multiple phone numbers.

It will have some trial and error as some of the phone numbers may be old. However, regarding owner name you can also use the local county tax authority to verify in a lot of areas (at least here in Texas).

Good luck!

Dalton King · Answer

I have used propstream and I do not like it one bit. In my experience it was a waste of money but I know people that use propstream and listsource like software and actually get leads from it.

My most successful method of contacting owners is door knocking and mailers. Also having a good network of investors/realtors is a great way to explore alternative ways of getting deals.

Joel Case · Answer

The Driving for Dollars app in the app store will give you the name, email, phone number, and mailing address of any property you put in. It gives you 5 for free, but after that you have to pay. I believe Propstream will do something similar, but I do not have any personal experience so I can't say for sure.

How Do You Contact An Unknown Property Owner?

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