If you want to find real estate that pays you consistently — even in a market like this — look for these three things:
1. A Motivated Seller
We don’t look for listings. We look for problems.
The best deals come from sellers who:
- Need to relocate fast
- Are tired of managing rentals
- Inherited properties they don’t want
- Are behind on payments
- Are going through divorce or other life stress
These people aren’t looking for top dollar — they’re looking for an easy and fast exit.
You provide that exit — and get rewarded with incredible terms. Win-win.
2. Built-In Cashflow
Your deal should generate monthly profit after all expenses:
- Mortgage (if applicable)
- Taxes
- Insurance
- Maintenance reserves
- Vacancy buffer
- Property management (yes, even if you “self-manage”)
If it clears $1,000–$2,000/month after that? You’ve got a real winner.
If it just “breaks even,” move on.
3. Creative Control (Without Cash or Credit)
Most new investors disqualify themselves before they start.
They say:
“I can’t afford a down payment.”
“I don’t have good credit.”
“I’ll wait until I save more.”
Wrong.
You don’t need cash or credit.
You need a strategy.
For example:
- Take over the seller’s existing low-interest mortgage
- Use asset-based lenders who care about the deal, not your FICO score
- Partner with private lenders hungry for yield
This is how I’ve done deals for 20+ years — without using my own money or credit.