I don't know Jeremy, but his advice is precisely on target. I wouldn't even look at RealtyTrac. Not because it's a bad service, but because everyone and their brother is doing the same thing. And don't just focus on foreclosures. You can find great investment properties from motivated sellers. Now, the motivated seller might happen to be a bank with a property that you could buy. But a motivated seller can be a couple going through divorce; it can be someone who has to relocate; it can be someone who bought a new house without selling their old one first; it can be an out-of-town owner tired of landlording; it can be someone whose mom or dad had go into a nursing home, and the child is trying to sell the parent's property; it can be an in-town owner with a rental property who's just had to evict a non-paying tenant, And on and on. All of these people are motivated; they all offer an opportunity to make a good investment in properties.

Jeremy gave you good advice about finding people in foreclosure. Here's some good advice about finding "tired landlords." For those trying to evict tenants, most courthouses have public postings, certainly public dockets, of eviction cases. Often called "unlawful detainer." You'll probably have to go down to the courthouse to get the information. I know some investors who actually sit in on the cases, and will approach the owners after their case has been heard, finding out if they want to sell. And for out-of-town landlords, a Realtor probably can help. Up in Virginia, tax records are tagged for absentee owners. It's easy for agents to access the tax records and specify only those records tagged as absentee. Then you mail them letters or postcards expressing an interest in buying.

So, don't limit yourself to RealtyTrac or foreclosures. There are lots and lots of other opportunities out there.

Good luck.

Sat Feb 16 2008, 17:15

I hear Realtytrac sometimes have old information (I'm not here to bash on them).

Get with a Realtor that works in REO's and foreclosures. Some of them can get to look at a property before it hits the market. Public information is free, sometimes on the internet, but it can get quite cumbersome doing the work.

Sat Feb 16 2008, 14:37

If you are interested in buying just one good deal to live in, then I suggest sending letters (or postcards) directly to a homeowner in foreclosure. Foreclosures sales and lis pendens (litigation pending) are listed on the Alachua County Public Records website. To get their mailing address, you need to cross reference using the Alachua County Property Appraisers website. Just be honest and upfront. Explain who you are, where you got their contact info., and that you are writing because you like that part of town and will make an offer for their property if they are interested.
If you are interested in buying multiple properties, then you might consider placing an ads in the newspaper, online, the phone book, using fliers, business cards, and of course... networking with other real estate professionals.

Sat Feb 16 2008, 14:31

Michelle,
I am a real estate investor and I buy and sell houses in the Gainesville area. I am currently training people to help me buy more houses while the buying is good. The training is free and no experience is necessary. Let me know if you're interested.
Best regards,
Jeremy Butts

Sat Feb 16 2008, 12:35

If you are looking for foreclosures or bank owned properties, it would be a good idea to contact an agent. I disagree with Bill, " establish a releationship with multiple agents", if you are going to have an agent work with you, it is best to interview a few, and pick one. Just as you would expect loyalty from your agent, expect them to guide you honestly, the agent should be able to expect the same from you...You wouldn't go to work and have your boss look a 4 of you employees and say.."hey you're all going to work today, but only one of you is going to get paid for it:." :) it is a relationship...with that said...many times these foreclousre websites have outdated information, for instance a house is already sold...agents have real time information, specific to your area...hope that helps...

Thu Feb 14 2008, 05:18

Michelle,
Try establishing relations with a number of real estate agents. Multiple agents will expand the potential possibilities available to you. In the current market, there are many deals out there. It's a matter of locating them and as most agents will tell you.....finding a great value doesn't need to be done through the the avenue of foreclosure. Active professional agents know where the opportunities are...

Good luck

The "Eckler Team"
Century 21 Almar & Associates
Venice, Fl 34285

Thu Feb 14 2008, 03:41