Market Research
Connected Investors Strategy
Pinpoint Funding
Use the "Private Lenders" search to find active cash buyers. These are people who have actually lent money on deals recently.
Marketplace Listings
Post your deals to the marketplace. It's a high-traffic area for serious investors looking for their next project.
Direct Messaging
Don't just wait. Message active buyers: "I come across off-market deals in [CITY]. What are your buying criteria?"
How to Check ARV (After Repair Value)
Find Comparable Properties ("Comps")
Look for recently SOLD properties that are similar to your subject property. These are called "comps" (comparables).
What makes a good comp?
- Within 0.5 miles of your property (closer is better)
- Sold in last 6 months (3 months is ideal)
- Similar size: Within 200 sq ft of your property
- Same bed/bath count (or very close)
- Similar condition: Recently renovated/updated
Use Free Research Tools
- Search for your property address
- Scroll down to "Nearby comparable sales"
- Filter by: Sold (not "For Sale")
- Look for properties within 0.5 miles, similar size
- Click on 3-5 comps and note their sold prices
- Search your property address
- Click "Nearby Homes" tab
- Filter: Sold, Last 6 months
- Sort by "Recently Sold"
- Compare similar properties
- Search property address
- Click "Nearby Sold Homes"
- Review recently sold properties
- Check photos to confirm condition
Calculate the ARV
Once you have 3-5 good comps, calculate the average sold price. This is your ARV.
Example Calculation:
Verify with Photos
Always click through to see photos of your comps. Make sure they are truly renovated/updated properties.
- • Updated kitchens (new cabinets, counters)
- • Modern bathrooms
- • Fresh paint throughout
- • New or refinished floors
- • Clean, move-in ready condition
- • Look outdated or worn
- • Have old kitchens/bathrooms
- • Show signs of deferred maintenance
- • Are clearly "fixer-uppers"
- • Don't match your target condition
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Using "For Sale" listings instead of "Sold" prices
Asking prices don't matter. Only use actual SOLD prices.
- ✗Using comps that are too far away
Stay within 0.5 miles. Different neighborhoods = different values.
- ✗Using old sales data
Market changes fast. Use sales from last 3-6 months only.
- ✗Not checking photos
A $400k sale might be a dump. Always verify condition with photos.
- ✗Using only 1-2 comps
Find at least 3-5 comps for an accurate average.
Quick Reference Checklist
Distance:
Within 0.5 miles (closer is better)
Time Frame:
Sold in last 3-6 months
Size:
Within 200 sq ft
Bed/Bath:
Same or very close
Condition:
Fully renovated/updated
Number of Comps:
At least 3-5 properties
High-Motivation Lead Types
"Skip tracing" is finding phone numbers for property owners.
Your buyer list is your gold mine. Always ask buyers:
- Locations?
- Price Range?
- Property Type?
- Rehab Level?