How to Find Off-Market Properties for Your Next Flip

13 January 2026

Flipping houses can be a game-changer for your real estate business—if you can find the right deals. But let’s be real: the best deals aren’t always sitting on the MLS waiting for you to snatch them up. The real hidden gems? They’re off-market properties—homes that aren’t officially listed for sale but are still available for the right buyer.

So, how do you track down these goldmine opportunities? That’s exactly what we’re going to dive into today. Let’s uncover the best ways to find off-market properties and give your next flip the edge it needs.

What Are Off-Market Properties?

Before we get into the "how," let's cover the "what."

Off-market properties (also called "pocket listings") are homes that aren’t listed on multiple listing services (MLS). These properties can come from various sources—distressed homeowners, landlords looking to cash out, or even inherited properties where the owners aren't sure what to do next.

The beauty of off-market deals? Less competition! Since these aren’t publicly advertised, you’re not bidding against every investor in town.

Why Should You Look for Off-Market Properties?

1. Better Deals – Without bidding wars driving up prices, you can negotiate directly with the seller and score a better price.
2. Less Competition – Avoid the feeding frenzy of MLS-listed homes by targeting properties that others aren’t chasing.
3. More Flexibility – Sellers of off-market properties are often motivated to sell fast, giving you more room to negotiate terms.

Now that we know why these properties are worth hunting for, let’s break down how you can actually find them.

1. Network Like Your Business Depends on It (Because It Does!)

Real estate is all about relationships. The more people you know, the more likely you are to find incredible off-market deals.

Who Should You Network With?

- Real Estate Agents – Some agents have pocket listings that they only share with select buyers. Get on their radar.
- Wholesalers – These folks specialize in finding distressed properties and selling them to investors. Connect with them for early access to deals.
- Property Managers – They know when landlords are looking to offload rental properties.
- Contractors & Handymen – They’re the first to hear when homeowners are debating whether to fix a property or sell it as-is.
- Other Investors – Sometimes, another flipper will pass on a deal that might be perfect for you. Stay in contact with them.

Pro Tip:

Attend local real estate investor meetups, join Facebook groups, and be active on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the stronger your deal pipeline will be.

2. Direct Mail Marketing: Old-School, But Effective

Yes, direct mail still works—when done right. The key is targeting the right homeowners.

Who Should You Send Mail to?

- Distressed Property Owners – Homes with code violations, unpaid taxes, or liens.
- Absentee Owners – Landlords who no longer live in the property, especially those out of state.
- Probate Properties – Homes inherited by family members who may not want to keep them.
- Pre-Foreclosures – Owners who are behind on their mortgage and may need a quick exit.

How to Craft a Great Direct Mail Piece

Make it personal and empathetic. Instead of sounding like a sales pitch, write as if you’re offering a solution:

"Hi [Homeowner’s Name], I understand owning a property can sometimes be more stressful than expected. If you're considering selling, I’d love to make the process simple and hassle-free. Let’s have a quick chat—absolutely no obligation. Give me a call or text anytime at [Your Contact Info]. – [Your Name]"

Keep it warm, simple, and professional. Use handwritten-style fonts or even real handwriting for a personal touch.

3. Drive for Dollars (D4D): The Hustler’s Method

Want to find a house that needs to be sold? Get in your car, pick a neighborhood, and start driving for dollars.

What to Look For:

- Overgrown yards
- Peeling paint or boarded-up windows
- Piled-up mail or newspapers
- "For Rent" signs that have been up forever
- Homes that just look neglected

Once you find a distressed property, jot down the address. Then, use a skip-tracing service (like PropStream or BatchSkipTracing) to find the owner’s contact info. Call them, send a letter, or even knock on the door if you're feeling bold.

4. Leverage Online Resources & Databases

If hitting the pavement isn’t your style, no worries! The internet has plenty of ways to find off-market properties:

- County Records – Look up properties with delinquent taxes or pre-foreclosure notices.
- Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist – Some distressed sellers list their homes in these corners of the internet.
- Auction Websites – Check foreclosure auctions and estate sales for potential flips.
- Real Estate Investor Websites – Sites like BiggerPockets often have off-market deals shared by other investors.

A little digital digging can go a long way in uncovering hidden opportunities.

5. Work With Probate Attorneys

When someone inherits a property, they often don’t want the hassle of fixing it up or maintaining it. That’s where you come in!

Build relationships with probate attorneys, as they often have clients who need to sell an inherited home quickly. Offer to be their go-to investor when they have clients looking to sell properties fast.

Bonus: These sellers are usually motivated, meaning you can structure win-win deals.

6. Word of Mouth: Let People Know You Buy Houses

Sometimes the best deals come from casual conversations.

- Tell family, friends, and neighbors that you're looking for off-market properties.
- Post on social media that you're buying houses in any condition, fast.
- Hand out business cards or even put up bandit signs ("We Buy Houses for Cash!") in high-traffic areas.

You’d be surprised how often someone says, “Hey, I actually know someone looking to sell…”

7. Partner With Local Wholesalers

Wholesalers specialize in finding undervalued properties and selling them to investors.

While you won’t get rock-bottom deals (since wholesalers take a fee), it’s an easy way to access properties you wouldn’t have found on your own.

Join wholesaler mailing lists, attend their meetups, and let them know what you're looking for. Sometimes, paying a small fee is worth the convenience of getting a great deal without doing all the legwork.

Final Thoughts

Finding off-market properties takes work—there’s no sugarcoating it. But the payoff? Huge.

The more strategies you use, the more deals you’ll uncover. Some methods, like networking and driving for dollars, require legwork. Others, like direct mail and online searches, need patience. But when done consistently, they can all help you land incredible off-market deals with less competition and better profit potential.

So, get out there, start hustling, and land the perfect property for your next flip! Happy house hunting!