Episode 41: How to Find Off Market Real Estate Deals

Welcome to Building Passive Income with CREI Collin

You’ve analyzed the markets, identified the fundamentals, and understand the cycles—but how do you actually find off market real estate deals?

In this episode, CREI Collin breaks down the strategies used to build consistent deal flow in any market. You’ll learn how experienced investors find off market real estate deals, build broker relationships, and create opportunities before they ever hit public platforms.

Learn why the best deals rarely make it to LoopNet. Learn how to get on broker lists the right way. And why showing up in person changes everything.

More importantly, this is your roadmap for turning market analysis into real opportunities.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why scrolling through LoopNet won’t get you the best deals—and what to do instead
• A simple outreach approach to get on broker lists
• What actually gets brokers to respond
• How to visit a target market effectively in just 2–3 days
• Why local operators often see deals before brokers—and how to build those relationships
• How property managers can become a consistent source of opportunities
• When direct mail works best—and how to approach it
• Why consistency and patience drive long-term deal flow
• How to become known in a market and start getting inbound opportunities

Key Topics Covered:

[00:00] Introduction – Putting market analysis into action

[02:15] Why the Best Deals Don’t Come from LoopNet – Relationships over platforms

[04:30] Step 1: Get on Broker Lists the Right Way – Being clear and specific

[05:45] Outreach That Works – How to stand out to brokers

[07:00] Always Respond to Broker Emails – Building credibility over time

[07:45] Step 2: Visit Your Target Markets in Person – The power of showing up

[09:00] Day 1: Broker Meetings – Building face-to-face relationships

[10:15] Day 2: Drive the Market – Insights you can’t get from data alone

[11:20] Step 3: Build Relationships with Local Operators – Where deals often originate

[12:30] Join Local Groups and Events – Getting in the right rooms

[13:45] Offer Value First – Building trust before asking for opportunities

[14:00] Step 4: Work with Property Managers – A key source of market insight

[15:30] Staying Top of Mind – Simple ways to maintain relationships

[16:30] Step 5: Direct Mail and Cold Outreach – Especially effective in tertiary markets

[17:45] A Simple Outreach Approach That Gets Responses

[18:45] Step 6: Consistency and Patience – How deal flow compounds over time

[20:00] Why Showing Up Consistently Changes Everything

[20:30] Recap and Next Episode Preview

Key Takeaways for Finding Off Market Real Estate Deals:

✅ The best off market real estate deals come from relationships, not listing platforms—by the time a property hits LoopNet, it’s already been widely marketed

✅ Be specific when reaching out to brokers—clearly define asset class, size, price range, and strategy

✅ Always respond to broker emails, even if you pass—this builds credibility and keeps you top of mind

✅ Visit your markets in person—2–3 days of focused meetings and tours creates real momentum

✅ Brokers remember investors who show up—and prioritize them when deals come across their desk

✅ Build relationships with local operators—many opportunities are shared before they’re marketed

✅ Property managers often know which owners are preparing to sell

✅ Direct mail and cold outreach can work well, especially in less competitive markets

✅ Consistency matters—deal flow takes time, but compounds with continued effort

✅ The best deals go to investors who are known in a market—keep showing up, stay visible, and maintain relationships

Resources Mentioned:

• CoStar – Commercial real estate data platform for broker and market research

• LoopNet – Online marketplace for commercial real estate listings

• PropStream – Property data and list-building tool

• DataTree – Property ownership and research database

• IMN, NMHC Conferences – Industry events for networking and relationships

• CREI Partners: https://www.creipartners.com/

• Schedule a Free 30-Minute Consultation: https://calendly.com/shelbi-creipartners/30min

• Passive Investor Coaching: https://passiveinvestorcoaching.com/

Ready to Build Your Diversified Passive Income Portfolio?

Let’s create your personalized portfolio strategy together. Schedule your free 30-minute consultation:
https://calendly.com/shelbi-creipartners/30min

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Disclaimer:

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Always consult with a qualified CPA, attorney, and financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Building Passive Income