One of the most common investor problems is how to find multifamily properties to buy that are actually good deals.
There is no shortage of people looking for deals, but there is often a shortage of people who know where to consistently find them. The good news is there are several ways to improve your deal flow if you are willing to be intentional about it.
Here are six different ways to find properties and continue adding to your portfolio.
1. Active Listings
The first place to look is the most obvious one, active listings. But this goes deeper than just checking one website.
You need to make sure you are looking across all the platforms where properties are advertised in your market. That might include residential listings on the MLS, as well as commercial platforms like CoStar, Crexi, LoopNet, and other sites.
It is also important to build relationships with brokers. Not every deal is pushed out publicly. Many brokers keep listings within their own database and send them directly to their network.
If you are not on those email lists or do not have those relationships, you may miss deals that never hit the open market.
2. Networking
The second place to look is social media and investor groups.
This could be Facebook groups, local meetups, or other networking opportunities. These environments allow you to connect directly with other investors.
What might not work for one investor could be exactly what you are looking for. Deals often change hands within these networks before they ever become widely available.
Getting out there and building relationships can open doors that you would not find through listings alone.
3. Estate Notices and Obituaries
The third source is one that many investors overlook.
Looking at estate notices, probate filings, and even obituaries can point you toward potential opportunities. It may sound a little uncomfortable, but it is one of the most common reasons properties come up for sale.
When a long-term owner passes away, the heirs often do not want to keep the property. That creates a situation where they are more likely to sell.
Identifying those situations early can give you access to deals before they become widely marketed.
4. Estate Attorneys
Closely related to that is building relationships with estate attorneys.
Let them know that you are an active investor in the market and that you can provide a quick and easy closing if they have clients who want to sell real estate.
In many cases, heirs are looking for a simple solution. If you can position yourself as someone who can help them move through that process smoothly, it can become a consistent source of opportunities.
5. Social Media
The fifth method is surprisingly simple. Post on social media and let people know what you are looking to buy.
If you are active online and communicate clearly about your criteria, deals can come to you. Your network may know someone who is thinking about selling or may come across an opportunity that fits what you are looking for.
It is a simple step, but many investors do not take advantage of it.
6. Tax Records
The sixth approach is to search tax records.
Every county has an assessment system that categorizes properties. You can search based on property type, such as residential, commercial, or multifamily, and even refine it further based on unit count.
From there, you can narrow your search by looking at ownership timelines. For example, you might focus on properties that have not sold in several years or those owned by investors who may be approaching retirement.
Tax records can be a powerful tool, but they require some effort to refine. Without filtering, the amount of data can be overwhelming.
Final Thoughts
Finding good multifamily deals requires more than just waiting for listings to appear. Active listings, networking, estate opportunities, and targeted outreach all play a role in building consistent deal flow.
Many investors we work with appreciate having multiple ways to source opportunities so they are not relying on just one channel. If you are looking for multifamily properties in Pennsylvania or Maryland, reach out to us. We are always happy to help you find your next deal.
