How to Build a Deal-Finding Network
If you're trying to find more real estate deals, you don't always need another property search tool.
Sometimes, you need to know more people.
I love going to meetings and looking for people who may own a property they're trying to get rid of. They may have a distressed property they would be willing to sell at a discount.
But here's the part that a lot of people overlook:
Those same meetings can help you find buyers, too.
That's why building a deal-finding network can be so valuable.
Quick Takeaways
Go Where Real Estate People Gather
Real estate meetings are one of the simplest places to start.
When you attend these events, don't just walk in thinking, "Who has a property for sale?"
Talk to people.
You may meet an investor who owns a property they want to sell. You may meet someone who knows a distressed property owner. And you may meet someone who is actively looking to buy.
That last one is especially important if you're wholesaling.
If you know someone who wants to buy a particular type of property, you can go find what they're looking for.
That's what I consider a cheat code for wholesaling.
Instead of finding a random property and then wondering who might want it, you already know what your buyer wants.
Then when you find a deal that fits, you have someone to send it to.
Build Your Buyers List While Finding Sellers
One mistake I see is thinking networking is only about finding sellers.
It isn't.
Anywhere you can find sellers, you can potentially find buyers.
That's a huge advantage.
Let's say you're at a real estate meeting and meet an investor who says they're looking for a three-bedroom property in a particular area.
Now you've learned something valuable.
You know what that investor wants.
When an opportunity comes across your desk that matches their criteria, you can bring it directly to them.
That's much more intentional than simply collecting hundreds of random contacts.
The goal is to know who is buying what.
Talk to Real Estate Agents
Real estate agents are another group I want in my network.
But I'm not contacting an agent because I want to pay full retail price for a listed property.
I'm contacting them to find out what they know that isn't on the market.
Ask questions like:
- Do you have anything off-market?
- Do you know of a seller who hasn't listed yet?
- Do you have a property an investor might want to look at?
- What's going on with the property?
- Why does the seller want to sell?
Every agent who's selling houses has potentially encountered properties that haven't been listed.
Maybe the seller doesn't want to put it on the market.
Maybe there's something wrong with the house.
Maybe the agent doesn't think the property will sell easily.
There can be all kinds of reasons a property stays off-market.
Those situations can create opportunities for investors.
Don't Ignore Wholesalers and Online Networks
Your network doesn't have to be built entirely in person.
LinkedIn and Facebook can also be useful places to connect with agents, wholesalers, investors, and other real estate professionals.
The key is to stop thinking about these platforms as places where you simply post, "I want to buy a house."
Instead, use them to identify people.
Who are the agents working in your market?
Who are the wholesalers?
Who is actively buying?
Who has properties they're trying to move?
Once you identify those people, start conversations.
You don't know which conversation will eventually lead to a deal.
Your Network Can Become Your Deal Pipeline
The biggest lesson I want you to take away is that deal finding doesn't always start with a property.
It can start with a person.
Find the buyer first, and you can learn what kind of property to look for.
Find the agent, and you may learn about an off-market seller.
Find the wholesaler, and you may discover another source of inventory.
Find the investor who's ready to sell, and you may uncover a discounted property.
That's why I focus on building relationships.
I'm not just trying to collect contacts.
I'm trying to build a network where I understand who has properties, who wants to sell, and who wants to buy.
When those three pieces come together, finding deals becomes a lot more intentional.
Key Takeaways
- Go to real estate meetings and actively look for both sellers and buyers.
- Build your buyers list so you know exactly what investors are looking for.
- Talk to agents about off-market properties, not just listed homes.
- Connect with wholesalers and investors through LinkedIn and Facebook.
- Ask about the problem behind the property to uncover potential motivation.
- Build relationships before you need a deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is networking important for finding real estate deals?
Networking gives you access to people who may know about properties, motivated sellers, buyers, and opportunities before they become widely available.
How can I find off-market properties through real estate agents?
Build relationships with local agents and ask whether they know of properties that aren't currently listed but may be suitable for an investor.
Should real estate wholesalers build a buyers list?
Yes. Knowing who is actively looking to buy can help you understand what types of deals to pursue and who may be interested when you find one.
Where can real estate investors network?
Real estate meetings, LinkedIn, Facebook groups, and conversations with agents, wholesalers, and other investors can all help expand your network.
What should I ask a real estate agent?
Ask whether they have anything off-market, whether they know sellers who haven't listed, and what problem or situation is causing the seller to consider selling.
Don't just look for properties. Build the network that helps you find them.
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About Johnoson Crutchfield
Johnoson Crutchfield is a real estate investor, coach, and host of the Grab the Map podcast. He helps aspiring and active investors move beyond analysis paralysis and take the consistent actions required to close real estate deals.
Drawing from years of hands-on experience, Johnoson teaches practical, real-world strategies focused on finding opportunities, building relationships, securing funding, and making offers. His approach emphasizes weekly execution over endless education, helping investors create momentum through simple, repeatable actions.
As the leader of the Wealth and Real Estate community, Johnoson shares lessons from real transactions and real conversations with lenders, sellers, and investors. He is a strong advocate for local banking relationships, seller financing, and private lending as powerful tools for growing a real estate business.
Through coaching, content, and community, Johnoson has helped investors gain clarity, build confidence, and take meaningful steps toward closing their first—or next—deal.
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