Hi Everyone! I’m JaMarcus and I am writing because I have my first birddogging jobs coming up and I have a few questions. When I scout properties should I actually contact the seller and perform a walk through, making a list of repairs as needed? What questions would you recommend me ask the seller on behalf of my investor? Basically, to all of the senior birddogs/investors, how should I work my very first job and what should I do to ensure a worthy report that satisfies all of the necessary inquiries of the property for my investor? I appreciate all responses! Thanks!
If you’re bird-dogging, then you don’t need to negotiate price. Bird-doggers just find distressed/ugly/vacant homes that have potential and they pass along the list to an investor.
The work you’re describing is what a wholesaler would do. Think of a wholesaler as a bird dog on steroids. 
Whoesalers actually contact the seller and usually try to get these important questions answered:
Why is the seller selling? This will indicate the level of motivation of the seller.
Repairs needed? This is more art form than science; do your homework, even get quotes
Appraisal? Use either an actual appraiser or use a comp service, such as MyCastle.com
What is the tax value? Most counties have a website to search the tax value of any house.
How old is the house? This could indicate lead paint/asbestos/foundation issues.
Anyone else want to chime in here? I’m sure I’m missing something…
I could be wrong because everything I post is book -theory up to this point, but doesnt a wholesaler get it under contract as well?
Yes, wholesalers get the property under contract; bird-doggers don’t…
Hi Bob, I’m in Arlington, TX by the way. So I should only focus on finding distressed properties. I shouldn’t do any other work, such as crunching numbers for the investor, internal repairs, etc?
In my opinion, you should focus on finding the distressed/fsbo/vacant/ugly houses if you want the lower bird-dog fee. A wholesaler does much more, including actually getting the house under contract (a much bigger risk/reward).
All of that other stuff the investor can do on his own (searching TAD.org, running comps, etc.). Even if you did these things, the investor would probably still do it just to double-check.
jmarc 85,
aim also on a new job BIRDdogging…i have found properties in Forclosure but not sucesssful b/c the owners were on re-payments or the Judge adjorn the hearing until furture notice… i also seen properties that state “subj.to govt. qual bid/buyer”…not sure what it means wondering can i still submit info. to investor…
question for you how long thus far on the new job?..
Ok Bob. I noticed that you said that if I wanted the “lower birddogging fee” I would just search for distressed properties. So I believe you are an investor. Would you pay a birddog more for a specific task done along with finding the properties, or despite the extra effort, just pay for the home that has the potential and closes.
K.B. - I am currently searching the net, real estate lists, etc for distressed homes. Actually I have started just “joy riding,” despite gas prices, you’ll be surprised how many “ugly” homes you have just sitting around in your local area.
Jmarc 85
thinks aim doing the same thing “joy riding” i guess i can try that…how about listings in Papers which properties will you present to an investor?
I’m still working on that aspect…foreclosures typically…oh homes that are seized as well (to be auctioned) the only problem with foreclosures though is that just because its foreclosed, doesnt mean its distressed. I’m actually reading a couple of books you may want to check out. “Fix it and Flip it…” and “Rehabbing Real Estate for Huge Profits…” Even though these are aimed towards the investor (which I believe is the spot we are ultimate trying to achieve) it does give great prospecting advice.
Jmarc85,
Actually I consider myself a wholesaler, but I have the resources to purchase the “right” rehab property for the right price for my first rehab. I get the house under contract as well as do comps, estimate repairs, get tax value, get seller’s motivation, etc. When I present the deal to an investor/rehabber they know they are getting that house for the contract price, which means no negotiating needed (unless something comes up during inspection, back taxes, etc.).
Like I said before, unless you go the extra mile and actually get the house under contract, the average investor/rehabber will usually pay a lower fee for a property lead. Of course this varies by investor and you could be paid more if the deal is particularly profitable for the investor, but that’s usually his/her prerogative.
Hope this helps!
Thanks a lot Bob, that really does help and I appreciate all of your advice thus far. If anyone else has any other suggestions or thoughts, I would be very grateful for them!
j marc85…
did you purchase books from the forum or outside?..
i guess i need to read up and get educated b/c being out there not really knowing is not enough to get you results…well i seen property for 129k and arv 235k does that sound profitable?..