If you’re looking for off-market real estate deals that other investors are missing, Driving for Dollars (DFD) might be your secret weapon. It’s simple, effective, and even kind of fun — and best of all, you don’t need a license, a big budget, or fancy equipment to start.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to Drive for Dollars like a pro — whether you’re a total beginner or looking to take your real estate investing to the next level.
What Is Driving for Dollars?
Driving for Dollars is exactly what it sounds like: you drive around neighborhoods looking for distressed properties that are likely owned by motivated sellers. These homes are usually not listed on the MLS and often show signs of neglect or vacancy. Once you spot them, your goal is to contact the owners and offer to buy the property — before anyone else even knows it’s available.
Why does it work so well? Because most of the best deals never hit the open market. When you find them first, you can negotiate directly and score a property at a price that leaves room for real profit.
What Types of Properties Should You Look For?
You’re hunting for properties that have visible signs of distress, which usually indicates the owner might be having trouble or simply doesn’t want to deal with the property anymore.
Look for signs like:
- Overgrown grass and weeds
- Piled-up mail or flyers
- Boarded-up windows
- Peeling paint or damaged siding
- Broken gutters or windows
- Tarp on the roof
- Trash or furniture in the yard
- No cars or signs of activity
- “For Sale by Owner” signs that look weathered
- Properties that just feel abandoned
These are all clues that the owner might be open to an offer — especially a clean, fast, hassle-free one from an investor.
How to Plan and Execute Driving Routes
A successful DFD session starts with a little planning. You want to maximize the number of quality leads you can spot in a short amount of time.
Steps to plan your route:
- Choose a Target Area
Start with areas where homes are 10–50+ years old and have moderate property values. Avoid brand-new subdivisions or luxury areas. Look for blue-collar neighborhoods, areas with lots of rentals, or places near your investment goals. - Use Maps to Plot a Route
Google Maps or Apple Maps are fine for beginners. Advanced users can use driving apps or software to track coverage. Some investors literally grid out neighborhoods street by street to make sure they don’t miss anything. - Drive Slowly and Stay Aware
Drive slowly, especially on residential streets. If it’s safe, pull over or stop to take notes or photos of any interesting properties. Be respectful of traffic and residents. - Record Every Potential Lead
Don’t second-guess too much. If a house looks even slightly neglected, add it to your list. You can always filter later when you’re back home.
How to Track Properties: Pen & Paper vs. Software
You can do Driving for Dollars the old-fashioned way or with the help of modern tools — both work. The key is being organized and consistent.
Option 1: Pen and Paper
- Carry a notebook or clipboard
- Write down the address and brief notes about why it caught your eye
- Take a photo on your phone if it’s safe and discreet
Pros: Free, simple
Cons: Harder to scale or sort later
Option 2: Use an App or Spreadsheet
- Use a spreadsheet to log: address, notes, condition, date added, follow-up actions
- Many real estate tools offer apps specifically for Driving for Dollars
- Some apps allow you to drop pins on a map, add notes, and even instantly pull owner info
Pros: Efficient, scalable, integrates with CRM
Cons: Some apps have a subscription cost
Whichever method you choose, the important part is being thorough and consistent. Make sure every lead gets logged and followed up on.
How to Find Owner Information (Skip Tracing Basics)
Once you’ve identified potential properties, your next step is to find out who owns them and how to contact them.
Free methods:
- County tax assessor website: Search by property address to get the owner’s name and mailing address.
- County property records: May include mortgage info, liens, or ownership history.
Paid options (more efficient):
- Skip tracing services: These tools can return phone numbers, emails, and alternate mailing addresses with one click.
- Some Driving for Dollars apps include skip tracing built in.
Once you have the owner’s contact info, it’s time to reach out.
How to Contact Property Owners
This is where a lot of people get nervous — but reaching out is where the magic happens.
Ways to make contact:
- Phone call: If you have their number, call and keep it simple.
Script idea:
“Hi, is this [Name]? My name is [Your Name], and I came across a property I believe you own on [Address]. I’m a local investor, and I’m interested in making you an offer. Have you thought about selling?” - Postcard or handwritten letter:
Send a short, friendly note expressing interest.
“Hi, my name is [Your Name]. I’m looking to buy a home in your area and noticed your property at [Address]. If you’re open to selling, I’d love to talk. No pressure either way. Call or text me at [Phone Number].” - Door knocking (optional):
If the property is occupied and you’re comfortable, you can knock and introduce yourself. Be polite and respectful. - Email (if available):
Short and personal emails work best. Avoid spammy language. Be human.
The key is consistency. Some sellers will respond immediately. Others take a few touches. Many won’t reply at all. That’s okay — every “no” gets you closer to a “yes.”
How to Organize Leads and Follow Up
You’re going to be collecting dozens, maybe hundreds of property addresses. To turn leads into deals, you need a follow-up system.
Build a basic lead tracker with:
- Property address
- Owner name and contact info
- Date added
- Status (Contacted, Interested, Not Interested, No Response)
- Notes (e.g., “Called 3/10, left voicemail”)
You can use:
- Google Sheets or Excel
- A free or paid CRM
- A dedicated real estate tool with contact and task reminders
Follow-up cadence ideas:
- Week 1: Initial call or letter
- Week 2: Follow-up text or call
- Week 4: Second mail piece or email
- Monthly: Light touch (holiday card, new note)
Deals often come from the second, third, or fourth touch. Don’t quit after one try.
The Importance of Consistency and Mindset
Driving for Dollars is a numbers game and a persistence game.
Most people quit too early. But the investors who stick with it, week after week, consistently fill their pipeline with warm leads — and those leads become real deals.
Keep in mind:
- One good lead can turn into a $20,000 profit.
- Repetition builds skill. The more you do this, the better you’ll get at spotting deals, talking to sellers, and closing.
- Don’t get discouraged if you go on a 2-hour drive and find “nothing.” The next day could uncover a goldmine.
Treat this like a job, even if you’re just starting out. Schedule your driving time. Log your hours. Review your leads. The results will come.
Final Call to Action: Start Driving Today
Driving for Dollars is one of the most reliable and beginner-friendly ways to find off-market real estate deals. It doesn’t require a license, a big budget, or advanced skills — just your time, a good eye, and the willingness to take action.
So here’s your challenge:
- Pick a neighborhood
- Plan a 1-hour route
- Find at least 10 distressed-looking homes
- Log the addresses
- Look up the owners
- Reach out
That’s it. Do that once a week — or even every day — and you’ll be miles ahead of the investors still sitting at home waiting for deals to hit Zillow.
Get in your car, turn up your favorite playlist, and start building your lead list. The next big deal might be just around the corner.
