How to Comp a Property for a Investment Deal

Wondering if that property you found is actually a deal? In this episode, I walk you through my go-to process for comping properties—step by step, using nothing more than Zillow. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting your wholesaling journey, knowing how to evaluate a property’s ARV (After Repair Value) is absolutely essential.

 

I break down how we analyze deals every day with our partners, what tools we use (both free and paid), and how we handle the many variables that make real estate comping more of an art than a science. From square footage to corner lots and shade trees—every detail matters, and I show you how to factor them in.

 

Episode Timeline & Highlights

[0:00] – Introdcution

[0:38] – The challenge of evaluating deals during our wholesaling bootcamp

[1:13] – Tools we use for comping: Zillow, PropStream, FlipperForce & more

[2:18] – Why 5 tools can give you 5 different values—and what to do about it

[3:15] – Live walkthrough: how to use Zillow to find comps

[7:02] – Setting filters: time range, square footage, location boundaries

[10:12] – Understanding the “art” of comping vs. the “science”

[13:14] – How to analyze and adjust for bed/bath counts and odd floorplans

[20:14] – Calculating ARV from price per square foot

[22:17] – Why we prioritize confidence and location indicators when making offers

 

5 Key Takeaways from This Episode

 

1. Start with ARV First

   Always begin by determining the After Repair Value—the highest potential value of the property once fully renovated. This becomes the foundation for every investment decision.

2. Use Free Tools First

   Zillow is a powerful, free resource for comping. It allows you to quickly view recent sales, compare neighborhoods, and get a feel for price per square foot—without needing a subscription.

3. Zoom In—Then Zoom Out

   When looking for comps, stay within a tight geographic range. Avoid crossing major roads, and stick within contained neighborhoods to get more accurate comparisons.

4. Match the Right Features

   Look for comparables that match your target property in square footage, layout, style, and bedroom/bathroom count. Even small differences, like a split-level vs. a ranch, can significantly affect value.

5. Comping Is Both Art and Science

   Numbers are important, but so is judgment. Learn to read between the lines—things like floor plan quirks or location on a busy road can’t always be quantified, but they matter.

 

If this episode helped you level up your deal analysis game, be sure to follow, rate, and share the podcast with someone who could use a clearer path to finding great real estate deals. And remember—if you’ve got a deal and aren’t sure what to do next, reach out. I’m here to help. See you at the next meetup.