Weekly Ramble: 5 Proven Ways to Find Real Estate Deals (Even with a Full-Time Job)

In this solo episode of Burning the Ships, host Jason Seward unpacks one of the most common questions new real estate investors ask: How do I actually find a deal?

From his early investing days while working a full-time corporate job to building a rental portfolio using just a few simple strategies, Jason shares tactical ways to source real estate deals that work—even if you have limited time or money. He breaks down the different strategies that helped him and Bill grow their portfolio, and explains how to build relationships, define your buy box, and create a reputation as a reliable buyer.

This episode is a must-listen if you’re just getting started in real estate, stuck in analysis paralysis, or simply want to build a stronger acquisition pipeline.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 – Welcome to the Burning the Ships solo series

00:29 – Sponsored by 608B Capital

01:11 – The #1 question new investors ask: how to find a deal

03:18 – JJ’s Joke of the Week

05:01 – Why finding a deal is the real first step—not underwriting

09:08 – Finding hidden third-bedroom potential to increase ARV

11:23 – Overpriced listings: lowball offers and seller timing

13:00 – Build relationships with agents who understand your buy box

14:00 – Strategy 2: Why wholesalers were Jason and Bill’s #1 source for deals

16:17 – Understanding assignments and how wholesalers make money

18:13 – Becoming a VIP buyer: perform, don’t waste time

19:08 – What’s a “buy box” and why most investors don’t define theirs

21:11 – Strategy 3: Direct mailer campaigns done right (even with limited budget)

24:06 – Real-world example: handwritten letters and two closed deals

26:17 – Strategy 4: In-person networking and why meetups still matter

27:51 – Use tools like PropStream and BatchLeads to pull targeted lists

28:10 – Strategy 5: Driving for dollars (and why Jason would still do it today)

30:42 – Use “bird dogs” to scale your driving-for-dollars efforts

32:18 – Build trust with deal sources by consistently closing

37:21 – Use what you have—especially your time

39:10 – Mindset Segment: Persistence is the most important skill

41:58 – Get used to hearing “no”—real estate is a 90% fail rate game

42:57 – 20 offers per week: how Jason and Bill built deal flow

45:16 – Fitness analogy: persistence compounds over time

46:53 – Don’t go it alone—partner with someone who does have grit

48:10 – This solo series won’t be just real estate—more tactical topics ahead

49:16 – Recap: Be persistent in everything, and results will follow

Quotables

“You will not source any deals if you don’t pick a few strategies and go at it over and over and over.”

“The MLS isn’t dead—it just requires creativity, timing, and attention to what others miss.”

“Most people are uncomfortable hearing ‘no’—but in this game, you better get used to it.”

“Be able to articulate what you’re looking for, or you’re going to waste a lot of time and miss a lot of deals.”

Links

• 608B Capital – https://608bcapital.com