The best real estate deals don’t always hit the MLS. If you’re relying solely on listings that every other investor is combing through, you’re already a step behind. Off-market deals—properties that aren’t publicly listed—offer some of the best opportunities for Milwaukee real estate investors looking for undervalued properties, less competition, and better negotiation power. But how do you actually find them? Here’s a step-by-step guide to sourcing off-market deals in Milwaukee.

1. Driving for Dollars

One of the most tried-and-true methods for finding off-market deals is simply driving around and looking for distressed properties. In Milwaukee, this means keeping an eye out for houses with overgrown yards, boarded-up windows, or mail piling up.

Steps to get started:

• Pick a neighborhood with strong rental demand or appreciation potential (like Riverwest, Harambee, or West Allis).
• Drive around and take note of any properties that look vacant or neglected.
• Use the Milwaukee Property Records website to find the owner’s information.
• Send a handwritten letter, leave a door hanger, or knock on the door if appropriate.

SPECIAL REIA OFFER:  Get a free month of DealMachine -  Milwaukee REIA's #1 app to Drive for Dollars!

2. Direct Mail Marketing

Reaching out to property owners directly can lead to deals before they ever reach the public market. A well-targeted direct mail campaign can generate motivated seller leads.

How to do it:

• Build a mailing list by targeting absentee owners, landlords with eviction filings, or pre-foreclosures using data from sites like PropStream or ListSource.
• Craft a compelling message—keep it personal, simple, and direct. Offer a solution to their potential problem (foreclosure, high taxes, unwanted rental, etc.).
• Use hand-written style envelopes to increase open rates.
• Be consistent—mail multiple times and follow up with phone calls.

Ready to launch your direct mail campaign? Check out our trusted REIA affiliates for high-quality, investor-focused mail solutions:

• Ballpoint Marketing – Handwritten-style letters designed to boost response rates.
• Open Letter Marketing – Proven direct mail strategies tailored for real estate investors.

3. Networking with Other Investors

One of the best ways to find off-market deals is simply talking to the right people. Real estate is a relationship business, and Milwaukee’s investing community is well-connected.

Where to network:

• Attend Milwaukee REIA meetings and connect with wholesalers, agents, and seasoned investors.
• Join a local Mastermind group to connect and grow with other investors in your community.
• Build relationships with property managers who know landlords looking to sell.
• Join local investor Facebook groups or BiggerPockets forums to stay in the loop.

4. Working with Wholesalers

Wholesalers specialize in finding and securing off-market deals before passing them along to investors. Many experienced wholesalers operate in Milwaukee, constantly hunting for properties under market value.

How to work with them:

• Get on their buyers’ lists so you’re notified when they have deals available.
• Be clear about what you’re looking for and your buying criteria.
• Move quickly—wholesale deals tend to go fast!

5. Targeting Distressed Sellers

Distressed sellers are often willing to sell below market value to get out of a tough situation quickly. Some of the best deals come from sellers in financial distress, divorce, probate, or facing foreclosure.

How to find them:

• Search Milwaukee’s foreclosure and tax lien lists for potential leads.
• Monitor eviction filings—landlords going through evictions may want to offload a problem property.
• Use a skip tracing service (like BatchSkipTracing) to find phone numbers and contact sellers directly.

6. Leveraging Online Tools & AI

AI and real estate data platforms can help you identify off-market deals more efficiently than ever.

Top tools to consider:

• PropStream – Pulls off-market property lists and owner contact info.
• DealMachine – A must-have app for Driving for Dollars.
• Reonomy – Great for finding commercial and multifamily off-market deals.
• ChatGPT or Jasper.ai – Can help you craft direct mail and email scripts.

Final Thoughts

The key to finding off-market deals in Milwaukee is persistence and creativity. Whether you’re driving for dollars, mailing to distressed owners, or networking at local meetups, the best deals are often found through effort and consistency. If you haven’t landed an off-market deal yet, don’t get discouraged—keep working the process, refining your approach, and connecting with the right people. The more effort you put in, the more opportunities you’ll uncover.

Want to sharpen your off-market deal-finding skills? Join us at the next Milwaukee REIA Mentoring event and connect with experienced investors who have mastered the art of sourcing hidden opportunities. See you there!