Going to the Source: Five Strategies for Finding Off-Market and Distressed Assets

In a difficult market, finding true off-market opportunities can be the only way to get deals done. What tactics can investors use to find them?

Today’s Thesis Driven is a guest letter from Jonathan Andrews, Principal at JJA Real Estate Consulting.

With today’s technology and search tools, finding assets to invest in is easier than ever. But finding good assets is another matter. The plethora of available data sources cuts both ways; while assisting investors, it also levels the landscape, neutralizing the competitive advantage traditionally derived from information asymmetry. If all it takes to find a deal is an internet connection and a LoopNet account—or getting on a broker’s mailing list—how does one create a differentiated sourcing strategy to find projects that will outperform?

Today, we’ll explore five strategies investors can use to find truly off-market deals with a focus on distressed opportunities. While some tactics require investors to get their hands dirty, we’ll also dig into how new technologies can help streamline and systematize deal pipelines, cutting down on manual work and ensuring the best opportunities float to the top of the pile.