using craigslist

Go to Craigslist.org and select your state/town. Then look for the R.E. listings and you're find some "We Buy Houses" ads like this one in my area:

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/reb/1257048832.html

On Craig's list you can look in the real estate wanted section and there will be lots of people looking to buy using their ads. Or you can look at all of the real estate sales and any that you can tell for sale from investors take down their e-mail. Once you have their e-mail or phone number then I would send them an e-mail explaining who you are and what you do. Ask them questions such as how they buy and the types of houses they usually buy.

Also another great way I found is to go to www.reiclub.com. The site should list your city's local real estate investment clubs. Find the club's site and message people in the club asking similar questions I stated before.
Here is an example of a private message I sent to a few people on my local REI club forum:

Name,

Thanks!
Luke Ward

Hope this wasn't too long and somewhat helps.

Hi and welcome to the site. You can post in the city you are looking to start investing in. Put a post up saying We buy and sell houses fast. We can find you the dream home you are looking for. Etc.. Post in both places offering real estate and looking for real estate and see if you get any bites. Craigs does work.

Jeremy

thank you so much for answering my questions about craigslist. Good luck with whatever you set your heart out to do.

This is my first post! "Yes I can" (If you watched Dean's video blog today, you'll get it - if you didn't watch it, go do that!)
So, I love these craigslists ads you pointed us to, but to me they seem like they attract sellers, not buyers. I've got to admit I'm a little stumped here about advertising for buyers. I tried a "ghost ad", very general, got only one response, then felt guilty I didn't really have a house to sell. Also the ghost ad seems to be for a retail buyer, and don't we primarily want wholesale buyers when we start with an assignment contract?

So can you tell me a little more how you decided who to email from the REI site? I'm planning on attending the next REI meeting here, but would like to find buyers NOW.
Thanks

Sure no problem, your site may be a bit different but the one in my area has a message board just like this one. People post properties for sale, look for renters, and discuss general real estate topics. When I registered for the message board it allowed me to see who was online and such. I e-mailed a few that were online at the same time as me, as well as a few who had made recent posts within the message boards. I private messaged them the exact message I posted above. Within a few days I had responses from most of the people that I messaged. They explained to me how long they had been in REI and what the look for. I now have at least 5 buyers just from that site. Unfortunately, I haven't gotten to use them yet! But I'll get there. Hope this helped.

Do you have to set up an account with craigslist to, post something, send & receive emails etc,,?

Oh thank you so much!!! I've pondered on how to approach other investors. Thank you. I'm finding deals all around my area, just not wanting to make offers or calls until I know I have some sort of backing. I may have to do a little bird-dogging to get started I suppose to understand things a bit better. Thanks again.

To fellow investors, Craigslist if an excellent sit to use, but always be mindful of SCAMS. Do not give out too much info to anyone, and no not send money to anyone either. If you want to find Craigslist in your area and lets say you live in Manhattan, in the search area put in "Craigslist, Manhattan NY" and there you are. Off course you have to create an account. It is free, but you must agree and abide by the site establishment's terms and conditions. Good Luck.

Sandra