Let’s face it—finding good real estate leads isn’t about waiting for a magical deal to fall into your lap. It’s about rolling up your sleeves, thinking outside the box, and sometimes, embracing the weird. Here’s how to dig up those hidden gems while your competition sits around staring at Zillow.

1. Eviction Courts: The Land of Broken Dreams and Potential Deals
Eviction courts are where landlords go to cry—and maybe where you’ll find your next investment. Someone’s headache could be your goldmine. Approach landlords who look like they’ve aged a decade overnight. Chances are, they’re ready to offload that rental property faster than you can say “cash offer.”

2. Expired Listings: A Graveyard Worth Visiting
Expired listings are like first dates gone wrong. They started hopeful but ended in disappointment. Sellers may be frustrated, but that’s your opportunity. Call them up, play the hero, and swoop in with a better plan.

3. FSBO Signs: The DIY Disaster Zone
Ah, FSBOs—For Sale By Owner. Translation: I’m trying to save commission money but losing my sanity. Most of these folks realize pretty quickly that selling a house solo is like performing brain surgery with YouTube tutorials. Be their rescue call. They’ll be grateful when you take the mess off their hands.

4. Garage Sales: Not Just for Grandma’s Doilies
Think about it—why do people have garage sales? Downsizing. Divorce. Moving out. Desperation in the form of $1 mugs and dusty lamps. Chat them up. “So, you selling the house too?” You’d be surprised how often that casual question turns into a lead.

5. Friends & Family: No, You’re Not Begging
Tell everyone you know what you do. Repeatedly. Subtly. Over tacos or Thanksgiving dinner. The more people who know you’re hunting for real estate deals, the more likely you’ll hear, “Hey, my cousin’s thinking of selling…” Boom.

6. Funeral Homes: A Little Morbid, But...
Yes, this one’s dark. But life happens. Estates need to be settled, and homes need to be sold. Approach it with tact, not like a vulture circling overhead. Be respectful, and you might help someone through a tough time—and find a solid lead.

7. Internet Leads: Craigslist—Not Just for Scams
Sift through the junk. Every once in a while, a true gem pops up. Post your own ads too. People scrolling through Craigslist at 2 a.m. might just find your post and think, “Why not?”

8. Public Records: The Paper Trail of Opportunity
Judgments, liens, divorces—they’re all recorded somewhere. Sure, it’s not glamorous, but real estate success isn’t always sexy. Sometimes it’s about digging through boring data until you hit pay dirt.

9. Hair Salons: Yes, Really
Your hairstylist knows everything. People spill their secrets while getting a trim. Befriend them. Let them know you buy houses. When Mrs. Johnson talks about her sister’s house sitting empty, guess who gets the tip? You.

The Bottom Line? Be Everywhere.
Finding leads means thinking creatively and showing up where others aren’t looking. Real estate deals are like Easter eggs—they’re hidden in plain sight. All you have to do is know where to look... and maybe rummage through a garage sale or two.