3 Off-the-Books Ways to Lock Down Your Next Deal

3 Ways to Negotiate a Property Purchase Outside of Traditional Financing

1. Seller Financing – Keep the Bank Out of It
This one’s a classic for a reason. If the seller owns the property free and clear, or has enough equity, you can skip the red tape and create terms directly. A small down payment and a promissory note with interest keeps everyone protected. You get control without the bank’s games, and the seller gets cash flow instead of a lump sum. Win-win. You just have to ask.

2. Subject-To – Leverage the Existing Loan
Most investors miss this play. “Subject-To” means you take over the payments on the seller’s existing mortgage without formally assuming the loan. Title transfers to you, but the mortgage stays in the seller’s name. It’s creative, yes, but legal and incredibly useful when someone’s in distress and just wants out. Get insurance, get docs signed, and take control.

3. Equity Trade – Use What You’ve Got
Don’t have the cash? Use equity in another property as leverage. You can negotiate a trade, partial swap, or even offer a stake in another deal. You’re not just buying with dollars, you’re buying with value. When done right, it can solve two problems at once. This is how you turn what you have into what you want.

Real talk: Traditional financing works, but real investors know it’s just one tool. The best deals usually happen outside the box, not in it. You don’t need perfect credit or piles of cash. You need to know how to create value, solve problems, and structure deals. That’s how we play this game.

Want to learn how to actually use these? Let’s talk.