Weekly Ramble: 5 Proven Ways to Find Real Estate Deals (Even with a Full-Time Job)

In this solo episode of Burning the Ships, host Jason Seward unpacks one of the most common questions new real estate investors ask: How do I actually find a deal?From his early investing days while working a full-time corporate job to building a rental portfolio using just a few simple strategies, Jason shares tactical ways to source real estate deals that work—even if you have limited time or money. He breaks down the different strategies that helped him and Bill grow their portfolio, and explains how to build relationships, define your buy box, and create a reputation as a reliable buyer.This episode is a must-listen if you’re just getting started in real estate, stuck in analysis paralysis, or simply want to build a stronger acquisition pipeline.Key Talking Points of the Episode00:00 – Welcome to the Burning the Ships solo series00:29 – Sponsored by 608B Capital01:11 – The #1 question new investors ask: how to find a deal03:18 – JJ’s Joke of the Week05:01 – Why finding a deal is the real first step—not underwriting09:08 – Finding hidden third-bedroom potential to increase ARV11:23 – Overpriced listings: lowball offers and seller timing13:00 – Build relationships with agents who understand your buy box14:00 – Strategy 2: Why wholesalers were Jason and Bill’s #1 source for deals16:17 – Understanding assignments and how wholesalers make money18:13 – Becoming a VIP buyer: perform, don’t waste time19:08 – What’s a “buy box” and why most investors don’t define theirs21:11 – Strategy 3: Direct mailer campaigns done right (even with limited budget)24:06 – Real-world example: handwritten letters and two closed deals26:17 – Strategy 4: In-person networking and why meetups still matter27:51 – Use tools like PropStream and BatchLeads to pull targeted lists28:10 – Strategy 5: Driving for dollars (and why Jason would still do it today)30:42 – Use “bird dogs” to scale your driving-for-dollars efforts32:18 – Build trust with deal sources by consistently closing37:21 – Use what you have—especially your time39:10 – Mindset Segment: Persistence is the most important skill41:58 – Get used to hearing “no”—real estate is a 90% fail rate game42:57 – 20 offers per week: how Jason and Bill built deal flow45:16 – Fitness analogy: persistence compounds over time46:53 – Don’t go it alone—partner with someone who does have grit48:10 – This solo series won’t be just real estate—more tactical topics ahead49:16 – Recap: Be persistent in everything, and results will followQuotables“You will not source any deals if you don’t pick a few strategies and go at it over and over and over.”“The MLS isn’t dead—it just requires creativity, timing, and attention to what others miss.”“Most people are uncomfortable hearing ‘no’—but in this game, you better get used to it.”“Be able to articulate what you’re looking for, or you’re going to waste a lot of time and miss a lot of deals.”Links608B Capital – https://608bcapital.com