Many real estate investors spend too much time waiting for brokers to send deals, return calls, or share opportunities. Broker relationships can be valuable, but relying only on them can leave investors in a passive position.
A stronger approach is to build a direct-to-owner pipeline. Instead of waiting for a property to hit the market, investors can identify assets they like, research the owner, and start a conversation directly.
Casey Gregersen shared this exact process while looking into a large multifamily property in Casper, Wyoming. After recently refinancing a nearby apartment complex, Casey had a clearer understanding of local values, similar assets, and the opportunity sitting nearby.
Multifamily deals do not always reach the open market in a way that gives every investor a fair chance. Once a property is listed, several buyers may already be competing for it. That competition can increase the price and reduce flexibility during negotiations.
Direct outreach gives investors another path. It allows them to find properties that fit their strategy and contact owners before those owners formally decide to sell. This does not guarantee a deal, but it can create conversations that would not happen through a traditional listing process.
This approach is especially helpful when an investor already understands the local market. If you own a similar property nearby, know recent valuations, or understand the asset type, you may notice opportunities that others miss.
Casey already owned apartments in Casper that were purchased several years earlier for about $50,000 per door. After investing roughly $20,000 per door into improvements, the property was later appraised at close to $130,000 per door.
That refinance gave Casey a better understanding of what similar assets in the area could be worth. It also made a nearby apartment complex more interesting. The property had a similar location, a similar structure, and sat in a strong part of Casper with elevated views.
Instead of waiting to see whether the property would be listed, Casey decided to find the owner and start the conversation directly.
The first step was identifying the exact property. The search started with the apartment name and city, then moved to confirming the address.
This matters because many large multifamily properties are owned by LLCs. The name people recognize online may not match the legal ownership name in public records. The address gives investors a reliable starting point for research.
Once the property address is confirmed, the next place to look is the county records database.
The apartment address was then searched through the Natrona County property search tool. Most counties have an online assessor, tax, or property records database that investors can use.
These records often show parcel details, property classification, mailing information, and the legal owner’s name. In many cases, the owner will appear as an LLC instead of an individual.
After finding the LLC name, the next step was searching the Wyoming Secretary of State business database. State business records can often reveal useful information about the entity behind the property.
By reviewing the LLC record and opening the most recent filing, the manager’s name, email address, and phone number were available. That created a direct path to the person connected to the property.
Note: The most recent filing matters because older records may include outdated addresses or previous contacts. Current filings are usually more helpful when trying to reach the right person.
After finding the right contact information, the first outreach should be simple and professional. It should not feel like a full offer, a long explanation, or a hard sales pitch.
A strong first message usually includes your name, your connection to the area or asset type, and a simple reason for reaching out. The goal is to give the owner enough context to understand why you are contacting them.
Short messages are often easier to answer. A clear introduction creates room for the conversation to continue without overwhelming the owner at the first point of contact.
When the owner responds, the call should feel natural. The purpose is to understand their situation, not pressure them to sell.
Investors can ask how long the owner has held the property, whether they have thought about selling, how the asset is performing, and whether they would review an offer if it made sense.
These questions help reveal timing, motivation, and possible challenges. Some owners will not be interested. Others may be open if the right price, timing, or structure comes along.
This process works because it is simple and repeatable. Investors do not always need expensive software to find an owner. A property address, county records, Secretary of State filings, and a direct message can often get the process started.
The bigger lesson is that investors do not always have to wait for opportunities. They can create deal flow by studying the market, researching ownership, and reaching out professionally.
In this example, local knowledge created the advantage. A recent purchase, improvement plan, and refinance helped show what a similar nearby property could be worth.
Finding multifamily deals is not only about waiting for listings. Sometimes, the best opportunities come from identifying the right property and contacting the owner directly.
Not every owner will want to sell. But every conversation can build your pipeline, improve your market knowledge, and create future opportunities.
For multifamily investors, that shift matters. Waiting may bring deals occasionally, but direct outreach helps investors take control of their own deal flow.
Start with the property address, search county records, find the LLC, and review state filings for current ownership contact details.
Many owners use LLCs for business organization, liability separation, and ownership structure, so public records may show an entity name.
Not always. County records and Secretary of State filings can often provide enough information to identify and contact the owner.
Keep the message simple. Introduce yourself, mention your connection to the area, and ask if they have time to talk.
Not every conversation becomes a deal. A respectful call can still build relationships and create potential opportunities later.
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