Last updated: January 2026

What is Driving for Dollars?

Driving for dollars (D4D) is a free lead generation strategy where you find distressed properties by physically driving through neighborhoods. It's how many investors find their best deals.

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How Driving for Dollars Works

The concept is simple: drive through target neighborhoods, spot properties that look distressed or vacant, record the addresses, then contact the owners to see if they're interested in selling.

Unlike buying lists, D4D gives you leads that others might not have. You're finding properties based on physical signs of distress that don't show up in databases.

Step-by-Step Process

Choose target neighborhoods - Areas where you want to buy, typically older neighborhoods with a mix of maintained and neglected homes
Drive systematically - Cover every street, don't just cruise randomly
Look for distress signs - Vacant, run-down, overgrown, mail piling up
Record addresses - Use an app to log addresses quickly (voice notes, D4D app, or your CRM)
Skip trace owners - Use skip tracing to find owner contact info
Reach out - Call, text, or mail the owners
Follow up - Add to your CRM and drip campaigns

Signs of a Distressed Property

Overgrown yard/weeds

Why: No one maintaining property

Boarded windows

Why: Vacancy, potential vandalism

Peeling/faded paint

Why: Deferred maintenance

Full mailbox/newspapers

Why: Owner not present

No vehicles ever

Why: Likely vacant

Broken gutters/roof damage

Why: Neglect, financial issues

Code violation notices

Why: Owner overwhelmed

For sale by owner sign (old)

Why: Failed to sell, motivated

The more signs you see on one property, the more likely the owner is motivated to sell.

Why Driving for Dollars Works

🎯

Exclusive Leads

You find properties others aren't calling. No competition from list buyers.

👁️

Visual Confirmation

You see actual distress, not just data. Physical condition tells a story.

💰

Low Cost

Gas and time are your only expenses. No list fees required.

📍

Learn Your Market

You get to know neighborhoods, values, and trends firsthand.

D4D Tips for Success

1.Drive at different times - A property might look occupied at night (lights) but vacant during the day
2.Use voice recording - Easier than typing while driving. Transcribe addresses later.
3.Take photos - Helps you remember the property and shows owners you've seen it
4.Drive after storms - Roof damage, fallen trees reveal neglected properties
5.Hit the same areas monthly - Situations change. New distress appears.
6.Use a D4D app or CRM - FlipMantis has D4D built in

Frequently Asked Questions

What is driving for dollars?

Driving for dollars (D4D) is a lead generation strategy where investors drive through neighborhoods looking for distressed properties, homes that appear vacant, run-down, or neglected. You record the addresses and then contact the owners.

What signs indicate a distressed property?

Look for: overgrown yard, boarded windows, peeling paint, full mailbox, old newspapers, no cars, broken gutters, code violation notices, damaged roof, abandoned furniture. The more signs, the more likely the owner is motivated.

How do you find the owner after D4D?

Use skip tracing services to find owner contact information from the property address. Services like those built into FlipMantis return phone numbers and emails for property owners.

Is driving for dollars still effective in 2026?

Yes. D4D finds properties that don't show up on lists. You see distress signs that data can't capture. It's free (besides gas) and gives you exclusive leads others aren't calling. Try FlipMantis free.

Start driving for dollars today

FlipMantis has D4D tools, skip tracing, and CRM built in.

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Free Video Courses

Go deeper with step-by-step video lessons.

Skip Tracing & List Building Mastery Finding Distressed Properties: 10 Methods That Work Tax Liens & Tax Deeds for Real Estate Investors