30 Top Marketing Strategies for Real Estate Investors
When it comes to real estate investing, marketing is everything. The right strategy doesn’t just generate leads—it builds trust, credibility, and long-term relationships with buyers, sellers, and partners. To understand what really works in today’s market, we asked 30 real estate thought leaders to share their most effective marketing strategies. Their answers highlight a mix of human connection, hyper-local authority, digital visibility, and grassroots networking.
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With that in mind, let’s dive into what 30 experienced real estate investors had to say about the marketing strategies that work best for them.
Human Connections Build Better Real Estate Marketing
It's about understanding people, not just properties. Houses are tangible, but what drives someone to buy or sell is usually a mix of emotion and timing. I focus on building relationships early and consistently. When you invest time in getting to know a client's goals, fears, and motivations, your marketing naturally becomes more personal and effective. That means our listings, social media posts, and email campaigns aren't just about the property itself, they're about the story behind it, the lifestyle it offers, and the confidence a buyer or seller gains from working with us. I also pay attention to visibility. In real estate, if no one knows about your listings, no strategy works. That includes professional photography, video tours, and a strong digital presence, but it also means showing up in the community and being a trusted resource for local insights. Finally, I track everything. Marketing isn't just about effort, it's about results. Seeing what resonates with buyers or investors allows us to fine-tune campaigns quickly. When marketing is human-focused, consistent, and measurable, it turns houses into homes for clients and keeps investors coming back because they see the value and care behind every move.
Justin Landis, Founder, Justin Landis Group
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Trust, Not Pressure: A Veteran's Selling Strategy
As a veteran, I've learned the power of trust and reliability, so my best strategy is to focus on being a dependable resource for sellers in challenging situations--like PCS moves or foreclosure. I regularly check in with local military support groups and neighborhood associations, making sure folks know I'm there to help, not pressure. That personal, service-oriented touch--backed by real solutions--consistently brings in homeowners who value integrity as much as a fast, fair sale.
Anthony Warren, Founder, Integrity House Buyers
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Local Presence Beats Flashy Marketing Every Time
I'm Dominic Kalvelis, one of the founders of We Buy NJ Homes Fast, and I've been helping New Jersey homeowners sell quickly for years, especially in tough situations. When it comes to marketing for real estate investing, honestly, what's driving results right now is a strong, hyper-local online presence and genuine digital engagement.
What I've found is that sellers today almost always start their journey online. It's not just about having a website, it's about making sure you show up wherever people are looking. That means nailing your Google Business Profile, piling up real local reviews, and making your brand feel like part of the actual community, not some out-of-state operation. I tell fellow investors, don't overlook local SEO. Ranking for searches like "sell my house fast in [your city]" has brought me leads from motivated sellers who are already halfway sold on my service before we even speak.
And here's the kicker that sets real lead generation apart now: Consistent, credible connection on social media. I stay active on Facebook and Instagram, not just with ads but also with real stories--properties we've helped with, client testimonials, even behind-the-scenes peeks at what happens after we close. People crave authenticity, especially in real estate where trust is huge. Social makes it easy for past clients to refer us, and sometimes a single heartfelt video or a neighborhood update sparks a DM from a seller who's ready to move.
For paid channels, I focus on highly targeted Facebook ads. But rather than blasting generic messages, I tailor creative to echo the urgent situations folks are actually facing--like "Falling behind on payments?" or "Inherited a property and not sure what to do?" When a seller clicks, they land on a simple page (no fluff, just the facts), often with a case study or testimonial that puts them at ease.
So, if you ask me, the best marketing strategy is showing up *where* and *how* real sellers actually look for help--and then making it dead simple for them to reach you. Blend local SEO, smart social engagement, and targeted digital ads, always grounded in genuine stories and trust. In this business, being present and real beats being flashy every time.
Dominykas Kalvelis, Owner, We Buy NJ Homes Fast
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Speed and Transparency: Michigan's Commission-Free Solution
My best marketing strategy has been building a reputation for speed and transparency; when homeowners in Michigan are in a tough spot and need to sell fast without the usual hassle, they know I'll give them a fair offer and close in days, not months. My focus on quick, commission-free solutions has generated valuable word-of-mouth referrals because people appreciate knowing they can trust me to deliver on my promise when time is of the essence.
Preston Saenz, Owner, I Buy Michigan
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Community Roots Create Powerful Real Estate Leads
I've found that leveraging my deep community roots creates the most effective marketing strategy--I actively participate in local events and volunteer activities throughout the Rocky Point and Wilmington areas, which naturally leads to conversations about real estate challenges. My role as a board member with the Coastal Carolina Real Estate Investor's Association and my volunteer work at church puts me in front of families who may need our services, but more importantly, it positions me as someone who genuinely cares about our community's well-being. This grassroots approach, combined with sharing success stories of how we've helped local families navigate difficult situations, generates more qualified leads than any paid advertising because people already know me as their neighbor who happens to buy houses.
Jason Velie, Owner, Cape Fear Cash Offer
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Realtor Relationships: The Only Marketing You Need
My best marketing strategy would be realtors and relationships. throughout the years those relationships grow and blossom. I have a few agents that will bring me 2-3 deals a year and sometimes more. I can live off of those relationships if I wanted to with no other marketing.
Branden Rivero, owner, Prop Hunters LLC
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Multi-Channel Marketing Creates Permanent Rental Demand
The best kind of marketing isn't one that merely fills a vacancy, but creates permanent demand. In real estate investing, particularly when it comes to rentals, the old playbook of listing on a single platform or placing generic ads just doesn't cut it anymore. I think the best approach is multi channel distribution — getting your property in front of the customer wherever the customer already hangs out. That includes syndicating listings on other platforms such as Airbnb, Booking. com and Vrbo, but also with an eye on maximizing the visibility of properties in Google search results, building direct channels for booking, and even creating an email and SMS marketing lists. Bookings come from visibility, but it's trust and consistency that lead to repeat customers.
The larger lesson: investors should see marketing not as a cost center but as an investment in asset performance. The same way you wouldn't purchase a building without inspecting the foundation, you shouldn't operate a rental business without a marketing plan that is wide, dynamic and data driven.
Tim Choate, CEO & Founder, RedAwning
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Coach First, Investor Second: Relationship Marketing Works
My most effective marketing strategy has been leveraging my background in both sports and finance to build authentic relationships in my community. I've found that coaching football and participating in local events creates natural opportunities to connect with potential sellers outside the competitive real estate marketplace. This relationship-first approach, combined with targeted direct mail campaigns to distressed properties, generates high-quality leads because people already know and trust me when they need to sell quickly. When someone calls me, they're not just reaching another investor--they're contacting someone they've seen actively contributing to the community they care about.
Parker McInnis, Owner, Speedy Sale Home Buyers
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Hyper-Local Expertise Transforms Marketing into Authority
The best tactic I ever used is hyper local authority building + storytelling. Rather than trying to be everywhere, I focus on targeted Des Moines neighborhoods, know their housing stock intimately, and position myself as the visible "go to" guy. The best marketing is personal, and real estate is nothing if not personal.
Local content: Presenting before and after renovation tales of bungalows in Beaverdale or craftsman homes near Drake University, focusing both on the challenges and the wins. Stories, not statistics, resonate with buyers and sellers.
Community visibility: Sponsor neighborhood cleanup days and youth sports, that keep having my name passed around in pleasant, mundane ways.
Digital ads: We run retargeting campaigns on Facebook and Instagram, which display recent project photos to locals within 2-3 miles of my farm areas.
Direct mail with a twist: Instead of generic postcards, I mail seasonal checklists ("5 Things Every Des Moines Homeowner Should Do Before Winter") that offer value even if they aren't thinking of selling.
Why does this strategy work?
Because real estate is not just transactional — it's trust based. In Des Moines, they want to work with someone who doesn't just understand the numbers but also knows what is screwy about their block, their school district, how their neighborhood can pump out water during durational rains. When my marketing reflects that level of depth of knowledge, it ceases to be "advertising" and becomes evidence of expertise.
Jacob Naig, Owner & Real Estate Investor, Webuyhousesindesmoines
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Engineered SMS Marketing Targets Urgent Property Needs
My engineering background taught me to optimize everything, which is why SMS marketing became my most powerful strategy. We specifically target homeowners in urgent situations--such as facing foreclosure or dealing with probate--with concise texts offering a fair, immediate cash sale, cutting through the clutter and generating high-quality leads at a fraction of the cost.
Casey Ryan, Founder, We Buy Any Vegas House
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Property Transformations Tell Stories That Sell
My best marketing strategy has been highlighting the transformation itself--showing the before-and-after progress of flips and Airbnbs, and tying that story back to how it improves the neighborhood. People connect with seeing an old, tired house turned into something fresh and useful, and that often leads to word-of-mouth referrals. It's simple, but documenting the process authentically has created more trust and deal flow than any traditional ad campaign.
Gene Martin, Founder, Martin Legacy Holdings
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Triple Commission Model Turns Agents Into Advocates
My most effective marketing strategy is building win-win partnerships with real estate agents through my 'Triple Dip' model. I show agents how they can earn triple commissions by representing both sellers and buyers in off-market deals I facilitate, turning them into powerful advocates. Just two months ago in Martinez, one partnership with a broker led to three referrals in a single week because the agents knew we could close quickly and make everyone profitable.
Paul Myers, Founder, Myers House Buyers
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Remote Success Through Strategic SMS Marketing
My most effective marketing strategy has been mastering SMS marketing to reach motivated sellers in central North Carolina while operating remotely from Arizona. I've refined our messaging to address specific pain points--like inherited properties or foreclosures--and built systems that allow my virtual team to qualify leads efficiently. What really sets us apart, though, is our follow-through: we've invested in trained closers and mobile notaries who provide the human touch locally while I focus on scaling operations. This location-independent approach not only generates 6-8 deals monthly but has fundamentally changed how I think about building a real estate business.
Jasper Cool, Founder, Bright Home Offer
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Transparency First: Las Vegas Investors Build Trust
For me, the best marketing strategy centers on being truly accessible and genuinely helpful to anyone considering selling in Las Vegas--even those who don't end up working with us. I make it a point to offer fast, no-pressure advice and resources regardless of the outcome, and people remember that transparency. Many of our deals come from homeowners and neighbors who felt respected, even if we just shared the pros and cons of selling versus renovating, because word-of-mouth travels fast when folks know you put their needs first.
Nick Elo, Founder, Fast Vegas Home Buyers
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Local Stories Connect Detroit Investors With Sellers
For me, the best marketing strategy has been combining my love for my hometown with digital efficiency: I regularly share before-and-after project stories and community impact updates on social media, which builds both trust and engagement. By showing folks how I'm investing in Detroit neighborhoods and supporting families who need quick, honest solutions, I've created a steady stream of referrals from neighbors and local business owners who know what I stand for--and that personal connection can spark more deals than any ad spend.
Sergio Aguinaga, Owner and Founder, Michigan Houses for Cash
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Family Values Drive Cash Offers Without Hassle
As a husband and father of four, my best marketing strategy is to treat every homeowner like I would want my own family to be treated--with total honesty and a focus on solving their specific problem. I make it clear that my team and I buy with our own cash, which removes the bankers, delays, and hassles from the equation for sellers. That reputation for being a straightforward, family-focused solution in our community has become our most powerful source of new business.
Levi Larson, President & CEO, Hapa Homebuyers
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Education Over Sales Pitch Builds Referral Network
My best marketing strategy revolves around transparency and education. I focus on creating a lot of direct content--articles, short videos, and even one-on-one consultations--that demystifies the home-selling process, especially for people in tough situations like probate or foreclosure. This approach builds instant trust, because I'm not just offering a solution, I'm empowering them with knowledge, and that genuine desire to help brings countless referrals from those who appreciate honesty over a sales pitch.
Mac Sullivan, Founder & President, Stillwater Properties
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Professional Networks Unlock Cleveland's Hidden Deals
I've learned that building a referral network with other real estate professionals is my most effective marketing strategy. I actively cultivate relationships with contractors, property managers, and fellow agents who regularly encounter distressed properties or motivated sellers--these connections have generated more quality deals than any advertising budget could. When you position yourself as the solution-oriented investor who can close quickly and handle complex situations, word spreads fast in our tight-knit Cleveland market, and I often get first dibs on opportunities before they hit the public market.
Damien Baden, Realtor, Realty Done
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Construction Knowledge Builds Trust With Homeowners
My best marketing strategy has been leveraging my construction background to position our company as true value-adding investors. When I approach homeowners, I can speak knowledgeably about their property's potential, offering specific renovation insights that build immediate trust. I've found that combining this expertise with authentic storytelling about our local Hudson Valley projects on social media creates a powerful connection--people reach out to us not just because we buy houses, but because they've seen how we transform properties and genuinely improve neighborhoods.
Nicolas Martucci, Owner, Hudson Valley Cash Buyers
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Honesty Breeds Referrals in Real Estate Investing
My best marketing strategy has always been focusing on relationship-building within the community; I find that when we lead with honesty and integrity in every interaction, people naturally remember and recommend us. For instance, sometimes we'll advise a homeowner to list traditionally or even keep their property if that's truly their best option, and that commitment to their well-being, rather than pushing for a quick sale, often brings us future referrals from them or their friends.
Chris Mignone, Co-Founder, Madison County House Buyers
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Direct Mail Captures Deals Before Markets Know
I've found that direct mail campaigns to off-market properties yield the highest ROI for my real estate investments. By targeting specific neighborhoods with customized letters that speak to owners' pain points--like inherited properties, tax liens, or divorce situations--we've secured deals competitors never even knew existed. I combine this with a strong online presence through SEO-optimized neighborhood pages that capture motivated sellers searching for solutions, creating a two-pronged approach that consistently generates quality leads without relying on saturated platforms like Zillow or the MLS.
Erik Daley, Founder & Co-Owner, Highest Offer
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Authentic Renovation Stories Attract Motivated Sellers
My most effective marketing strategy has been transforming my personal renovation journey into authentic content. When Kelli and I bought our first duplex in Springfield and lived through the chaos of ripping up kitchen carpet and washing dishes in the tub, we discovered not just a passion for real estate but powerful stories that resonate with sellers. I regularly share these before-and-after transformation stories--complete with the struggles and lessons--which builds credibility with homeowners in similar situations. This authenticity, combined with our focus on community improvement in neighborhoods we care about, naturally attracts sellers who want their property's legacy to continue with someone who understands both the emotional and financial aspects of their decision.
Matthew Slowik, Founder & President, Revival Homebuyers
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Note-Buying Education Creates Specialized Market Advantage
My best marketing strategy has been building trust through educational content about the note-buying process, which most property owners have never heard of before. I regularly create simple explanations about how private mortgage notes work and share real success stories of note holders who turned their monthly payments into immediate cash for retirement, medical bills, or new investments. This educational approach positions me as the expert in a very specialized niche, and when someone inherits a note or needs to exit an owner-financed deal, they remember the guy who took the time to explain this complex world in plain English.
Kevin Clancy, President, American Funding Group
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Local Roots Give Coastal Investors Competitive Edge
My most effective marketing strategy has been leveraging my deep local roots in coastal NC. Being born and raised in Wilmington gives me an authentic connection when talking with homeowners - I'm not just another investor, I'm their neighbor who understands the unique challenges of our market. I've found that combining this local expertise with targeted outreach to homeowners who need alternatives to traditional selling - like those facing inherited properties or financial hardships - creates the perfect balance. When people realize I'm offering a genuine solution based on 20 years of local experience rather than just another transactional relationship, it builds the trust needed to close deals consistently.
Ryan Hall, Founder & President, Coastal NC Cash Offer
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Consistent Value Builds Long-Term Investor Relationships
For me, the best marketing strategy has always been about building trust through consistency and value. In real estate, especially when working with investors, people want to know you're not just chasing the next deal, they want to see that you understand the market, can spot opportunities, and will be around for the long haul.
The most effective approach has been combining local market expertise with strong digital visibility. For example, I regularly share updates on market trends, neighborhood insights, and investment tips through social media and email campaigns. The goal isn't to sell immediately but to position myself as the go-to resource. When an investor is ready to make a move, I'm already top of mind because I've been adding value all along.
Another piece that's worked well for me is storytelling. Investors respond to real examples, like walking them through a past deal, explaining how value was added, or showing how timing and strategy affected returns. That builds confidence much faster than generic marketing.
And honestly, consistency is everything. Too many agents or investors try one campaign and expect instant results. The real wins come from showing up month after month with useful insights and being present both online and in the community. That's what's helped me build a steady pipeline of investor relationships at Jack Ma Real Estate Group.
Jack Ma, Real Estate Expert, Jack Ma Real Estate Group
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Teaching Others Establishes Baltimore Investment Authority
My most effective marketing strategy has been teaching and mentoring others in real estate investment. By sharing my experience and helping new investors get started, I've not only built a strong referral network but also established my firm as the go-to expert for complex, distressed properties in the Baltimore area. When people see you as a leader who genuinely wants to help others succeed, they trust you with their most challenging situations.
Joe Hartman, Managing Member, Perry Hall Investment Group
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Show Up First, Sell Second: Trust Trumps Ads
The best marketing strategy I've found is building credibility by actually showing up for sellers when they need you most. For example, if someone calls us about a distressed mobile home, I don't just push for a sale--I walk them through multiple solutions, even if it means less profit for me. That honesty and follow-through creates trust, and word-of-mouth referrals from past sellers have ended up being more powerful than any ad campaign we've ever run.
Ian Smith, Co-Founder, We Buy SC Mobile Homes
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Face-to-Face Solutions Win St. Louis Sellers' Trust
My most effective marketing strategy is providing honest, straightforward solutions to homeowners facing difficult situations--like inherited homes or properties that need lots of repairs. I make it a point to meet with sellers face-to-face, listen to their needs, and always offer a range of options, even if that means recommending something other than selling to me. That personal, empathetic approach not only sets me apart in St. Louis but also leads to consistent referrals from people who appreciate being treated fairly and respectfully.
Chris Kirshenboim, Founder & President, Chris Buys Homes in St. Louis
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Hometown Voice Creates Organic Myrtle Beach Leads
My best marketing strategy comes from marrying my passion for Myrtle Beach with hyper-local authenticity: I personally create and share genuine stories--like explaining how we helped a local family facing foreclosure by buying their home so they could start fresh without stress--on our community-specific Facebook groups. Being a native, I'm already part of these conversations, so when folks see me consistently adding value instead of pushing sales pitches, it builds trust organically. That hometown voice and real-life impact have generated more warm leads than any paid ad.
Matthew McCourry, CEO, Dynamic Home Buyers
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TV Appearances Create Reno's Most Recognized Buyers
I've found my most effective marketing strategy is leveraging our local TV appearances with my twin boys, which has created instant recognition and trust in the Reno community. When homeowners facing difficult situations see a familiar face they've welcomed into their living rooms, they're more likely to reach out when they need help. I complement this personal visibility with targeted outreach to homeowners in challenging situations, but it's the authentic community connection--being known as not just an investor but as a neighbor and father--that consistently brings us our best opportunities and has become our signature approach at Sierra Homebuyers.
Joel Janson, Owner, Sierra Homebuyers
Conclusion
The insights from these 30 investors make it clear that real estate marketing is most effective when it’s rooted in trust, consistency, and a genuine understanding of people. Some focus on community involvement, others on referrals, local SEO, or direct outreach, but the common thread is credibility. When sellers and buyers believe you are there to help, the business follows.
In today’s digital-first world, visibility online is just as important as the connections you build in person. This is where Backlinker.AI can give investors a real advantage. By handling the heavy lifting of securing high-quality backlinks, it helps ensure that when people search for solutions, your business shows up at the top with authority.
Strong relationships, paired with a strong online presence, create a foundation that keeps leads coming in and builds a reputation that lasts. That is the heart of effective marketing in real estate.
