Watch the full video above. From Chris's YouTube channel, @chrismoore904.
Updated April 10, 2026 by We Buy Any House In Florida
If you have ever wondered how investors actually find off market deals in Florida, this is it.
No spreadsheets. No fancy systems.
Just getting in the car and driving.
There Are More Opportunities Than People Realize
I was driving through Lawtey Florida in Bradford County, and one thing stood out immediately.
There are a lot of properties in rough shape.
Vacant houses. Empty land. Places that look like they have been sitting for years.
Most people drive right past them.
How I Find Deals Using PropStream
When I spot something interesting, I pull up PropStream on my phone.
- Tap the property on the map
- Save it if it looks like a potential deal
- Keep moving
- Go back later and research the owner
I am not trying to solve everything in the moment. I am just collecting opportunities.
- Find owner information
- Skip trace for phone numbers
- Track everything inside the CRM
From there, I reach out and see if we can make a deal happen.
The Deal That Caught My Attention
While driving, I came across a small property that made me stop.
- 2 bedroom, 1 bath
- Around 800 square feet
- Sitting on a very narrow lot
But here is what made it interesting…
Now you are not just looking at one property. You are looking at a possible 3 lot opportunity.
That is how investors think.
Walking the Property
Right away, you could tell it had been sitting:
- Broken glass everywhere
- Black mold
- Roof issues
- Spiders all over the place
- Signs of water damage
But it was not a total loss.
The structure was still there. Some systems looked usable. With the right plan, it could be brought back.
Or combined with the surrounding lots for something bigger.
Not Every Property Is a Winner
Then I checked out another property nearby.
- Floors were unstable
- Interior condition was extreme
- Something felt off immediately
I walked in, took a quick look, and got out.
And that is part of the business.
Why I Do This
People ask why I do not just focus on clean, nice houses.
Because the real opportunities are here.
- The ugly houses
- The forgotten properties
- The ones most people are afraid to walk into
Yes, it can be uncomfortable.
But this is where deals are made.
Lawtey FL Is Full of Hidden Potential
Lawtey is one of those areas where you can still find deals if you are willing to look.
- Larger lots
- Older homes
- Less competition than bigger cities
It is the kind of place where one good find can turn into a great deal.
Want to Sell a Property in Florida
If you have a house, land, or property that needs work, I am always looking.
I buy houses all over Florida, even ones that need major repairs or are completely distressed.
www.webuyanyhouseinflorida.com
Final Thought
You never know where your next deal is going to come from.
Sometimes it is just down a road most people ignore.
What Makes Lawtey Different From the Rest of Northeast Florida
Lawtey sits right on US 301 in Bradford County, tucked between Starke and the Duval County line. It is a small town with a lot of older housing stock, big rural lots, and a fair number of properties that have changed hands inside families over the years. That mix is exactly why driving for dollars works here. You will see homes that have been vacant since a parent passed, mobile homes on land, and tired rentals that an out-of-county owner has stopped putting money into.
Because Bradford County is rural, records are not always as tidy as you would find in a big metro. If you are researching an owner or a parcel, the Bradford County Property Appraiser and the Clerk of Court are your starting points for ownership, tax status, and any recorded liens. Always confirm what you find in the field against the public record before you assume a property is truly abandoned.
Knock With Respect, Not a Script
Here is the part most driving-for-dollars videos skip. Behind almost every distressed property is a person dealing with something hard, a death in the family, a divorce, a job loss, or a house they inherited three hours away and have no idea what to do with. When you reach out, lead with that. Ask what they need, not what you want.
- Confirm you are talking to someone with legal authority to sell, an owner, an heir who has gone through probate, or a personal representative
- Be honest that you are a cash buyer, not a charity and not a Realtor
- Never pressure someone into signing on the spot
- Put everything in writing so both sides understand the deal
Know the Rules Before You Make an Offer
Florida regulates how real estate is bought, sold, and marketed, and wholesaling in particular has gotten more attention from lawmakers in recent years. If you plan to assign contracts or build a business around this, it is worth reading up through the Florida Realtors association and reviewing the relevant Florida Statutes so you understand disclosure and licensing lines. When a property comes with an estate, unpaid taxes, or a title cloud, a real estate attorney earns their fee fast, the Florida Bar directory can help you find one. None of this is legal advice, just a nudge to do it right.
If you own a tired property in Lawtey, Starke, or anywhere in Northeast Florida and you would rather skip the repairs and the back-and-forth, we will make you a fair, no-obligation cash offer and let you decide on your own time. Call or text us at 904-606-9163.