What is driving for dollars (DFD)?
Driving a neighbourhood to spot run-down or vacant houses, then looking up each owner in county records. It costs time and gas instead of a list fee.
Why it matters to an investor
Driving for dollars is the cheapest start: you pay with time. You see the condition of a house with your own eyes, which no record shows.
How investors use it
- Pick a neighbourhood and drive it slowly.
- Note run-down or empty houses, then look up the owner in county records.
- Revisit the same area from time to time; conditions change.
Questions
Do I need an app?
No, but an app saves notes and the address. LeadCounty has a Drive page that shows nearby owners and their seller signals.
What do I do next?
Look up the owner and the tax status, then write a letter. Skip tracing is only needed if you want to call.
How we make these guides
Written by the LeadCounty editorial and data team from official county, court and state sources and our own weekly counts. We name the office behind every number, say what we cannot see, and fix mistakes when you tell us. See our editorial standards and methodology. General information, not legal or financial advice. Refreshed weekly.
Find the owners behind these records.
Official county records, scored with reasons, refreshed weekly. 7-day free trial.
- 7 days free
- Explore: no card
- Full access: cancel before day 7, pay nothing
- Max 10 investors per county
