How to Find Off-Market Properties for Airbnb & STR Investing

Off-Market Real Estate Strategies Every STR Host Should Know

If you’re serious about scaling a short-term rental business, relying solely on Zillow and the MLS can limit your upside. Some of the best STR deals never hit the public market.

Off-market properties give hosts a powerful advantage: less competition, more negotiating power, and better cash-flow potential. In this guide, we’ll break down what off-market properties are, why they’re attractive to STR hosts, and practical strategies you can use to find them.

What Are Off-Market Properties for Sale?

Off-market properties are homes that are not publicly listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) or major real estate platforms.

Instead of being advertised to the general public, these properties are sold quietly through:

• Direct owner outreach

• Private networks

• Investor relationships

• Specialized agents

While they may seem hard to find, off-market deals are often hiding in plain sight—if you know where to look.

Why Off-Market Properties Are Ideal for STR Hosts

1. Lower Purchase Prices

Off-market properties typically face less buyer competition, which often leads to better pricing. Sellers may prioritize speed, certainty, or simplicity over maximizing price especially if the property needs work or the owner is highly motivated.

For STR hosts, buying below market value creates immediate room for:

• Renovations

• Furnishing

• STR compliance costs

• Stronger cash flow

2. Access to Prime Locations

Because off-market sellers aren’t trying to “win” the market, these properties can appear in high-demand neighborhoods where listed homes sell quickly or at a premium.

You can find off-market deals in:

• Tourist-heavy areas

• Urban business hubs

• Coastal or seasonal destinations

Great locations aren’t exclusive to the MLS.

3. More Flexible Negotiations

With fewer buyers involved, negotiations tend to be:

• Less rushed

• More collaborative

• More creative

This opens the door to flexible terms like:

• Longer due diligence

• Seller credits

• Delayed closings

• Leasebacks

For STR investors, flexibility can be just as valuable as price.

How to Find Off-Market Properties for Sale

Look for “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) Signs

FSBO sellers often want to avoid agent commissions and may be open to direct negotiation. These owners are strong candidates for off-market discussions even if they’re not actively advertising online.

Build Relationships with Investor-Friendly Agents

Some agents specialize in sourcing off-market deals for investors. These properties are often shared only with buyers they trust.

Tip: Reach out early, explain your STR strategy, and demonstrate that you’re a serious, ready buyer.

Search Probate & Estate Opportunities

Probate properties are frequently sold off-market. Heirs are often motivated to sell quickly rather than manage or renovate a property, making them ideal opportunities for STR investors.

Use Online Platforms Creatively

While Zillow and Redfin focus on listed homes, platforms like:

• Craigslist

• Facebook Marketplace

• Local real estate groupscan surface off-market opportunities that haven’t hit the MLS.

Network Aggressively (This Matters More Than You Think)

Some of the best off-market deals come from word of mouth. Talk to:

• Contractors

• Property managers

• Local investors

• Wholesalers

• Friends and family

In real estate, “who you know” often matters as much as “what you know.”

Attend Real Estate Auctions

Real estate auctions, online and in person can be a goldmine for STR investors.

Many auction properties:

• Are priced below market

• Need cosmetic updates

• Sit in STR-friendly areas

Always research local regulations before bidding.

Drive for Dollars

Driving neighborhoods to spot vacant or distressed properties is an old-school strategy that still works.

When you find a property:

1. Note the address

2. Look up ownership records

3. Reach out directly

Many owners haven’t listed, but might sell if approached.

Join Investor Groups & Online Communities

Local investor meetups, Facebook groups, and real estate clubs often share off-market leads internally before they ever go public.

Check with Local Chambers & Realtor Boards

Local chambers of commerce and real estate boards sometimes have insight into quiet sales, investor exits, or upcoming opportunities.

Turn Off-Market Deals into Scalable STRs with Guesty

Once you secure an off-market property, efficient operations matter just as much as acquisition.

With Guesty, STR hosts can:

• Automate guest messaging and check-in

• Sync calendars across multiple platforms

• Manage cleaners and maintenance

• Scale portfolios without adding manual workload

Finding the deal is step one, running it like a business is what creates long-term profit.

Final Thoughts

Off-market properties offer STR hosts a strategic edge:

• Less competition

• Better pricing

• More flexible negotiations

• Access to strong locations

While these deals require more effort to uncover, the payoff can be significant. By networking, staying proactive, and thinking beyond the MLS, you can unlock opportunities most buyers never see.

👉 Need help with your Short-Term Rental?

 Join our Airbnb Super Host Academy on Skool or book a call with the BNB Guardians team for hands-on coaching.