Building an Investor Buy Box
A buy box is a written filter. Without one, sourcing turns into forwarding random properties and hoping something sticks.
Published 3/20/2026 · Updated 9/1/2026
The seven fields
Geography — specific towns, corridors or ZIP areas, not 'North Mississippi'. Property type and unit count. Condition tolerance, from turnkey to full gut. Price range and maximum all-in. Required return metric and threshold. Financing method and proof of funds. Timeline to close.
Be honest about condition
Most investors overstate their appetite for heavy rehab. If you don't have crews and a project manager, say so — it narrows the search to things you'll actually close on.
Say what you won't buy
Exclusions are as useful as criteria: flood zone, certain roads, foundation issues, occupied with problem tenants, manufactured homes, whatever it is. It saves everyone time.
Keep it current
Buy boxes drift as capital and appetite change. A stale one produces deals you no longer want and slows the next real opportunity.
Questions people ask
How specific should geography be?
As specific as you can defend — streets and corridors beat city names, because value varies block to block in older areas.
Do I need proof of funds up front?
For off-market work, yes. Owners and sellers' representatives take verified buyers seriously and ignore the rest.
Submit Your Buy Box
Send the criteria and we will work against it.
Submit Your Buy Box