How to use MLS (Multi-Listing-Search) to find many cheap real estate acquisitions? 

MLS (Multi-Listing-Search) is simply an online real estates listings database used by a network of realtors to get more advertising exposure for their clients. To do an MLS you need to acquire an MLS id to be able to gain access to the search engine. This id can be acquired when you when you fulfil the requirements to become real estate agent or broker.  

The database is very big and it is not accessible to the general public.                            

Like all information it is useless if you do not know how to use it properly. 

Different countries have different rules regarding their MLS databases but the common understanding is that properties that are on sale can be listed for seller’s brokers to find. If you do not have the time or inclination to become a broker you can still gain access to the list by finding yourself a reliable broker who will do a search on your behalf. 

Yes many people will probably say “It is impossible to make money from the listing or you can’t do this or that.” 

To those people I say, “Never mind your limitations; just do it, you might be surprised what you find yourself capable of; BUT do it carefully. You can still loose money if you are reckless!”

The MLS database is raw data with no frills and no serious hype like you will find in many of the glossy real estate magazines. The information is precise and very informative about the property on a technical level. 

The job of the broker or realtor is to match the ideal property with the ideal client based on an ACCURATE description from the client. In other words you need to tell your broker that you want a… 

The more descriptive you are the more easily your investment can be found. The shear number of the listing and access by different agents pushes the competition high but it also works for you if you find a listing that has failed to sell for some time. Those kinds of properties typically have something wrong with them that ordinary house buying folks cannot get past but a shrewd investor like you can fix and utilise. 

Such properties can be picked up on the MLS real estate listings for next to nothing and be fixed using a sizable mortgage advance. The gain in value can far exceed the total investment by 50% but you need to buy very cheaply. 

Go see it yourself first; asses it, get a contractor you trust and an evaluator to asses it too and make a low offer which allows for repairs to remain within the market value for such a property in the local real estate market. You might need to buy the adjacent property to make the repairs but you have to plan ahead. Do not get caught unprepared and you will make a lot of money from MLS.