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The Power of Finding Motivated Seller Leads
If you're serious about building a sustainable real estate investment business, the ability to consistently find motivated seller leads is non-negotiable. David Lecko, founder of DealMachine, knows this better than anyone. From humble beginnings driving for dollars to building a marketing platform that has helped tens of thousands of investors close deals, David's story is packed with insights for new and seasoned investors alike.
Meet David Lecko: Investor, Innovator, and Founder of DealMachine
David Lecko began his real estate journey by acquiring rental properties and, like many investors, quickly realized the challenge wasn’t buying properties—it was finding them. This challenge led him to build DealMachine, a tool designed to help real estate investors identify and contact property owners of distressed properties. Since its founding in 2017, DealMachine has helped over 75,000 people across the country streamline their lead generation efforts.
DealMachine allows users to:
- Identify distressed or vacant properties while driving through neighborhoods
- Automatically find property owner contact info
- Send direct mail or text messages with one click
- Filter lists by senior owners, equity levels, and absentee status
Whether you’re an Uber driver looking for side hustle income or a seasoned wholesaler, DealMachine meets you where you are.
Four Proven Methods to Find Real Estate Deals
David shares four distinct approaches to finding investment-worthy properties:
1. Join Wholesaler Lists
Many investors start by subscribing to local wholesalers’ mailing lists. This is a great way to get exposure to off-market properties without much effort, though the competition may be high.
2. Look for Stale Listings on Zillow
Properties that have been on the market for 90+ days are often overpriced or have hidden issues. These owners might be more flexible on pricing and terms.
3. Drive for Dollars
Physically driving around neighborhoods to identify distressed properties remains one of the most effective lead generation strategies. Tall grass, boarded-up windows, and overflowing mailboxes are common indicators.
4. Buy and Market to Niche Lists
By purchasing lists of absentee owners with high equity or senior homeowners, investors can cast a wider net. Though this method costs more, it's scalable and less time-intensive.
DealMachine supports both the third and fourth methods, making it a critical tool for those looking to scale or just starting out.
A Surprising Start—Pickleball and Connection
Before diving into real estate talk, David and Brian shared a light moment reminiscing about their recent pickleball match in Tampa. Though playful, this exchange humanized the conversation and highlighted David’s love for balancing work with fun.
Starting on a Budget? Here's What to Do
Not everyone has a $10,000 monthly marketing budget. David emphasizes that DealMachine empowers investors—even those with a budget of under $100—to take action. You can send individual postcards for less than $1 each, giving you flexibility to start small while building consistency. Even people with full-time jobs, like Uber drivers, can take advantage by using the app during their daily routes.
Deep Dive into David’s Rental Partnership Structure
David also discussed how, early in his investing journey, he partnered with a hedge fund trader. Because David couldn’t qualify for a mortgage after quitting his W-2 job, his partner financed the mortgage in his own name. David was added on title as a tenant in common, giving him 50% ownership and allowing him to manage the property. This creative structure helped David continue growing his portfolio despite income restrictions.
Simplicity Drives Consistency
The magic behind DealMachine isn’t just the data—it’s the ease of use. The app’s clean interface and simple features reduce the friction of getting started. As David puts it, the easier it is to take action, the more likely someone will follow through.
Understanding the Push-Pull Agreement
To protect their business partnership, David and his co-founder implemented a "push-pull" clause in their operating agreement. If disagreements ever arise, one partner can name a price for the company, and the other must decide whether to buy at that price—or sell their share. This strategy prevents lowballing and ensures fair outcomes, giving both partners confidence and security.
From Rich Dad to Real Results
David’s journey began, like many investors, with the book Rich Dad Poor Dad. He also credits the Cashflow game for helping him understand the importance of buying cash-flowing properties. After limited success with on-market deals, he turned to driving for dollars in 2016—and that pivot set the stage for DealMachine.
Today, David owns multiple rental properties, many of which were acquired using the very strategies he teaches.
The Emotional Shift at 33—Living Fully Now
David shared that after sacrificing much of his 20s to build wealth, he’s now intentionally choosing to enjoy life in his 30s. From surfing to hosting neighborhood game nights, he's living with the mindset that, "You only get to be 33 once." This emotional shift is a key reason he values time over money today.
David’s Rental Property Strategy
David prefers to self-manage his rentals until he hits 20 properties, at which point he plans to hire a property manager. He favors cash-flowing markets like Indianapolis and uses the BRRRR method to build equity and reduce cash out-of-pocket.
A Hard Lesson—Brian’s Mental Health Breakdown
Brian opened up about a deeply personal experience: overworking himself into a complete mental and physical breakdown during a risky pre-construction investing phase. The burnout ultimately landed him in a psychiatric ward. This powerful moment served as a reminder that balance and rest are vital—not just profit.
Work-Life Balance: The DealMachine Way
Despite his success, David prioritizes life outside of work. DealMachine operates on a strict 9-to-5 schedule with no after-hours emails. David fills his free time with surfing, volleyball, improv classes, and even organizing neighborhood game nights.
The Improv Effect
David’s weekly improv classes offer more than entertainment—they sharpen his focus, presence, and listening skills. He likens the mental discipline to physical fitness, noting how improv helps him be more aware and responsive in both personal and professional settings.
Health Goals and the 75 Hard Challenge
David also committed to physical transformation by taking on the 75 Hard Challenge and working with a trainer. His structured diet and workout plan, along with meal prepping, helped him get a six-pack. He credits his trainer for challenging his mindset and pushing him beyond his comfort zone.
What’s on David’s Plate—Literally
David’s daily meals include seven egg whites, two eggs, oatmeal, chicken, steak, broccoli, and rice—plus protein shakes. His secret weapon? A collection of 25 zero-calorie hot sauces that add variety without adding calories. He’s also exploring espresso for flavor without sugar.
Brian’s Healthy Dessert Hack
Brian shared a healthy, high-protein dessert alternative: plain yogurt mixed with chocolate protein powder and blueberries. It’s one of his go-to sweet fixes that aligns with clean eating.
Don’t Overthink It—Just Start
- Use DealMachine to build a scalable motivated seller leads strategy
- Start with $50–$100 if that’s all you have—consistency beats big budgets
- Choose a strategy (driving for dollars, absentee list, etc.) and stick with it
- Don’t wait to feel "ready"—start doing and learn as you go
- Protect your partnerships with legal agreements early
- Build cash-flowing assets, not speculative ones
- Enjoy your journey—don’t delay living for some future date
Lessons from The One-Page Marketing Plan
David's favorite book right now is The One-Page Marketing Plan. His key takeaway? You're not communicating enough. Investors should plan to reach prospects at least 12 times before expecting results. One or two postcards won't cut it—volume and consistency matter.
Raising Financially Literate Kids
Brian rewards his kids with $5 for each book report they complete, helping them learn financial responsibility early. Though they’re still drawn to in-app purchases and games like Roblox and Fortnite, he’s planting seeds of smart money habits—one book at a time.
Key Takeaways
Motivated Seller Leads Are the Lifeblood of Real Estate Investing
Consistently sourcing off-market deals is critical for long-term success—whether you’re flipping, wholesaling, or building a rental portfolio.
You Don’t Need a Big Budget to Start
With tools like DealMachine, you can start generating leads for under $100/month by driving for dollars and sending individual postcards.
- There Are Four Proven Ways to Find Deals
- Subscribe to wholesaler lists
- Search stale listings on Zillow
- Drive for dollars (manually find distressed homes)
- Buy absentee or high-equity owner lists
- Subscribe to wholesaler lists
Driving for Dollars Is Still Underrated
Physically identifying distressed properties gives you high-intent leads with far less competition—and DealMachine makes it easy to act on them.
Partnerships Need Legal Protection
David and his co-founder use a 50/50 equity split and a “push-pull agreement” to ensure fair, drama-free outcomes in case of disagreement.
Analysis Paralysis Is the #1 Mistake New Investors Make
Waiting for perfect knowledge leads to inaction. Take the first step—even if it’s just mailing 10 postcards. You’ll learn more by doing.
Balance Matters: Hustle Hard, But Don’t Burn Out
Brian’s cautionary tale of overwork and David’s lifestyle of surfing, improv, and strict work hours show that mental health is essential in business.
Fitness, Routine, and Trusting Experts = Long-Term Growth
David achieved a six-pack by trusting a trainer, following a strict routine, and staying patient—even when results were slow. The same applies to real estate.
Teach Financial Discipline Early
Brian uses book reports and small rewards to teach his kids about money. Financial literacy starts young—even if they’re still buying Fortnite skins.
Consistency Wins in Marketing
Deals rarely happen from one contact. Whether sending mail or following up, it may take 12+ touches. Volume and persistence matter more than perfection.
Start Building Your Real Estate Business
If you’re ready to stop overanalyzing and start taking action, now is the time to build your real estate business and secure motivated seller leads. With tools like DealMachine, you don’t need a huge budget—you just need commitment and consistency.
Sign up for DealMachine and start driving for dollars today. The deals won’t find you—you’ve got to go find them.
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