Bird Dog Finder Fee Calculator
Bird dogs find off-market property deals and pass them to investors for a finder's fee, typically $500-$5,000 per closed deal. Calculate fair compensation based on deal margin and wholesale assignment values.
What Bird Dogs Do
Bird dogs scout off-market property opportunities — driving neighborhoods, monitoring code violations, checking probate filings, building local network — and pass leads to investors. Compensation is contingent: only paid if the deal actually closes. Common compensation: $500-$5,000 flat per closed deal, or 5-15% of the wholesale spread.
Common Bird Dog Strategies
(1) Driving for dollars — note distressed properties, check ownership records, send mailers. (2) Probate court records — properties going through estate sale. (3) Code violation lists — properties with maintenance issues. (4) Tax lien lists — properties with delinquent taxes. (5) Foreclosure preservation lists. Each yields 1-5 leads per hour with 1-5% close rate.
Written Agreements Are Critical
Always use a written bird dog agreement covering: (1) geographic scope and lead type, (2) fee amount and structure, (3) closing trigger (deed recording vs assignment), (4) exclusivity period after lead delivery (typically 30-60 days), (5) payment timing (at closing, never before). Verbal agreements lead to disputes and lost fees.
Source: BiggerPockets wholesale community standards, REIClub bird dog templates, NREIA investor education resources. Last updated: May 2026.