How I Made $100K on an Off-Market Duplex in Santa Barbara

Let me tell you a quick story that perfectly sums up why working with a well-connected, boots-on-the-ground realtor is one of the smartest moves you can make—especially if you're buying or investing in real estate in Santa Barbara, Montecito, Ventura, or anywhere along the Central California Coast.

One evening I was hunting for gems in the local Craigslist real estate section and there it was—buried among some questionable listings—a privately-listed duplex, right here in Santa Barbara. Barely any details, just a local address and a price that made me pause.

I drove by the property the next day. It had potential, and a lot of it. I connected with the seller and, with my expertise in sourcing and locking down EXACTLY these types of deals, I made a strategic offer and successfully got the property under contract.

Now, here's where the power of a strong network comes into play, and why people in my circle get an edge they just can’t get anywhere else.

Through years of working with investors and buyers throughout Santa Barbara I’ve built a tight circle of people who are always on the lookout for specific types of properties. As luck would have it, one of my friends—another local investor—had just told me he was hunting for a duplex with potential to build an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit).

This was his dream setup.

I gave him a call, showed him the deal, and we transferred the contract. He got the investment property he’d been looking for, complete with ADU potential, and I walked away with a $100,000 assignment fee!

Win-win.

Now, most people will never even see deals like this. Why? Because they never hit the MLS or Zillow. They’re off-market. They’re passed through trusted relationships. And in competitive, high-end markets like Santa Barbara, Montecito, Ventura and the surrounding Central Coast, these are often the best opportunities out there—for seasoned investors and first-time home buyers alike.

And although you might find your own gem property on Craigslist, I would be very careful about trying to source and close your own off-market home without an expert by your side who’s done these deals before. Find an agent who you trust with a serious track record to guide you, whether that’s me or someone else. It’s all too easy to get into a bad situation if you don’t know what to look out for.

The key to finding life-changing deals in real estate isn’t just casually searching Zillow after dinner, It’s working with someone who’s in the mix, who’s talking to owners before they list, who’s networking with other agents and investors, and who knows how to find value where others overlook it.

Whether you're a first-time Santa Barbara home buyer or a seasoned investor, let’s talk. I’m always out there looking—not just for myself, but for clients who want an edge in this crowded market.

And hey—sometimes that edge is just one Craigslist scroll away.

👉 Reach out here to connect and start seeing the deals most people miss.