Ensure you have three months of living expenses, three months of mortgage reserves, and have compared at least three properties.

Search for terms like "contractor special," "cash only," "handyman," or "TLC." These terms often signal a seller who is motivated and willing to take a lower price for a quick, "as-is" sale. 2. Hunt for Off-Market Deals

Check sites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Owners selling themselves might not have done a full market analysis and could be open to more flexible negotiations. 3. Consider Alternative Paths

The cheapest houses often never hit the public Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

Work with a well-connected local agent who has a network of investors or homeowners thinking about selling. They often hear about listings weeks before they go live.

Sometimes finding a "cheap" house means looking at the type of purchase rather than just the price tag.