Skip Tracing Business: How to Get One Started

Skip tracing can be likened to a form of corporate espionage—locating individuals who are not easily reachable or have “skipped” out without leaving any discernible trace.

In the competitive world of real estate, this process plays an invaluable role in securing unique deals.

Whether trying to find the owner of a dilapidated property you wish to buy and renovate or tracking down a previous tenant who left without settling their rent, a skip tracing business can be a vital partner.

For real estate investors, efficiently locating and communicating with property owners, potential buyers, or elusive tenants can make the difference between a stalled project and a successful deal.

This crucial need for effective communication channels has opened a window of opportunity: learning and offering skip tracing services.

By starting a skip tracing business tailored to the real estate industry, one can not only address a significant demand but also tap into a sector that’s growing every day—with massive potential profits.

As real estate coalesces in the digital age, the role of skip tracers will only become more prominent, bridging the gap between intriguing properties and their often-elusive owners.

We put together this article to explore how one can jumpstart their venture into this intriguing and rewarding business.

Understanding Skip Tracing

So, what is skip tracing?

At its core, skip tracing is locating individuals who aren’t readily available for contact.

Whether they have intentionally “skipped” out to avoid obligations or are simply hard to contact because of a lack of public personal information, skip tracing aims to uncover where these individuals are now.

Traditional Skip Tracing vs. Technology-Driven Methods

Historically, skip tracing was a manual process. Professionals would piece together clues, tap into public records, speak with known associates or neighbors of the subject, or even use phone directories.

It was time-consuming, requiring patience, intuition, and a keen eye for detail. With the advent of technology, skip tracing has evolved massively.

Now, skip tracers can access extensive databases, leverage social media platforms, and employ advanced search algorithms to locate individuals.

This doesn’t mean the traditional methods are obsolete; modern skip tracers often combine the best of both worlds, using technology for wider searches while relying on investigative skills when required.

What is Skip Tracing In Real Estate? 

While traditional skip tracing is used in bounty hunting and debt collection, generally to find criminals or people in debt, it’s generally less antagonistic in real estate.

People who are skip-traced might have abandoned their homes, allowed their property to fall into distress, or simply be unable to afford their mortgage payments.

Real estate professionals generally aren’t trying to bring people to justice with skip tracing; they want to contact them to capitalize on their property.

Skip Tracing in Real Estate: Why It’s Invaluable

As an investor, purchasing and renovating an abandoned house in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood could yield substantial profits.

However, if the owner is nowhere to be found, starting the process can feel like a pipedream. That’s where skip tracing comes in.

A skip tracer can dive into public records, cross-reference with other databases, and provide the investor with accurate contact details of the owner.

Alternatively, consider property managers left in a lurch when tenants, especially those who owe back rent, vanish without a trace.

A skip tracing business can help locate these individuals, ensuring landlords can pursue owed funds or settle any obligations.

With large sums of money on the line and tight deadlines, locating individuals can be the difference between successes and missed opportunities.

How to Start a Skip Tracing Business

Establishing a skip tracing business is challenging and rewarding, with the real estate industry being a lucrative arena.

Here’s how you can get started:

Step-by-Step Business Registration

Research and Planning:

Thoroughly research the skip tracing and real estate market in your area. Understand your competition and identify niches you could specialize in.

Business Structure Decision:

Determine whether you’re establishing yourself as a sole proprietor, a limited liability company (LLC), or another business type. Each has pros and cons, so consult with a business attorney or accountant.

Registration:

Once you’ve chosen your business structure, register your business tile with your state’s relevant department, obtaining any licenses or permits required.

EIN and Business Bank Account:

Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS; this will be essential for tax purposes. Subsequently, open a business bank account to keep personal and business finances distinct.

Insurance:

Consider getting liability insurance. Because skip tracing often deals with sensitive personal information, it’s wise to be protected against potential legal claims.

Essential Tools and Software

The quality of the tools in your arsenal can make or break your skip tracing business.

Consider investing in:

Databases:

Services such as LexisNexis or PropertyShark provide comprehensive data vital for skip tracing.

Skip Tracing Software:

Dedicated platforms, such as BatchSkipTracing or DealMachine, can automate the process, providing data efficiently.

CRM System:

Customer Relationship Management software helps manage and nurture client relationships, with many integrating skip tracing directly into their systems.

Phone Systems:

Consider using a phone system or VOIP for call recording, forwarding, and other essential features.

Building an Online Presence

In the digital age, your online presence is often a client’s first impression.

Here’s what you need:

Professional Website:

Ensure your website is clean, user-friendly, and clearly communicates the value you offer.

Platforms such as WordPress or Wix are cost-effective places to start.

SEO:

Search Engine Optimization makes your business more visible to potential clients, so invest time in understanding optimization or hire professionals to optimize your site.

Social Media:

Establish profiles on platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to share relevant content and engage with your audience, building trust and authority in your niche.

Testimonials and Reviews:

Encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews on platforms such as Google My Business or Yelp.

This will bolster your credibility and attract more clients.

Starting a skip tracing business involves a mix of planning, investment, and establishing a strong online presence.

By focusing on the foundation, you set the stage for long-term success.

Handling Challenges and Mitigating Risks

Challenges and risks are intrinsic to any new venture, with a skip tracing business being no exception.

Understanding potential hurdles and being prepared for them can be the difference between success and stagnation.

Here’s how to effectively navigate these challenges:

Common Challenges and Their Solutions

Inaccurate Data:

Data accuracy is crucial. Using outdated, erroneous information can lead to dead ends.

Solution:

Always cross-check data from multiple sources, update your databases regularly, and ensure your sources are reliable.

High Operational Costs:

Subscription fees for databases, software, and tools can be sizeable.

Solution:

Start with the bare-bones tools and, as the business grows, invest in more advanced tools.

Alternatively, seek bundled CRMs or software with multiple functionalities.

Complex Cases:

Some leads might be exceptionally difficult to trace due to various reasons, leading to extended research periods.

Solution:

While some cases are time-consuming, consistent upskilling, attending workshops, and staying updated with new techniques will keep you up to the task.

Potential Risks and Mitigation

Data Breaches:

If you are handling sensitive personal information, data breaches can be catastrophic.

Mitigation:

Invest in strong cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls, encrypted communications, and secure storage solutions, to guarantee data safety.

Legal and Compliance Issues:

Not complying with data privacy laws can lead to hefty penalties.

Mitigation:

Stay updated with local and wider data protection regulations, considering periodic consultations with legal professionals to guarantee compliance.

Reputational Risk:

A failed trace or breach of client confidentiality will damage your reputation.

Mitigation:

Always maintain transparency with clients about challenges in a case. Implement strict confidentiality agreements and protocols within your team.

Best Practices for Data Security and Privacy

Regular Audits:

Conduct periodic audits of your systems to identify and rectify vulnerabilities.

Training:

Ensure your team is trained in data security, including safe internet practices, recognizing phishing scams, and more.

Two-Factor Authentication:

Implement two-factor authentication for all business systems and databases.

Data Minimization:

Only collect and store data that’s totally necessary for skip tracing. The less data stored, the less can be exposed in a breach.

Stay Updated:

Cyber threats are always evolving. Regularly update your software, tools, and security measures to guard against new threats.

In conclusion, while the world of skip tracing offers vast opportunities, it also comes with its own challenges and risks.

Foresight, continual learning, and a proactive approach to challenges will allow them to be effectively managed, paving the way for success.

To take the load off, REsimpli offers 10000 skip tracing credits for free in the basic plan.

Conclusion

In this industry, real estate skip tracing has emerged as a vital tool, shedding light on exciting opportunities and connecting dots that seem unrelated.

A skip tracing business taps into this necessity, with the potential for impressive growth and profitability.

Key takeaways to remember:

• Understand the essence of skip tracing and its relevance in real estate.
• Ensure you are equipped with the right tools for the job.
• Stay prepared for challenges, always prioritizing data security and compliance.

The potential for growth in this niche is undeniable, with the real estate industry continuously expanding. If considering this path, now might be the perfect time to take that leap.

Arm yourself with knowledge, gather resources, and step into the rewarding world of skip tracing in real estate.

For more interesting information about the real estate industry, visit our blog today.