Distressed properties are typically purchased by direct acquisition companies, real estate investors, and cash buyers who evaluate property in its current condition. We Really Buy Properties is one such direct buyer, evaluating residential, multifamily, commercial and self-storage property across nine states and presenting a written offer without requiring repairs or a public listing.
The rest of this page breaks down the different types of distressed property buyers, what separates a legitimate direct buyer from a riskier option, and how to know which type of buyer actually fits your situation.
The Different Types of Distressed Property Buyers
Not every buyer interested in a distressed property operates the same way. Understanding the differences helps you know what to expect and what questions to ask.
- Direct acquisition companies, like our team, purchase property outright using their own capital
- Individual real estate investors, who may buy with cash or financing depending on the deal
- House flippers, who typically renovate and resell rather than hold long term
- Wholesalers, who get a property under contract and then assign it to another buyer for a fee
- Institutional buyers, larger firms that acquire property at scale, often for rental portfolios
Why Direct Acquisition Companies Are Often the Simplest Option
A direct acquisition company evaluates and purchases a property with its own funds, which removes several layers of uncertainty that come with other buyer types.
- No dependence on the buyer securing outside financing
- No risk of a wholesaler’s downstream buyer falling through
- A single point of contact managing the transaction from start to finish
- A closing date set directly with the owner, not a third party
How to Tell the Difference Between Buyer Types
Since wholesalers and direct buyers can sound similar at first, it is worth asking a few direct questions before moving forward with anyone.
- Are you purchasing this property yourself, or assigning the contract to someone else
- Can you provide proof of funds showing you can close without financing
- How many transactions have you actually closed, not just contracted
- What happens if you are unable to close for any reason
What Distressed Property Buyers Look For
Legitimate direct buyers evaluate a property based on a consistent set of factors, regardless of buyer type.
- Comparable sales of similar properties in similar condition
- Estimated repair costs using current material and labor pricing
- Current occupancy, lease terms and income, where applicable
- Title status, including any liens or outstanding tax obligations
- Overall market demand for the property type and location
Why Some Buyers Avoid Distressed Property Entirely
Retail buyers relying on mortgage financing often cannot purchase a distressed property, since lenders are frequently unwilling to fund a purchase on a home or building with significant deferred maintenance or unresolved code violations. This is part of why direct buyers exist. They fill a gap that conventional financing cannot reach.
- Lenders typically require a property to meet minimum condition standards
- Appraisals can come in low on properties needing significant repairs
- Insurance requirements can complicate financing on vacant or damaged property
- These factors combine to push distressed properties toward direct, cash-backed buyers
What Happens After You Accept an Offer From a Direct Buyer
Once you accept a direct offer, the property typically moves toward closing with a title company or attorney handling the paperwork, similar to a traditional sale. The key difference is that there is no financing contingency standing between acceptance and closing day.
- Title work begins promptly, with any liens identified early
- A closing date is confirmed based on your preferred timeline
- You are not required to manage showings or ongoing marketing during this window
- Funds are disbursed at closing according to the agreed terms
Owners are always encouraged to have an attorney review closing documents, even when working with a direct buyer, to make sure every term is fully understood before signing anything.
A Note on Comparing Multiple Buyers
If more than one buyer has expressed interest in your distressed property, it is worth comparing them against a few consistent criteria rather than simply picking the highest number offered. The highest offer is only meaningful if that buyer can actually close, so weigh proof of funds, transaction history and transparency alongside the dollar amount before making a decision.
Where We Buy
We Really Buy Properties is headquartered in Washington, DC and evaluates acquisition opportunities across nine states. Our 100-mile headquarters service radius covers Washington, DC and nearby markets in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Delaware. We also acquire qualifying properties in Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina and South Carolina through our extended acquisition network.
Step-by-Step: Working With a Direct Buyer
- Property submission. Share the address and a description of the property and situation.
- Initial review. Our team confirms the property fits an active acquisition market.
- Information gathering. We request any additional details needed to complete the evaluation.
- Valuation and due diligence. The property is evaluated using comparable sales and current condition.
- Direct offer. A written offer is presented with terms explained clearly.
- Agreed closing. A closing date is set that works for your schedule.
Who This Service Is For
- Owners of distressed residential properties
- Landlords with difficult or underperforming rentals
- Owners of vacant houses or buildings
- Families handling inherited real estate
- Multifamily and apartment-building owners
- Commercial property owners
- Independent self-storage facility owners
- Investors liquidating individual properties or portfolios
- Owners facing major repair or deferred-maintenance costs
- Partnerships, estates, LLCs or businesses disposing of real estate
What We Provide
- Residential property purchases
- Multifamily property purchases
- Apartment-building purchases
- Commercial property purchases
- Self-storage facility purchases
- Distressed property evaluations
- As-is property purchase offers
- Vacant property purchases
- Inherited property purchases
- Investment-property and portfolio purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
Are direct property buyers legitimate? Legitimate direct buyers operate transparently, purchase with their own capital, and are willing to answer questions about their process. Always verify proof of funds and ask about their transaction history before signing anything.
Do direct buyers only purchase severely damaged property? No. Direct buyers evaluate property in any condition, including well-maintained homes being sold for convenience, speed or privacy rather than distress.
What types of properties do direct buyers purchase? We evaluate residential, multifamily, commercial, mixed-use, apartment-building and self-storage properties, in any condition.
Do I need to repair my property before a direct buyer will consider it? No. Direct buyers evaluate properties in their current condition and factor repair needs directly into the offer.
How do I request an offer from a direct buyer? Submit the property address, property type, asking price, occupancy status, current condition and contact details through the website or by calling (202) 946-6108.
Related Topics
- How Do I Sell a Distressed Property?
- Can I Sell a Distressed Property As-Is?
- How Quickly Can I Sell a Distressed Property?
- How Do Cash Buyers Value Distressed Property?
- Distressed Real Estate Buyers
- We Buy Distressed Properties
- Cash Buyers for Distressed Properties
Related Resources
- Learn more about our acquisition team
- Browse our full FAQ page
- Review our acquisition process
- See the full list of properties we acquire
- Sell a distressed property directly
Request a Direct Property Offer
Call (202) 946-6108 or complete the online property form to discuss your property. Submit the address and basic property information to begin a confidential acquisition review, with no obligation to accept any offer we present.
Disclosure
We Really Buy Properties operates as a subsidiary of Orivant Capital Partners. We specialize in real estate investment and direct property acquisition, evaluating and purchasing residential, multifamily, commercial, mixed-use, and self-storage properties from owners.
Please note that we do not act as a licensed real estate brokerage, agent, attorney, accountant, lender, or financial advisor, except where explicitly stated in writing. All offers extended by We Really Buy Properties are contingent upon property review, due diligence, title verification, inspection, underwriting, and the negotiation of mutually agreeable purchase terms.
Submitting property details through our website does not establish a contractual obligation, create an agency relationship, or guarantee that an offer will be extended. We strongly encourage property owners to seek guidance from qualified legal, tax, financial, and real estate professionals prior to entering into any transaction.
All property transactions are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws. The information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice.
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