^redacted‌ I am looking for off market opportunities in a niche which uses specialized equipment. I reached out to an equipment manufacturer and asked for a demo. They connected me to a local business that had their equipment - I did learn a lot from the demo and also found that the business owners were interested in selling. However, this particular business was not a fit for my criteria (also evident from my visit) but I might continue with the strategy to connect with more biz in the area.

i know there area a few threads on off market search and a few folks I know mailed out letters they personally signed that got them a response from one seller. another person i know dropped off a xmas card on xmas eve and got a call the next day from a plumbing company.

it seems that business owners do respond to hand written cards/signed letters - might be worth a try within an area near you for simplicity and testing out the market.