PropStream vs Privy: Which Property Data Tool Is Better?
PropStream and Privy both provide property data and deal analysis for real estate investors, but they approach the problem differently. PropStream is a data-first platform — massive property database with filters for building targeted acquisition lists. Privy is an analysis-first platform — it surfaces deals based on investment criteria and provides automated deal scoring. This comparison helps you decide which fits your workflow.
Feature comparison
| Feature | PropStream | Privy | Deal Run |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $99/mo | $197/mo | $99/mo |
| Property database | 150M+ records | MLS-connected | Public records + MLS |
| List building filters | 120+ filters | Limited per vendor documentation | Marketed to investors per vendor site |
| Deal alerts | Not currently advertised | Yes (criteria-based) | Not currently advertised |
| Comp analysis | Basic | Automated | AI-powered + interactive |
| ARV estimation | Automated comps not currently advertised — manual only | Automated | AI-powered |
| Skip tracing | Built-in (add-on) | Not currently advertised | Built-in |
| Direct mail | Yes | Not currently advertised | Not currently advertised |
| Investor/buyer search | Not currently advertised | Not currently advertised | Yes |
| Repair estimation | Not currently advertised | Not currently advertised | AI from photos |
| Deal marketing | Not currently advertised | Not currently advertised | Yes |
PropStream: the data powerhouse
PropStream ($99/month) gives you access to the largest publicly available property database with the most filtering options. Build lists of absentee owners, pre-foreclosures, high equity properties, tax liens, code violations, vacant properties, and more. Export lists for direct mail, skip tracing, or cold calling campaigns.
Strengths: Unmatched data breadth and filter depth. Best tool for building acquisition marketing lists. Skip tracing and direct mail are built in. Affordable at $99/month.
Weaknesses: Comp analysis is basic (no automated ARV). No deal analysis beyond raw data. No disposition tools. Skip trace accuracy is average compared to dedicated providers.
Privy: the deal finder
Privy ($197/month) takes a different approach. Instead of giving you a database to search, Privy monitors MLS listings and alerts you when properties match your investment criteria. Set your parameters (location, price range, property type, ARV-based margin) and Privy sends deals that match. Automated comp analysis provides instant ARV estimates.
Strengths: Passive deal finding (alerts come to you). Automated ARV estimation saves time. MLS-connected for fresh data. Good for investors who want deals surfaced rather than hunting manually.
Weaknesses: Higher price ($197/month). No skip tracing. No list building for off-market campaigns. Limited to MLS-listed properties (misses off-market deals entirely). No disposition features.
When to choose each
- Choose PropStream if you actively build lists and run outbound marketing campaigns (direct mail, cold calling, texting). Best for off-market deal sourcing.
- Choose Privy if you prefer a passive approach where deals are surfaced to you based on criteria. Best for MLS-based deal finding.
- Add Deal Run to either for deal analysis (ARV, repairs, margin), investor search (finding buyers), and deal marketing. Neither PropStream nor Privy helps you sell your deals.
The combination approach
Many investors use PropStream for off-market list building AND Privy for MLS deal alerts, covering both acquisition channels. Add Deal Run for the analysis and disposition side:
Full stack: PropStream ($99, off-market lists) + Deal Run ($99, analysis + disposition) = $198/month for a complete workflow. Add Privy ($197) if you also want automated MLS deal alerts.
Related comparisons
InvestorLift, InvestorBase, PropStream, DealMachine, BatchLeads, REsimpli, Carrot, Propelio, DealCheck, FreedomSoft, Bricked AI, ChatARV, Privy, Backflip, New Western, Zeno Investments, and all other named products and companies are trademarks of their respective owners. Deal Run is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by these companies. Pricing and feature information is based on publicly available sources and may change; verify current offerings on each company's website.